PURPOSE
The purpose of this credential is to document the proficiency of selected healthcare workers, such as EKG technicians, medical assistants, and nurses in the knowledge, skills, and techniques involved in EKG technology under the supervision of appropriate physicians and other professionals.
AUDIENCE
This credential is designed for individuals who have completed appropriate EKG training from appropriate organizations and who have mastered the many knowledge and skill sets involved with successful performing of the EKG technician job. It is also designed for those who work in the healthcare field, who desire to enhance skill sets to include EKG technology, and who have completed appropriate training.
JOB/CAREER REQUIREMENTS
EKG Technicians and other qualified health workers operate machines that record the electrical activity of a patient’s heart, which provide data for the diagnosis of heart conditions. Tasks include setting up and administering EKGs and stress tests, preparing patients for Holter monitoring, editing and delivering final test results to the physician, scheduling appointments, and transcribing physicians’ interpretations. Successful EKG Technicians understand basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology as related to the cardiovascular system as well as know how to set up an EKG machine and Holter monitor, prepare the patient for a variety of EKG tests, run the test under the physician’s supervision, recognize normal EKG tracings compared to abnormal tracings, identify abnormal tracings, and make appropriate reports to the physicians.
EKG TECHNICIAN WORKPLACE TASKS
- Communicate with others in the healthcare setting using appropriate terminology related to the cardiovascular system
- Correctly and efficiently use the EKG machine and related supplies and equipment
- Accurately identify the difference between a normal sinus rhythm and abnormal rhythms
- Correctly measure the heart rate using the EKG machine
- Properly prepare a patient for an EKG test using a 12-lead EKG
- Practice all safety procedures related to an EKG test
- Interpret basic EKG rhythm strips using a basic interpretation approach
- Identify common EKG arrhythmias
- Assist the provider in diagnostic EKG tests, ambulatory tests, and rehabilitative modalities related to the EKG
EXAM STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Number of Questions in Exam: 60
Total Time: 60 minutes
Overall Passing Score: 70%
(All sections require an individual passing score of 70%)
