Getting Your ECG Certification

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The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart that is used to diagnose heart conditions. There are many wonderful programs available in order to get certified in electrocardiogram (ECG) performance and monitoring. They are concise, usually one or two day courses. Of course, one must understand that these courses are usually limited to healthcare professionals who already have some understanding of the heart and it’s rhythms and possible anomalies and potential problems that may occur.

Coupling

The ECG certification is usually coupled with a pharmacology run down and they are addressed together in testing. Once determined by ECG interpretation that there has been a cardiac episode, medication may have to be delivered to the patient. An individual needs to know the proper amount and mode of delivery, and should have a medical or nursing license of some sort in order for that administration to be legal.

Basic ECG courses can help healthcare professionals recognize problems quickly. This is important for positive patient outcomes. Knowing how to properly hook up and operate the machine with fluidity and knowledgeable skill empowers the healthcare provider with confidence and can be the difference in life and death.

Curriculum

The curriculum for ECG certification should involve detailed sections about anatomy, lead placement, the ECG equipment, and troubleshooting. There should also be much discussion and explanation about ECG intervals and waveforms, time studies on when the changes begin, and instruction on particular dysrhythmias.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of ECG certification is repeated reading of the ECG rhythm strip. This strip is not only the telltale sign of what is actually going on with the patient, but it has other advantages as well. It marks the time the change occurs and the length of the episode. It is the documentation upon which treatment is based, and eventually becomes part of the patient’s permanent chart and may be used as a legal document.

The course may also include background and common causes of certain cardiac issues, recognition of some of the more common dysrhythmias, and some possible ways for the patient to manage particular problems.

Meds

The pharmacology segment of the course should be clear about cardiac medicines and their specific uses. The amounts and routes of administration will play a significant role in positive outcome. There will be a wide range of ACLS drugs and favorites should be discussed for the sake of advantage. Extenuating circumstances for particular drugs should be discussed. These drugs are potentially lethal if improperly administered to an individual who is already at risk.

Acute coronary syndromes and stroke should be discussed, along with symptoms, treatment plans, and medicines that should be administered in these instances.

Testing

Some curriculums will test the skill set separately from the pharmacology. Basic life support skills of CPR and rescue skills may be incorporated into the check off list. Pediatric values will be addressed, as well.

All required skills are checked off under the supervision of a certified instructor. There is a written test that must be passed with a score of 80 or above. The ECG Course Completion Certificate will be received on the same day upon completion of the class.

Fees for ECG certification classes may vary depending on the instructor. They usually range from $130.00 to $300.00, depending on the type of certification. (ACLS may be a bit more expensive).

Online courses are available, but may sometimes be unclear about accreditation with state’s requirements for validity. It is better to do a hands-on study with a group of likeminded students.