Program Overview
Note: This is an in-person course that uses an online platform (D2L) for assignments or supplemental materials. Reliable access to the internet and a computer is required.
Certification: Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be qualified to take the certification exam offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and Cardiovascular Credential Institute (CCI).
Important: This is a non-credit program, and federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant, does not apply.
Complete the WCE Short Form
All students must complete the WCE Short Form, even if they have previously attended a WCE course or are a current Temple College student. This is the first required step in the application process and cannot be skipped.
Complete Short FormPrepare All Required Documents
Refer to the Clinical Requirements Checklist for a list of all required documents. Ensure all documents are complete and up to date. If any are missing or expired, update or obtain them before proceeding. Health records must show your name, date of birth, and the administering provider.
Purchase Screening Package
Once all required documents are gathered, purchase the screening package (Background Check and Document Tracker).
Purchase Screening PackageUpload All Required Documents
Upload all the required documents to your document tracker in Complio. Once all documents are approved, proceed to the next step.
If you need the American Heart Association BLS Certificate, you can register for a course here: tinyurl.com/wce-bls. If the available dates don't work for you, visit templecpr.com for other options. Note: If you are a DYD Scholarship recipient, do not register for the BLS course through these links.
- If you have not received the Hepatitis B vaccine or cannot provide proof, request the Heplisav-B series (a two-dose series, completed in one month). The first dose must be administered by December 26, 2025. Note: If you receive the three-dose series, you will not be eligible for this cohort, as it takes six months to complete.
- The Tdap, Influenza (Flu) vaccines, TB test, and BLS Certification must remain valid throughout the program.
- If you need the Varicella or MMR vaccines (two-dose series), start the first dose no later than December 26, 2025.
General Requirements
- A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- 18 years of age or older
- A valid driver's license or state-issued ID
- A Social Security number and the ability to provide proof of it upon request
Background Check Requirements
- Must pass a criminal background check with no infractions that would prohibit employment
Clinical Compliance Requirements
- Must upload documentation of all clinical requirements in Complio
- All documentation must be approved in Complio
- Please refer to the Clinical Requirements Checklist on what must be submitted
Post-Acceptance Requirements
- Pass a drug test
- Clinical sites may have additional requirements, including fingerprinting
You will receive further instructions on how to complete your drug test 30 days before your clinical start date. Please do not order the drug test without prompt.
Includes: Textbook, Certification Exam, and Drug Test
Additional Costs:
- Black scrubs
- Document tracker and background check
- AHA BLS Certification course
Multiple funding sources may be available to help reduce your program costs
Schedule
- Due at Registration: $491.25
- 1st Month After Registration: $461.25
- 2nd Month After Registration: $461.25
- 3rd Month After Registration: $461.25
Important: Your tuition must be paid in full at least two weeks before the program ends to receive the exam voucher and Certificate of Completion.
Notification of Acceptance
You will receive an official acceptance email within a week of submitting your application, provided all requirements are completed and spots are available. The email will include payment instructions and orientation details.
Orientation
Your program has a mandatory orientation. The orientation will typically cover: Program expectations, Course schedules, Issuance of textbooks, Q&A with the instructor, clinical coordinator, and/or WCE staff.
Prepare for Class
Before your program begins, ensure you are able to log into the following: Your Temple College Student Email, Your Online Learning Platform (D2L).
Clinicals
Students who are eligible for clinicals are required to complete a drug test at least 14 days before clinicals begin. We will issue the drug test order. You will receive more information closer to the clinical start date.
Program Completion
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and become eligible to sit for your program's certification exam or start the licensure process for your program.
If your account has an outstanding balance, the Certificate of Completion and any applicable exam vouchers will not be issued until the balance is paid in full.
Description
Electrocardiography is the process of recording the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using electrodes placed on the skin. This 84-hour program provides instruction in EKG unit operation and troubleshooting, lead placement utilizing 12 lead EKG, use and understanding of EKG grid paper, recognizing normal and abnormal EKG patterns in all 12 leads, and plotting EKG axis. This course meets for 70 hours of instruction and requires 14 hours of Skills Labs. Eligible students may participate in 48 hours of externships. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a certificate of completion. Additionally, graduates will be qualified for the optional certification examination offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and Cardiovascular Credential Institute (CCI).
Course Objectives
- Articulate the role and responsibilities of an EKG technician
- Explain the role of an EKG technician on a multidisciplinary team
- Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems
- Describe the phases of the cardiac cycle
- Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology related to the heart and EKG
- Explain the purpose of the EKG leads
- Describe characteristics of EKG tracings such as rhythm, rate, wave configuration, interval measurement, segments, and complex duration
- Become familiar with different EKG equipment including positive and negative electrode placement and leads
- Set up EKG equipment
- Develop familiarity with the Patient’s Bill of Rights, confidentiality, and other legal considerations related to EKG technicians
- Introduce themselves in a professional manner
- Use appropriate identification techniques to identify the patient
- Explain the preparation of the patient, room, and equipment for EKG
- List the important information that must be included on the EKG report
- Demonstrate the ability to recognize normal and abnormal EKGs
- Demonstrate basic understanding of cardiac disorders and emergencies
- Explain the purpose and the pharmacology of drugs commonly used in the treatment of cardiac disorders
- Identify artifact and its causes
- Demonstrate proficiency in electrocardiography (EKG) by obtaining an EKG from a patient
- Explain Holter monitoring
- Demonstrate the application of a Holter monitor on a patient
Course Codes
- DSAE 1040 Diagnostic Electrocardiography: 84 contact hours (8.4 CEUs)
- DSAE 1060 EKG Clinicals/Externships: 48 contact hours (4.8 CEUs)
Attendance Policy
The EKG Technician program requires a minimum of 85% attendance to successfully complete the course. Attendance will be taken at each meeting.
Student Handbook
The Medical Careers Student Handbook outlines important program policies. We encourage you to read the handbook before applying. Visit https://tinyurl.com/medical-careers-handbook to view it.
Do I need to take the TSIA to register for this program?
You do not need to take the TSIA to register for this program.
Can I use FAFSA for to pay for this program's tuition?
At this time, students are unable to use federal financial aid to pay for this program's tuition.
Do I need to pass the drug test in order to register?
No, the drug test is a clinical requirement typically completed before you begin clinicals/externships.
Workforce and Continuing Education (WCE) Department
Email: wce@templecollege.edu
Phone: 254.298.8625
Office Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed on Fridays
Information in this packet may change. Make sure to bookmark this page to review possible updates or contact us directly.