DIAGNOSTIC ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY
ECRD 1091
24 hours
Southeast Campus
Mondays & Wednesdays
8:00pm – 10:00pm
Konnie King Briggs, CCT (CCI), CEI (ACA)
Phone: 713-718-7235
Email: Konnie.King@hccs.edu
Alief Campus
Wednesdays
5:00pm – 9:00pm
Claudia Patricia Perez, M.Sc., M.Ed, PBT (ASCP)
Phone: 713-718-7235
Email: Claudia.perez@hccs.edu
Houston Community College—Southeast
School of Continuing Education
6815 Rustic
Houston, Texas 77087
(713) 718-7633
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
DIAGNOSTIC ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY
ECRD 1091
Principles and procedures of stress testing and Holter monitoring. Emphasis is on patient
preparation and instruction, correct lead placement, blood pressure monitoring and appropriate
intervention by the cardiac technician. Clinical significance of abnormalities is discussed.
COURSE OBJECTIVE
The student will demonstrate knowledge and skills to perform Holter monitoring and 12-lead EKG for
stress testing. The student will demonstrate patient preparation and instruction, correct lead placement,
blood pressure monitoring and documentation of the procedures. Student will demonstrate knowledge in
identifying reasons to terminate the stress test and appropriate interventions by the cardiac technician.
GOALS
Upon completion of this course the student will successfully:
A. Demonstrate understanding of proper lead placement, accurate interpretation and correct patient
assessment in the delivery of patient care.
B. Demonstrate knowledge of 12-lead EKG equipment, Holter monitoring systems and troubleshooting
scenarios.
C. Follow standard operating procedures to perform cardiovascular monitoring per 12-lead EKG, Holter
monitoring and simulated stress testing.
D. Demonstrate blood pressure monitoring, indications of myocardial ischemia and appropriate
interventions by the cardiac technician.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, the student will correctly perform the following procedures according to a
required checklist:
1. Perform initial patient assessment prior to testing procedure.
2. Prepare patient and equipment for testing and monitoring. Provide patient safety, privacy and
confidentiality.
3. Instruct patient and perform simulated stress testing and Holter monitoring utilizing proper procedural
guidelines and equipment.
4. Identify indications of a positive versus a negative stress test.
5. Recognize indications of myocardial ischemia and appropriate interventions.
PREREQUISITES
The student must have:
 successfully completed ECRD 1091, 12 Lead Fundamentals (32 hours lab) or equivalent;
 a high school diploma, college transcript or GED;
 proof of vaccination against the Hepatitis B virus;
 attended an orientation session with program faculty.
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OTHER ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To function effectively as an EKG student and as an EKG 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 Technician
Handbook for a detailed description.
If a student is unable to begin the clinical practicum, CVTT 1060, within 60 days of the completion
date of ECRD 1091, (Lab 2), the student will be required to repeat ECRD 1091, (Lab 2), to be
eligible to take the clinical practicum. The student must attend a clinical orientation and the
student folder must be complete before clinical placement. All documents required for clinical
placement are due on the date of clinical orientation.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
The required books are EKG Plain and Simple, 3rd Edition, by Karen Ellis and Electrocardiography
for Health Care Personnel, 3rd Edition, by Kathryn Booth and Thomas O’Brien.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
A. Attendance Policy
Regular and punctual attendance is required at all lecture and practical sessions. Class roll will be
taken. Absences must be explained to the instructor on the day of the absence by telephone or
personal visit. If an absence is anticipated, the student is to make a scheduling arrangement in
advance with the instructor. Any student, who exceeds five hours of absence, may be withdrawn
from the course. A student who is arrives after the scheduled class time is considered TARDY. It is
the student’s responsibility to keep account of his/her attendance record and make up all
assignments, lab procedures, 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.
B. Dress Code
Students will be expected to attend class and student practical/lab clean, neat and appropriately
dressed to present a professional appearance.
1. Scrubs
For professional purposes, students are required to wear scrubs to practical/lab sessions.
Because students will be performing EKG testing on each other, it is important for students to
maintain personal hygiene and dress in 2-piece scrubs with appropriate undergarments to
ensure modesty, privacy and appropriate interactions within the classroom environment and
student participation. Failure to have appropriate lab attire will prohibit student from class
participation.
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 strongly
recommended. No heels, sandals or canvas shoes are allowed.
3. Fingernails
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Fingernails must be clean and at a reasonable length. Reasonable length is defined as no more
than 1/8" beyond the fingertip. Clear polish is permitted.
4. Jewelry
During student 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 all practical/lab sessions.
C. Cell Phones and Pagers
Cell phones and pagers must be turned off while in the classroom or student laboratory.
D.
E.
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:
1. Be on time.
2. Be prepared.
3. Be respectful and courteous.
4. Be helpful.
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 LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS
A. It is the responsibility of the student to prepare for each practical session. Practical exercises must
be reviewed 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.
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B. Each student is responsible for his/her own work and for the cleaning up of the student lab.
C. Students will be removing their outer 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. The chest must be free from hair for electrode placement.
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/lab sessions. Avoid putting objects in your mouth or
touching your face.
2.
Proper hand washing must be observed before and after performing patient procedures
or care and handing 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 or clean work areas thoroughly after each practical session.
E.
Cleanliness and proper handling 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 Program Handbook must be observed
at all times.
STUDENT EVALUATION
This course is nonacademic. You will not receive semester hours as credit for the course nor will you
receive a letter grade upon completion. You will either pass the course (complete) or not pass
(incomplete).
The student must receive 75% or higher on the skills proficiency exams, complete all required lab
procedures and average 70% or higher on the lecture portion of the course to receive a grade of pass
(complete).
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.
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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 Support Services Counselor 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 713718-7909. The Northwest College Disability Services Office phone number is 713-718-5408.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
The Houston Community College System 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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ECRD 1091, Diagnostic Electrocardiography
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
After thoroughly reading and familiarizing yourself with the syllabus, ECRD 1091, Diagnostic
Electrocardiography, 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 five hours, including tardies, 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 1091, Diagnostic Electrocardiography. _____
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 1091, Diagnostic Electrocardiography, I will be performing procedures on my
classmates, and they will 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 the EKG and Telemetry
Technician Student Handbook. _______
I understand that completion of ECRD 1091, 12 Lead Fundamentals, or the equivalent thereof, is the prerequisite
for ECRD 1091, Diagnostic Electrocardiography. _______
I understand that I am required to have successfully completed ECRD 1011, Electrocardiography, ECRD 1091,
12 Lead Fundamentals and ECRD 1091, Diagnostic Electrocardiography, in order to be eligible for the
clinical practicum CVTT 1060, as stated in the EKG and Telemetry Technician Handbook. _______
I understand that before beginning the clinical practicum, CVTT 1060, I must attend a clinical orientation, have all
requirements for clinical placement completed. I understand that all documents must be submitted by the date
of the clinical orientation .
________
I understand that if I am unable to begin the clinical practicum, CVTT 1060, within 60 days of the completion date
of ECRD 1091, (Lab 2), I will be required to repeat ECRD 1091, (Lab 2), to be eligible for the clinical practicum.
_____
I understand that I must average a 70% for the lecture portion and maintain 75% for the lab portion of ECRD
1091, Diagnostic Electrocardiography in order to receive a passing grade of complete. ______
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____________________________________ Date_________________
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