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Medical & Healthcare Programs ►Accelerated EKG Technician Certification Program with Externship


Program includes National Certification & an Externship Opportunity | Mentor Supported; Because this is an accelerated program, students will be virtually meeting with an instructor periodically to monitor progress and establ



EKG Technician Detailed Course Information:

  • Role of the EKG technician
  • Function of the EKG department in a variety of settings (hospital, clinic, office, etc)
  • Medical terminology related to electrocardiography
  • Care and safety of patients including medical and legal aspects of patient care
  • Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
  • Electrophysiology, the conduction system of the heart, and the cardiac cycle
  • Circulation of blood through the heart and vessels
  • Lead placement for 12-lead electrocardiography
  • Basic EKG interpretation of normal rhythms and arrhythmias
  • EKG troubleshooting including recognizing artifacts
  • Waves and measurements
  • EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave-form interpretation)
  • Identification of rhythms using the 12-lead EKG
  • Pacemakers
  • Holter monitoring and the echocardiogram

Lesson Checklist

Each lesson has a prescribed, detailed checklist of activities for successful completion of the lesson. This includes lesson objectives, readings, and recommended assignments. Although assignments are optional, the instructor will grade and provide feedback on submitted assignments.

Course Materials:

  • EKG Technician Program Standard, Custom Edition Package - Book package includes EKG Technician Program PowerPoint Slides
  • EKG Technician Program Standard Student Workbook
  • EKG Technician Program Advanced, Custom Edition Package - Book package includes EKG Technician Program: Advanced PowerPoint Slides

Module/Lesson Structure

The EKG technician program is divided into four main content modules, and one advanced module. The textbook is EKG Technician Program Standard, Custom Edition for the four main content modules; for the advanced module, the textbook is EKG Technician Program Advanced, Custom Edition Package. Each module contains one or more lesson presentations to view. These lesson presentations are the “lecture” which, along with the textbook readings and resources, will help you learn the material. The lesson presentations aim to address a variety of learning styles and preferences using text, audio, video, etc. Each lesson contains at least one Check Your Understanding interactive self-assessment that will help you gauge your comprehension of that lesson’s content.

Many lessons include supplemental resources such as games, animations, videos, and interactive activities. Using these additional materials will deepen your understanding of the content. Each module has a Module test and Module 4 concludes with a Final Exam for all students. Module 5 concludes with an Advanced Module Test


Module 1

  • Lesson 1 – Coronary Anatomy and Physiology
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 1: pp. 1-12
  • Lesson 2 – Electrophysiology
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 2: pp. 13-34
  • Lesson 3 – A Review of Lead Morphology and Placement
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 3: pp. 35-46
  • Lesson 4 – The Technical Aspects of the EKG
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 4: pp. 47-60

Module 2

  • Lesson 5 – Calculating the Heart Rate
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 5: pp. 61-72
  • Lesson 6 – How to Interpret a Rhythm Strip
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 6: pp. 73-78
  • Lesson 7 – A Review of Rhythms Originating from the Sinus Node
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 7: pp. 79-98
  • Lesson 8 – A Review of Rhythms Originating from the Atria
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 8: pp. 99-119

Module 3

  • Lesson 9 – A Review of Rhythms Originating in the Av Junction
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 9: pp. 121-132
  • Lesson 10 – Rhythms Originating on the Ventricles
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 10: pp. 133-155
  • Lesson 11 – AV Blocks
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 11: pp. 157-176
  • Lesson 12 – Performing Rhythms Practice Strips
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 12: pp. 177-302

Module 4

  • Lesson 13 – A Review of Artificial Pacemakers
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 13: pp. 303-317
  • Lesson 14 – Diagnostic Electrocardiography
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 14: pp. 319-345

Module 5 – Advanced

  • Lesson 15 – How to Interpret a 12-Lead EKG
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 1: pp. 1-36
  • Lesson 16 – Myocardial Infarction
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 2: pp. 37-71
  • Lesson 17 – Cardiac Medications and Electrical Therapy
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 4: pp. 103-109

Note: This program can be completed in 4 months. However, students will have online access to this program for a 24-month period.

Education and National Certifications

  • EKG Technicians should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
  • There are several EKG technician National Certification exams that are available to students who successfully complete this program:
    • NHA Certified EKG Technician exam

National Certification

Students who complete the Auburn University EKG Technician program will be prepared to sit for the NHA Certified EKG Technician national certification exam(s). In order to work as a EKG Technician, many states nationwide are requiring that learners achieve national certification prior to working in that state. Students who complete this program are encouraged to complete the practical/clinical externship option with their program. This comprehensive program is designed to prepare students to sit for NHA Certified EKG Technician exam(s). Students who complete this program can and do sit for the NHA Certified EKG Technician national certification exam(s) and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so.

Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement, once students complete the program, they have the ability to participate in an externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a professional in this field. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in this field. All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and will be placed with a participating organization near their location. The institution works with national organizations and has the ability to place students in externship opportunities nationwide.