Online electrocardiography (EKG) courses are available in a variety of educational programs, including bachelor’s, associate’s, and certificate programs. Some of these programs are designed to help students prepare for national certification exams. Those interested in this career path can take a non-credit online EKG course or receive on-the-job training on a more informal level.
EKG technicians use and interpret readings from an EKG machine, which generates data from the heart’s electrical impulses. Electrodes attached to a patient are used to collect this information. EKG testing is frequently performed as part of routine checkups or as a screening procedure prior to surgery. It’s also useful for diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel problems.
The best online EKG course to take is determined the medical setting where you want to work. An EKG technician may work directly with patients in some cases. Nurses are sometimes in charge of attaching the EKG electrodes to a patient. If the task is being completed nurses, an EKG technician may be hired to monitor the EKG readings of a group of patients from a central location.
There is some debate about which type of online EKG course is the best preparation for employment. Those with prior experience in the healthcare field, for example, may be able to receive on-the-job training. Those with no prior experience in healthcare may require a bachelor’s degree. The best way to choose an appropriate training program is to contact local medical facilities and inquire about the level of education required of EKG technicians.
Instruction on how to monitor EKG waveforms should be included in any online EKG course. This includes interpreting rhythms and arrhythmias and reporting them to the medical staff who are monitoring the patient. Heart anatomy, cardiac and other medical terminology, cardiac medications, and how to maintain EKG equipment are some of the other courses available.
Obtaining a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology, a certificate, or non-credit EKG technician courses are all options for taking an online EKG course. In general, advanced training leads to more job opportunities. Those with advanced training are frequently in charge of performing additional stress tests, such as monitoring a patient while he or she runs on a treadmill. A Holter monitor test is performed attaching a portable EKG device to a patient for a set period of time, usually at least 24 hours, EKG technicians with advanced training.
It is also possible to take an exam and earn national certification as an EKG technician in the United States. This exam may be taken online at a pre-approved testing site in some cases. Before taking the exam, there are usually specific educational requirements that must be met.