Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about our EKG Technician Training Program. Please call or email us if you have any questions, or would like additional information regarding our EKG Technician course.

Who is a EKG Technician?

EKG Technicians, or cardiovascular technicians, are an integral part of the management of patients with heart disease. EKG technicians use electrodes, which are attached to a patient's chest, and other specialized electronic equipment to obtain heart readings known as electrocardiographs or EKGs. They are able to trace and record electrical impulses transmitted by the patient's heart. The recorded data is then reviewed by a physician to evaluate the condition of the patient's heart.

The Doctor's diagnosis of heart disease is based upon the interpretation of EKG Tracings. EKG's are also performed before and after operations, during physicals, examinations of patients over 40, for patients with a history of heart disease, when patients are experiencing chest pains, and when the Doctor deems it necessary.

Students are encouraged to register early, as seating is very limited.

EKG Equipment and Supplies

Anatomy of the Heart

Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System

EKG Interpretation

Specialized Procedures Related to Electrocardiography

What are the duties of an EKG Technician?

An EKG technician adheres electrodes to the patient's chest, arms, and legs. An EKG machine is used to trace and record electrical impulses transmitted by the patient's heart. After data is collected, the EKG technician prints an EKG for evaluation by the physician. An EKG technician with advanced training performs Holter monitoring and stress testing.Advanced EKG Procedures: To perform a holter monitor, an EKG technician:

places electrodes on the patient's chest

attaches a portable EKG monitor to the patient

removes a tape from the monitor and places it in a scanner, following 24 or more hours of normal activity by the patient

checks the quality of the recorded impulses on an electronic screen

prints the information from the tape for evaluation by a physician

To perform stress testing, an EKG technician:

documents the patient's medical history

connects the patient to an EKG monitor

obtains a baseline reading and resting blood pressure

monitors the heart's performance while the patient is walking on a treadmill

gradually increases the treadmill's speed to observe the effect of increased exertion

Do I have to take a California State License examination when I complete the EKG training?

In California State there is no license, certification, special test or examination required when you complete your EKG Technician course. However many employers prefer to hire EKG Technicians with the national certification. When you finish your EKG training, Dignity College of Healthcare would have you sit for a national certification exam at the school if you are in southern California, or you can test at the nearest site to you. This examination is administered at the school because DCH is a national certification exam center. Our exam success rates have been incredible!