ECG technicians must complete courses in 12-lead ECG interpretation, rhythm interpretation, and case studies. These courses teach students to read and interpret electrocardiograms, recognize rhythmic patterns, and analyze clinical tracings. ECG courses are available through nursing programs, continuing education, community colleges, and online tutorials.
Different types of electrocardiography (ECG) courses can prepare an individual to become an ECG technician. Prospective ECG technicians must choose from three types of ECG courses. The primary or foundational course is 12-lead ECG interpretation. Other courses often build on or enhance the 12-Lead course. This may include rhythm interpretation and 12-lead tracing case studies, depending on where the student takes their courses.
Electrocardiography is a non-invasive diagnostic test that measures electrical activity in the heart through electrical sensing devices, or electrodes, connected to key areas of the body. Leads transmit information to the technician on the monitor of an ECG machine. The purpose of an electrocardiogram is to determine any underlying heart conditions a person may have that require treatment.
The ability to read and interpret the results of an electrocardiogram is essential, as it allows the technician to correlate the results of the electrocardiogram with the pathophysiology and clinical status of each patient. It is, therefore, one of the most important clinical tests for a medical student to learn to perform. The 12-Lead ECG Interpretation course provides students with the knowledge and practical application they need to understand cardiac anatomy and the circulatory system, properly place skin electrodes on patients, and perform the ECG in less than five minutes. Students also learn how to use the ECG machine properly, interpret results on the ECG strip, and differentiate between cardiac activity and abnormal electrical activity – known as artifact – that can cause inaccurate or misinterpreted readings.
Another of the essential ECG courses is the rhythm course, which covers the 26 rhythmic patterns of electrical activity that normally occur in the heart and are recorded as traces on the ECG strips. This course teaches aspiring ECG technicians to recognize the respective voltage and waveform related to each rhythm. In addition, students acquire systemic-analytical knowledge about rhythm interpretation.
Among the complementary ECG courses is the case studies course. This typically contains analysis of 12-lead ECG traces; the number included depends on who offers the course, but a course can provide 50 samples or more. These samples provide a refresher for current ECG technicians or a supplement to other ECG courses. Students will analyze actual clinical tracings of the common patterns seen during electrocardiograms.
Anyone wishing to become an ECG technician must complete the required ECG courses. These are often included as primary nursing courses at the medical school, continuing education units (CEUs), or related health courses through a community college. ECG tutorials are also available online, sponsored by various schools and organizations, but often require hands-on experience in a radiography internship to meet program requirements.
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