BECOME AN
EKG TECHNICIAN
Certified EKG Technician
Overview
EKG Technician work in healthcare facilities and are individuals that specializes in performing EKGs on the patient. EKG Technicians are trained in administering various types of electrocardiograms (EKG or ECG) using the EKG machine that includes the main recording unit, wires and electrodes that are attached to the patient arms, legs and chest. The EKG measures the electrical activity of the heart and represents it in a graphical format that is to be interpreted by the physician or an appropriate healthcare professional. The graph represents waves. Abnormal changes in these waves on the graphical representation give physician the information on the condition of the heart such as a heart disease or may be even heart attack. EKG can provide information on various problems in the heart such as tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmia, premature contractions, etc. The various types of EKG procedures that an EKG Technician may be required to perform may include but not limited to 12 Lead EKG, 15 Lead EKG, 5 Lead EKG, 3 Lead EKG, 7 Lead EKG, Holter’s Monitoring, Telemetry, Stress Testing, etc.
EKG Technician must understand and be able to perform the EKG application procedures. They must also understand the basic graphical representation aspects of the graph.
EKG technicians have direct interaction with the patients and therefore must understand the concept of infection control, standard precautions, communication, basic medical terminologies, legal issues, patient privacy. They must also be able to explain the procedure to the patient. In addition to explaining the procedure the EKG technician must also prepare the patient for the procedure to ensure that the test results are accurate without any artifacts.
Requirements
Candidates registering for the exam must qualify in (at-least 1) of the GROUPS (A or B or C) as shown below. Training and experience may be completed within united states of america or outside united states of america.
GROUP A
EDUCATION
EKG Training or Equivalent
(Nationally or Internationally)
GROUP b
experience
Must have experience working as an EKG Tech or equivalent.
GROUP C
MILITARY
Must submit proof of education or experience.
Duties
Administrative Duties
Communication with patients
Providing patient education.
Scheduling appointment.
Patient charting for EKG.
EKG related clerical duties.
Ordering supplies for EKG procedures.
Other duties as provided by the facility.
Clinical Skills
Setting up EKG equipment.
Procedure room preparation.
Patient preparation.
Obtaining patient history.
Performing EKGs using EKG equipment and supplies.
Perform stress testing and holters monitoring.
Avoiding Artifacts.
Exam Test Plan
The exam content topic includes the following:
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Anatomy and Physiology
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Medical Terminology
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Legal Issues
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Infection Control
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EKG Application
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EKG Interpretation Fundamentals
Renewal
AECA believes in continuing education more frequently so that the candidate can have a constant touch with knowledge, Candidate’s are required to attend the continuing education units / credits every year to renew their certification.
Renewal:
Certification is required to be renewed annually.
On submitting a renewal application the candidate will receive an email with links to CEUs that must be completed and submitted online.
Fee Schedule for Renewal
Renewal Fee: $50
Reinstatement
Certification that are expired must apply for reinstatement.
If you wish to apply to reinstate your expired certification you may proceed by submitting a reinstatement application.
Fee Schedule for Reinstatement
Expired Less than 1 Year: $99
Expired More than 1 Year but Less than 2 Years: $199