Electrocardiogram Technician / Telemetry Technician Programs

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (PREREQUISITES): The ECG and Telemetry Programs admit a limited number of students every year. To be eligible for admission to the program, the following must be completed: 1. High school graduation, high school equivalency or higher degree. 2. Successful completion of (PHYSIOL 6) Anatomy & Physiology with a “C” grade or higher and within the past seven years and (HTHTEK 133) Medical Terminology with a “C” grade or higher. 3. Evidence of required immunizations and/or immunity to include; Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis and Varicella. Please refer to the Immunization Record and Statement of Health form on the program website for complete information. To apply to the program submit: 1. A ECG-Telemetry Program application. 2. Official transcript for the required prerequisites (PHYSIOL 6) Anatomy & Physiology and (HTHTEK 133) Medical Terminology. 3. Documented proof of the required immunizations and/or tests listed above. Immunizations must be complete in order to submit an application. Upon acceptance to the program the student must submit the following: a. A two-step Mantoux Tuberculin test (Tuberculosis). b. A satisfactory physical examination. c. A completed background check and drug screen through CastleBranch. d. Current American Heart Association BLS Provider card. e. Evidence of malpractice insurance. f. Proof of application to East Los Angeles College. g. Official transcripts of all college credits earned must be submitted to the East Los Angeles College Admissions and Records office when accepted into the ECG-Telemetry Program, if not previously submitted. IMPORTANT: Students currently on probation will not be eligible to apply to the ECG/Telemetry Programs. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your situation, please contact the Allied Health Department for advisement. Students accepted to the ECG/Telemetry Programs are required to undergo a background check and urine drug screening test before starting the program and being placed at any clinical site. There is a minimum cost for these procedures that the student is responsible for. Failure to pass either or both of these procedures may interfere with clinical placement and/or acceptance to the program. Applicants with prior convictions are required to contact the Department Chair of Allied Health for confidential advisement and planning prior to applying to the East Los Angeles College ECG/Telemetry Technician Program. Any prior conviction of a misdemeanor or felony may also influence eligibility to test for the ECG or Telemetry Technician certification. Applicants are urged to contact the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) at http://www.cci-online.org/. LENGTH AND KIND OF PROGRAM The ECG Technician Program is a 1-semester program that includes concurrent enrollment in Electrocardiographic Theory (ECG-100) and Electrocardiographic Technique (ECG-105). This 1-semester track prepares you for the Certified Cardiographic Technician exam through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). The Telemetry Technician Program is also a 1-semester program that includes concurrent enrollment in Advanced Electrocardiographic Studies (ECG-110) and Advanced Electrocardiographic Monitoring (ECG-115). This 1 semester track prepares you for the Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician exam through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Although students are not required to take both certification exams once the courses are complete, passing the exams greatly increases the employment opportunities. Completing both programs also provides the graduate with greater opportunities for employment as either an EKG/ECG Technician or a Telemetry Technician. GENERAL EDUCATION ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT: Students must meet with a regular ELAC academic advisor to review their preparation for meeting ELAC’s Certificate of Achievement requirements. TRANSFER STUDENTS: If any or all of the prerequisite courses or their equivalents have been taken elsewhere, transcripts should be sent to both the ELAC office of Admissions and the Allied Health Department. Students should initiate a “General Petition” in the Admissions Office requesting that credit be granted for those courses which the student feels they are eligible. Supporting documentation should be attached to the General Petition to support the student’s request. APPLICATION SUBMISSION: Students must submit a complete application, including official transcripts, verifying completion of the required prerequisite coursework. The application submission period will be posted on the Program website. Students are admitted in the Fall and Spring semesters. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED: All eligible applicants will be selected by lottery and their names will be placed on a list according to their lottery number. The ECG/Telemetry Technician Programs will inform applicants of the results by e-mail approximately two (2) weeks after the application deadline.

ECG/EKG Technician Program - 15 completers during each semester it is offered. Telemetry Technician Program - 15 completers during each semester it is offered

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM TECHNICIAN Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) technicians work with patients in medical settings to collect data about their heart rates and heart impulses. Electrocardiogram (ECG) technicians use special equipment and medical techniques to record the electrical impulses transmitted by a patient's heart. Data acquired by electrocardiogram technicians assist physicians and cardiologists in diagnosing medical conditions in patients. An electrocardiogram technician performs an ECG by attaching electrodes to a patient and then pulling switches on an ECG machine to trace electrical impulses transmitted by the heart. A doctor then inspects these readings to analyze the patient's heart condition Electrocardiograph Technicians (ECG/EKG) administer 12-lead EKG's to patients and assess the heart by viewing its electrical activity. This entry-level position of Electrocardiograph Technician operates and maintains the EKG machines which detect and record electronic impulses transmitted by the heart during and between heartbeats. With additional training, stress testing and Holter monitoring can be conducted. These certified technicians may work in hospitals, clinics or in physician's offices. TELEMETRY TECHNICIAN Telemetry Technicians (TELE) perform and record the results of electrocardiographs (ECGs) and stress testing. This involves hooking up a patient to an ECG monitor for a baseline reading and then monitoring the patient's heart while he or she exercises on a treadmill. During the monitoring period, the treadmill speeds up and slows down to produce ECG readings at multiple levels of physical exertion. Telemetry technicians can administer Holter monitoring tests. The Telemetry Technician (TELE) analyzes cardiac rhythms on multiple patients that are observed on cardiac monitors and reports on rhythm abnormalities. The Telemetry Technician is a higher level position that requires in-depth knowledge of all normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms; this knowledge is crucial for positive patient outcomes. PROGRAM GOALS: • Instruct the student on ECG / EKG Technician and Telemetry Technician interpretation, application, and complications. • Help students master the ECG / EKG and Telemetry for physician offices, hospitals, stress tests, and overall monitoring of patients having an EC/ EKG performed. • Challenge the student on an application of electrodes for all forms of ECG / EKG and Telemetry equipment. • Promote students’ understanding and recite the cardiac conduction system and how to interpret the waveforms. • Ensure that the student will recognize, recite, and note cardiopulmonary compromise. PROGRAM MISSION: The mission of the ECG/EKG Technician and Telemetry Programs are to graduate competent, entry-level technicians who are prepared to challenge the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) exam, the Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) exam and meet the growing technician employment needs of the health system and the community.

Certificate of Achievement in Electrocardiography Technician Pre-requisites PHYSIOL 6 Anatomy & Physiology 6 HTHTEK 133 Medical Terminology 3 Subtotal 9 First Semester ECG 100 Electrocardiographic Theory 3 ECG 105 Electrocardiographic Technique 2 Health 11 Principles of Healthful Living 3 Subtotal 8 Total Hours 17 Certificate of Achievement in Telemetry Technician Pre-requisites PHYSIOL 6 Anatomy & Physiology 6 HTHTEK 133 Medical Terminology 3 Subtotal 9 First Semester ECG 110 Advanced Electrocardiographic Studies 5 ECG 115 Advanced Cardiac Monitoring 2 Subtotal 7 Total Hours 16 CLINICA ASSIGNMENT ECG / TELE Clinical experience will be assigned by the course instructor and will occur during weeks 8-16 of the semester. A matching, single set (top/pants) of scrubs will be needed for the clinical assignment. Solid colors only. Students will be given a lanyard designating "East Los Angeles College EKG/Telemetry" to wear with their student ID. Before students are allowed to enter the clinical environment, all requirements such as, but not limited to, current immunizations, CPR, TB clearance, flu shot, clinical site-specific clearance paperwork, and medical malpractice insurance must be completed. Clearance will be verified by your instructor before clinical placement. Clinical placement for ECG/EKG students will be with working ECG/EKG technicians in local hospitals. Clinical placement for Tele students will be with working Telemetry technicians in local hospitals. ECG/TELEMETRY PROGRAM ADVISEMENT: Once a student is formally admitted to the program, they will be assigned an ECG/Telemetry advisor. This advisor will work with the student to establish their written “ECG/Telemetry Education Plan”. This plan, once established, must be followed by the student; any changes made without the prior written approval of the student’s ECG/Telemetry Faculty advisor, will result in the student being placed on Program probation and at risk for program dismissal. The following are additional criteria for entry into the ECG/Telemetry program: BACKGROUND CHECK and DRUG SCREEN: Background checks must be done and successfully completed by all students accepted into the clinical phase of the Program. If the background check is unsuccessful, the student will not be admitted to the clinical component. A 10-panel Drug screen will also be required for entry into clinical training. The student will be responsible for paying these fees. The day of your urine drug test, DO NOT drink more than 8 oz. of any liquid. If you drink an excessive amount of liquid prior to conducting your urine drug screen, the results will be diluted and/or altered and therefore incomplete. If your drug screen results come back dilute, you will not be able to be placed in clinical settings therefore, you will be ineligible to enter the ECG/EKG program. HEALTH: The student must be free from any condition that would present a health threat to the well-being of the consumer (Title 22, College Regulations, Division 5, Section (a). A complete physical examination, including laboratory test with select immunizations, will be required upon entry into clinical classes. MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Malpractice insurance is required for the clinical year of the ECG/Telemetry program and must be purchased PRIOR to the start of the semester of the clinical semester. Special Notes: 1. ECG/Telemetry courses are scheduled every Fall and Spring. 2. Students transferring from another ECG/Telemetry program will be evaluated by the Program for ECG/Telemetry course transfer credit. A general petition form must be completed and submitted to the Admissions office with syllabi and college catalog course descriptions of the courses. In addition, all transfers must submit a letter from their former ECG/Telemetry program director stating they are clinically safe. 3. Course Recency Requirement: Students must have received a grade of “C” or better in all Science courses within seven (7) years prior to their admission to the ECG/Telemetry program. 4. Supplies, Health and Miscellaneous Requirements: All accepted students must expect to complete a criminal background check before entry will be permitted into a clinical rotation. Students are also required to purchase an equipment lab kit, lab coats (optional), scrubs and other materials for their classroom and clinical training.

Allied Health Department

Orange Coast

15 students per program per semester