ECG Certification Course
(Telemetry Certification Course / ECG Technician Course)
The Healthcare Training Academy presents
About this course
Whether you are an RN, LPN, APN, PA, EMT, Nurses' Aide, Patient Care Technician, or someone from the general public looking to enter the healthcare field, this engaging and educationally intensive ECG/Telemetry/Technician program prepares you in the foundations, acquisition, and interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECGs). Depending on the track you choose (see below), it prepares you for an ECG and/or Telemetry Certification.
Choose your track
- Track 1: Telemetry Certification Course 100% online
No classroom required. This certification is necessary if you interpret ECG tracings. HCTA issues the certification.
- Track 2: ECG Technician Certification Course & Telemetry Certification Course
Online (includes Track 1) plus a required classroom/in-person lab. After completing Tracks 1 and 2, you will be prepared to take the National ECG Certification from the National Healthcareers Association (NHA). This certification is necessary if you will be employed to interpret ECGs and acquire ECG tracings at the bedside. Upon completing Track 2, you will be eligible to sit for the optional NHA Certified ECG Technician (CET) examination. Track 2 students meet weekly (for approximately 5 to 6 weeks) for lab classes, additional review, ECG skills practice, and more. Enrolling in Track 2 also enrolls you in Track 1.
Track 2 is currently unavailable. Due to COVID-19, Track 2 is not being offered at this time. Only Track 1 is available. Please check back frequently for updates.
Track 2 location and details
- Location: The Healthcare Training Academy, Hillsborough, NJ (registration required)
- Offered: Fall ONLY
- Certificate delivery: Allow up to 8 weeks from HCTA
- Track 2 includes instructor assistance and instruction. Track 1 is 100% online, and no instructor assistance is available.
Would you like to bring this program to your facility or organization to train your team? Call our office to discuss options.
Many healthcare facilities require the NHA National Certified ECG Technician certification. The Track 2 program qualifies you to take that examination.
FAQ: What is the difference between a Telemetry Technician and an ECG Technician?
- Telemetry Technician: Typically monitors patients' heart rates and rhythms at a healthcare facility. This role includes producing ECG strips from the central ECG monitor, watching for life-threatening arrhythmias, and interpreting patients' rhythms. Those with a Telemetry Certification typically do not acquire ECGs (such as 12-lead or Holter monitor recordings) or perform stress testing and other hands-on duties. Telemetry Technicians usually work at a central monitoring station, where prompt and efficient ECG interpretation is essential. Many facilities do not require hands-on patient care from Telemetry Technicians, but check with your organization to confirm whether a Track 1 (Telemetry Technician) certification meets its needs.
- ECG Technician: Includes all of the roles and responsibilities of the Telemetry Technician and adds hands-on patient care, such as acquiring ECGs, performing stress testing, and other direct patient care skills. To earn this status, you must enroll in Track 2, which includes hands-on lab and skills testing at our facility.
Topics include
- Introduction, basics, anatomy and physiology, and waveform identification
- Setup and operation of ECG machines (Track 2 only: lab and practice)
- Atrial rhythms
- Junctional rhythms
- AV block rhythms
- Ventricular rhythms
- Life-threatening rhythms and other considerations, plus special procedures (stress testing theory, pacemakers, and more)
- Final exam (online)
Audience
RNs, LPNs, APNs, PAs, EMTs, Nurses' Aides, Patient Care Technicians, students, and members of the general public looking for a career change.
Continuing education credit
- Track 1: 20.9 hours awarded upon program completion
- Track 2: 44.7 hours awarded upon program completion (includes the 20.9 Track 1 contact hours)
