Career Studies Certificate Programselectrocardiography

Electrocardiography

Length: One Semester Program

Purpose: To prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the health care team who will care for patients under the supervision of an Electro-cardiographer. The goals of the electrocardiographer team are the evaluation and diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction by using cardiac electrical techniques. These health providers operate a variety of sophisticated diagnostic equipment that: 1) monitor total cardiac anatomic function and dysfunction, through electrical evaluation of the heart.

Occupational Objectives: Employment opportunities include positions in Cardiovascular Laboratories usually located in hospitals or office/clinic settings.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the general admission requirements for admission to the College, entry into this program requires completion of the educational requirements of an accredited respiratory care program and be NBRC Entry-Level Practitioner (CRTT) certified and at a minimum, Advanced Practitioner (RRT) eligible and/or be employed within a cardiovascular laboratory under medical supervision for a minimum of one year. For those employed in an electrocardiographic laboratory and hold no other professional credentials, documentation verifying employment will be required.

Students who have been accepted are required to submit a health certificate signed by a licensed physician. The physical examination must be completed after receiving notification of acceptance to the program and prior to beginning classes.

Program Requirements:

Physical Requirements: This program requires extensive walking, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, and lifting. Lifting requirements: up to 50 pounds (22.7 Kg); pushing requirements: up to 25 pounds (11.4 Kg); pulling requirements: up to 250 pounds (113.6 Kg). Further, extensive use of sight, hearing, and speaking is required.

Academic Requirements: Any student receiving a grade less than "C" in any of the program courses will be placed on Program Probation. That course shall be remediated once with a written contract drafted containing the requirements of the remediation. Dismissal from the program shall result if: 1) the student does not meet the requirements of the probationary contract; 2) the student receives a final grade less than "C" in any program courses either during or after the period of the Program Probation. A final grade of "F" in any coursework will result in dismissal from the program. Remediated courses must be completed with a final grade of "C" or better.

Clinical and Behavioral Requirements: Selected and supervised learning experience is required by this program and will be accomplished at selected health care facilities. The student is responsible for transportation to these facilities, as well as any scheduled field trips. Program faculty will observe and evaluate the student's suitability for the profession. If in the judgment of the Program Faculty the student does not exhibit those behaviors required of the Electrocardiographer, the student may be asked to withdraw from the program.

Other Requirements: The purchase of items such as uniforms, liability insurance, and accessories is the financial responsibility of the indivdual students. Students who elect to take support courses recommended by the Program Director and/or Director of Clinical Education prior to formal acceptance into the program will find this activity to the student's advantage in subsequent course scheduling.

Criminal Background Checks/Drug Testing:
Background checks for criminal history and sex offender crimes against minors are required for entrance into some clinical agencies. Students with convictions may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program. Clinical agencies may require drug testing prior to placement of students for clinical rotations. Students with positive drug test results may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program. Cost for criminal background checks and drug testing will be the responsibility of the student.
 

Course
Number		 Course Title Lecture
Hours		 Lab
Hours		 Course
Credits
         
RTH 111 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology 3 0 3
RTH 135 Diagnostic Procedures for Respiratory Care 1 3 2
RTH 245 Pharmacology for Respiratory Care II 2 0 2
RTH 267 12-Lead Electrocardiographic Diagnostics 3 0 3
TOTAL 9 3 10

Total Minimum Credits for the Career Studies Certificate in Electrocardiography 10