AHE 112 - EKG Technician

Course Description
Fundamentals of cardiac anatomy and physiology, the electrical conduction system of the heart, and the skills required to safely and accurately perform 12-lead electrocardiograms (EKGs). Students will learn normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms, including arrhythmias and indications for immediate intervention. The course emphasizes patient preparation, lead placement, rhythm identification, and the EKG technician’s role in the healthcare team.

Credits
3.0

Prerequisite
AHE 115 (or current AHA Basic Life Support certification), with a minimum grade of 2.0 or equivalent.

Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe the roles and responsibilities of the electrocardiogram (EKG) technician, nurse, and monitor technician, including closed-loop communication and procedures for reporting abnormalities.
Explain key components of the heart’s conduction system (SA node, AV node, Bundle of His, Purkinje fibers) and their physiological significance.
Demonstrate safe and proficient patient preparation, lead placement, and performance of 12-lead EKGs.
Identify normal cardiac rhythms and common arrhythmias on EKGs including paced rhythms, ischemia, infarction, and STEMI.
Recognize which cardiac rhythms and findings require immediate intervention or notification.

Course Typically Offered
Full Year