HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY
ECRD 1011
(64 hours)
Southeast Campus
Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Konnie King Briggs, CCT, (CCI); CEI, (ACA)
Phone: 713.718.7235
Email: Konnie.King@hccs.edu
Alief Campus
Mondays and Wednesdays
2:00pm – 4:30pm
Claudia Patricia Perez, M.Sc., M.Ed, PBT (ASCP)
Phone: 713-718-7235
Email: Claudia.perez@hccs.edu
Houston Community College-Southeast
6815 Rustic
Houston, Texas 77087
713-718-7633
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY
ECRD 1011
Fundamentals of the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, basic
electrocardiology procedures, interpretation of basic dysrhythmias, and appropriate
treatment modalities.
COURSE OBJECTIVE
The student will demonstrate knowledge of 12-lead EKG and telemetry monitoring. Student will
demonstrate basic understanding of the anatomy of the cardiovascular system and the electrophysiology
and hemodynamics of the heart. The student will demonstrate knowledge of recording techniques,
technical analysis, documentation and care and maintenance of equipment. Student will demonstrate
knowledge in recognizing arrhythmias and cardiac emergencies. Emphasis is on proper lead placement,
interpretation, and appropriate interventions by the cardiac technician. Student will demonstrate
knowledge of professionalism and patient's rights in the healthcare setting.
GOALS
Upon completion of this course the student will successfully:
A. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the health care system and medical terminology.
B. Demonstrate knowledge of infection control and safety.
C. Demonstrate basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system and
anatomic terminology in order to relate arrhythmias and cardiac abnormalities to general pathological
conditions associated with the cardiovascular system.
D. Demonstrate understanding of proper lead placement, accurate interpretation and correct patient
assessment in the delivery of patient care.
E. Demonstrate knowledge of EKG equipment, various modalities of cardiac monitoring and
troubleshooting scenarios.
F. Demonstrate knowledge of standard operating procedures to perform cardiovascular monitoring per 3
lead and 12-lead systems and telemetry.
G. Demonstrate understanding of rhythm analysis, recognizing lethal dysrhythmias and appropriate
interventions.
H. Demonstrate basic understanding of vital signs and the relationship of each to proper body function.
I. Demonstrate basic understanding of commonly used cardiac interventions, including medications,
defibrillation, CPR, pacemaker therapy, and surgery.
J. Communicate effectively (verbally and nonverbally) and appropriately in the workplace.
K. Demonstrate understanding of HIPAA regulations and safeguarding PHI.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, the student will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
1. Electrocardiography procedures utilizing proper procedural guidelines and equipment.
2. Preparation of patient and equipment for testing and monitoring, maintaining safety guidelines.
3. Ensuring patient privacy and confidentiality, according to HIPAA regulations.
4. Analysis and interpretation of rhythm strips via 8 steps method.
5. Accurate documentation of EKG tracings.
6. Recognition of life threatening cardiac emergencies per EKG recordings.
PREREQUISITES
The student must:
 have a high school diploma, academic college transcript or GED; and
 attend an orientation session with program faculty.
If the student will be enrolling in the clinical course, CVTT 1060, where patient contact will
occur, proof of the Hepatitis B vaccination is required. Refer to the EKG and Telemetry
Technician Handbook for a detailed description.
OTHER ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To function effectively as an EKG student and as an EKG or Telemetry Technician, there are certain
physical, mental and emotional attributes which are required to be successful. These include eye-hand
coordination, visual acuity, fluency in English, the ability to promptly respond to an emergency, good
emotional health and the ability to work under stress. Refer to the EKG and Telemetry Technician
Handbook for a detailed description.
.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
EKG Plain and Simple, 3rd Edition by Karen Ellis, ISBN 978-01-3237-7294 and Electrocardiography for
Health Care Professionals, 3rd Edition, by Booth and O’Brien (ISBN 978-0-07-337435-2)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
A. Attendance Policy
Regular and punctual attendance is required at all lecture and practical sessions. Class roll will be
taken. If an absence is anticipated, the student is to make a scheduling arrangement in advance
with the instructor. Any student, who exceeds 13 hours of absence, may be withdrawn from the
course. A student who arrives after the scheduled class time is considered TARDY. Three tardies
equal one hour of absence. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of his/her attendance
record and make up all assignments, materials and examinations missed. Additionally, any student
who arrives for an examination fifteen or more minutes late may not be allowed to take the
examination that day. A time will be scheduled by the instructor during the semester to take the
missed exam.
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B. Dress Code
Students will be expected to attend class and any student practical sessions clean and neatly
dressed to present a professional appearance.
1. Scrubs
For professional purposes, students must wear scrubs to practical sessions and clinical
externship. Because students may be performing EKG testing on each other in student lab, it
is important for students to dress in 2-piece scrubs with appropriate undergarments to ensure
modesty, privacy and appropriate interactions within the classroom environment and student
participation. It is recommended that students wear scrubs to every class.
2. Foot Wear
Appropriate footwear will be required for professional appearance and safety. Closed-toe shoes
that are soft-soled, such as white leather-type tennis or similar shoes are recommended. No
sandals or canvas shoes are allowed.
3. Fingernails
Fingernails must be clean and at a reasonable length. Reasonable length is defined as
1/8" above the fingertip. Clear polish is permitted.
4. Jewelry
During student (lab) practical sessions, jewelry should be limited to a wedding ring and a
wristwatch. Conservative earlobe earrings (no more than one pair) that do not extend more
than 1/2 inch below the earlobe are acceptable. Wearing of any other jewelry, or apparel,
must be pre-approved by the instructor.
5. Hair
Hair must be a conservative style, appropriate for the professional healthcare environment.
Hair must be kept away from the face and eyes during lab sessions. Caps and hats are
prohibited.
6. Fragrances
All perfumes, colognes, and fragrances of any kind are prohibited from the classroom
and practical/lab sessions.
C. Cell Phones and Pagers
Cell phones and pagers must be turned off while in the classroom or student laboratory.
D. Behavior
Disruptive behavior or any behavior that interferes with any educational activity being performed
by the instructor will not be allowed. Additionally, no student may interfere with his/her fellow
students’ right to pursue their academic goals to the fullest in an atmosphere appropriate to a
community of scholars. The following specific rules will apply throughout the course:
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1.
2.
3.
4.
Be on time.
Be prepared.
Be respectful and courteous.
Be helpful.
E. Recording devices
The student use of recording devices, including camera phones, video and audio tape recorders, cameras
and any other electronic device that is capable of recording human voice or image is prohibited in
classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices and other locations where instruction, tutoring or testing occurs.
Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should
contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations.
Additionally, the use of recording devices is prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms and
other locations where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Violation of this policy may result
in discipline, including expulsion.
SPECIAL STUDENT PRACTICAL REQUIREMENTS
A. It is the responsibility of the student to prepare for each lecture/practical session. Practical
exercises must be studied prior to attending the practical session to provide the student with the
basic understanding of what will be expected of him/her during the practical session.
B. Each student is responsible for his/her own work and for cleaning up his or her work area.
C. Students will be removing their clothing from the waist up for EKG procedures. Female students
may wear a loose fitting, string bikini type top, without wires or metal closures, as they interfere
with recording techniques. Hands on techniques are required for these procedures. Therefore, the
following rules must be observed:
1.
Food, drink, gum, mints, lozenges, (anything by mouth) or the application of cosmetics will
not be permitted during the practical sessions. Avoid putting objects in your mouth or
touching your face.
2.
Proper hand washing is to be observed before and after performing patient procedures or care
and handling of laboratory equipment. Proper hand washing is essential in preventing the
acquisition and spread of potentially harmful organisms.
3.
Privacy, confidentiality, safety, professionalism, and appropriate behavior are ESSENTIAL
when learning and applying the technical skills necessary to perform electrocardiography.
D. Appropriately disinfect and/or clean work areas thoroughly after each practical session.
E.
Cleanliness and maintenance of equipment and supplies, as instructed, are essential.
F.
All accidents/incidents are to be reported immediately to the practical instructor.
G. Proper safety instructions as outlined in the EKG Technician Certificate Handbook must be
observed at all times.
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STUDENT EVALUATION
This course is nonacademic. You will not receive semester hours as credit for the course. By meeting the
course requirements, you will receive a grade of “COM” (complete). By failing to meet the course
requirements, you will receive a grade of “F” (failed). To determine completion of the course, the
instructor will assign grades for all exams and assignments.
The student must average 70% to receive a grade of pass (complete).
Final exam – 50%
Exams, quizzes, assignments – 50%
Furthermore, the student must demonstrate proficiency on an EKG Rhythm Strip Exam, complete
EMSP 1016, 12 Lead Interpretation, and CVTT 1060 in order to complete the Telemetry Technician
Certificate. Refer to the EKG and Telemetry Technician Handbook for a detailed description.
WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND POLICY
For continuing education courses fewer than 360 contact hours, full refund will be made if 1) a student
withdraws before the first class date, 2) if the college makes an error or, 3) the college cancels the class.
The college processes refunds as soon as possible, and they are generally mailed four to six weeks
following the last day to apply for a refund. Any refund mailed to the student’s name and address on
record is considered delivered. The Stop Payment Fee to reissue a refund check mailed to an incorrect
address is $20. Tuition and fees paid directly to the institution by a sponsor, grants, loans, donor, or
scholarship shall be refunded to the source rather than directly to the student. Fees paid by other third
parties, such as friends or relatives, will be refunded directly to the student.
DISABILITY SERVICES
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who
needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective
college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty members are authorized to provide only the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. The Southeast College Disability
Services Office phone number is 713-718-7218. The Southwest College Disability Services Office phone
number is 713-718-7909. The Northwest College Disability Services Office phone number is 713-7185408.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Houston Community College has outlined instructional goals in the strategic plan, Building a Learning
College. This course complies with these goals in the following manner:
Opportunities for Student-Faculty Interaction: Students are encouraged to ask questions and
request clarification or guidance as needed during class. Instructors will provide a question and
answer period.
Opportunities for Career Exploration: Topics relevant to future employment and career
exploration opportunities will be presented.
Opportunities for Supplemental Instruction: Students will receive information about
instructional aids and resources, including books, other publications, and web sites relevant to the
course.
Speaker Forum: Instructors may invite speakers to address the class on pertinent topics.
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STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
ECRD 1011, ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY
After thoroughly reading and familiarizing yourself with the syllabus, ECRD 1011, please
read and initial each of the following statements:
I have read the syllabus and agree to abide by all of the rules contained therein. _____
I have received and read a copy of the EKG and Telemetry Technician Certificate Student
Handbook and signed a Statement of Understanding for it, and agree to abide by the
guidelines stated therein. ______
I understand the restrictions regarding the student use of recording devices in HCC
facilities and agree to abide by these policies. _______
I understand that if I miss more than 13 hours of attendance, that I may be withdrawn from
the class. Additionally, if I am withdrawn from the class, I understand that I will have to
pay for the class again to once again be enrolled in ECRD 1011. _____
I understand that if I arrive for an examination fifteen or more minutes late, I may not be
allowed to take the examination that day. A time will be scheduled during the semester to
take the missed exam. _____
I understand that in ECRD 1011, I may be performing EKG procedures on my classmates,
and they may perform the same procedures on me, as directed by my instructor(s). I agree
to fully participate in these procedures and abide by all rules stated both in this syllabus
and in the EKG and Telemetry Technician Student Handbook. _______
I understand that I must have an average of 70% in order to receive a passing grade of
(complete) for ECRD 1011. _____
I understand that in addition to completing ECRD 1011, I must demonstrate
proficiency on an EKG Rhythm Strip Exam and complete EMSP 1016 and CVTT
1060 in order to complete the Telemetry Technician Certificate.______
I have read and understand the dress code requirements, including the use of
fragrances and cell phones and agree to abide to the rules therein.
________________________
Student Name (print) ___________________________________________________
Student Signature _______________________Today’s Date_____________________
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