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Medical & Healthcare Programs ►EKG Technician Certificate Program


Program includes National Certification



The EKG Technician Profession

EKG technicians are in demand! EKG technicians work in physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities and organizations. EKG technicians also work for insurance companies to provide data for health and life insurance policies. Similar to other growing healthcare professions, the demand for EKG technicians is expected to continue to grow substantially. Approximately 25% more EKG technician jobs will be available by the year 2023.


The EKG Technician Program

This EKG Technician Program prepares students to perform EKG’s. This course will include information on anatomy and physiology of the heart, medical disease processes, medical terminology, medical ethics, legal aspects of patient contact, electrocardiography and stress testing. A highly interactive course!

This EKG Technician program prepares students to function as EKG technicians. This course covers the following key areas and topics:

  • Detailed anatomy and physiology of the heart
  • Medical disease processes and terminology
  • Medical ethics and legal aspects of patient contact
  • Electrocardiography and echocardiography
  • An introduction to the components, function, and proper use of the EKG machine
  • The normal anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
  • 12-lead placement and other practices

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:
    • ASPT – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam
    • NHA Certified EKG Technician exam

National Certification

Upon successful completion of this Auburn University program, students would be eligible to sit for the ASPT –Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam and the NHA Certified EKG Technician exam. Students who complete this program are encouraged to complete the Clinical Extenship option with their program. Students who complete this program can and do sit for the national certification exam and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so. Auburn Universityworks with each student to complete the exam application and register the student to take their national certification exam

Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement of this program, once students complete the EKG Technician program they have the ability to participate in a Clinical Extenship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice with a 12 lead EKG machine and to perform the job requirements and skills required of a practicing EKG Technician. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in a hospital, physicians’ practice, clinic and/or with other healthcare organizations near their location. Auburn University works with national healthcare organizations and has the ability to place students in Clinical Extenship opportunities nationwide. Students must complete the eLearning program to qualify for a Clinical Extenship.

Note: No refunds can be issued after the start date published in your Financial Award document.