Electrocardiography (EKG)/ cardiac monitor Technician CertIficate of Completion
The Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician is responsible for performing diagnostic tests to assess heart rhythm and rate. These EKG tests are also routinely performed before and after surgical procedures, during physical examinations particularly in patients with a personal and/or family history of heart disease, when patients are experiencing chest pains and when a provider hears or sees something that indicates a problem with the heart.
Cardiac Monitor Technicians play an important role in the management of patients with heart disease by observing, documenting and reporting normal, abnormal and potentially life threatening cardiac rhythms to the nursing staff.
Electrocardiography Technicians typically work in hospital and clinic environments while Cardiac Monitor Technicians typically work in the hospital setting. Additional credentials such as NA-C and MA-P may be required for employment.
Career Outlook
The Washington State Employment Security Department (esd.wa.gov) projects the average annual growth rate of 1.9% from 2020 through 2030 for Nursing Assistants in Snohomish County and 1.4% in Seattle-King County. Pay varies by experience, employer, and locality.
Academic Planning
The Electrocardiography (EKG) / Cardiac Monitor Technician Certificate of Completion is a total of 6 credits that can be completed in one quarter and includes clinical experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Students need to be aware that there are prerequisite classes that must be completed before they can begin the nursing assistant classes and this may add additional time to complete this COC.
Students with previous healthcare experience or education may be able to waive some or all of the prerequisites. Please consult with an advisor for more information.
Prerequisites
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AHE 110 | Human Body | 5 |
| AHE 115 | Basic Life Support/CPR | 1 |
| AHE 116 | Intro to Health Care | 4 |
| HCA 104 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
Quarter 1
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AHE 112 | EKG/Cardiac Monitor/Telemetry | 5 |
| AHE 119 | EKG Practicum | 1 |
Clinical Experiences/Externship Requirements
Participation in a clinical experience requires proof of vaccination for common infectious diseases including influenza and COVID-19. The Clinical Passport outlines the immunization requirements, please download a copy and keep it in a safe place. The CPNW-Clinical Passport Tutorial provides an overview of each section of the document and will take about 30 minutes to complete. If you have additional questions after completing the tutorial, please contact an Allied Health faculty advisor.
Background checks are also required to participate in clinical externships and need to be completed before registering for a clinical externship class. A list of Disqualifying Crimes and Negative Actions is provided by the DSHS Secretary. If you have any concerns please contact an Allied Faculty advisor.
All immunization and criminal background checks for allied health programs go through our online databank system CastleBranch. To place an order, enter package code EE78. The cost is $96.
Advising
For program information and questions please contact our Electrocardiography (EKG) / Cardiac Monitor Technician program advisors:
Terri Glazewski | terri.glazewski@edmonds.edu | 425 640 1691
Erika Ferreri | erika.ferreri@edmonds.edu | 425 640 1924
AAS-T and BAS degrees
Students who want to continue their studies in healthcare may apply the Electrocardiography (EKG) / Cardiac Monitor Technician coursework towards additional Allied Health certificates, our Allied Health associate degree and our Integrated Healthcare Management Bachelor of Applied Science degree:
- Patient Care Technician / Emergency Room Technician Certificate
- Clinical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
- Allied Health Education AAS-T
- Integrated Health Care Management Bachelor of Applied Science
Student statement
"When I was looking to increase my healthcare skills, Edmonds College was the only school in my area to have the specific classes and training I wanted. The EKG and Monitor Technician courses were led by knowledgeable, friendly instructors who had extensive experience in hospitals and/or clinics. They gave me the great base of knowledge I needed to get hired and helped me complete the required hours of externship as well! I was hired by a large local hospital shortly after I finished the certifications and I now work as a Cardiac Telemetry Technician (Monitor Tech) and love my job! I appreciate Edmonds College having the accredited programs I was looking for that helped to change my career path."
J.S
EKG Graduate