Gain a foundation in electrocardiograms (EKG), including cardiac anatomy and physiology, lead placement and recording, and basic EKG interpretation. Identify common EKG rhythms and cardiac emergencies. Finally, discuss documentation and legal aspects, practical applications, and Holter monitoring.
PLEASE NOTE: Some modules within this course require sound as they are voiceover PowerPoint presentations.
Course Description
Electrocardiography is an essential tool for assessing cardiac function and recognizing changes that may require prompt action. This comprehensive course guides medical assistants through cardiac anatomy and conduction, patient preparation, accurate lead placement, EKG recording, basic interpretation, and common rhythm recognition. Learners will explore cardiac emergencies, artifact troubleshooting, equipment care, documentation requirements, Holter monitoring, medications, diagnostic testing, and laboratory studies.
Practical scenarios connect EKG findings with patient symptoms and appropriate team-based responses. By completing the course, learners will strengthen the technical knowledge, pattern-recognition skills, and professional judgment needed to produce dependable tracings and support safe, coordinated patient care.
Learning Objectives
As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain how cardiac anatomy, blood flow, and electrical conduction produce an EKG tracing.
- Apply appropriate patient preparation, electrode placement, and recording procedures for a 12-lead EKG.
- Calculate heart rate and measure basic EKG waves, intervals, and segments.
- Recognize common rhythms, artifacts, ischemic changes, and patterns requiring prompt escalation.
- Apply appropriate practices for EKG documentation, privacy, equipment care, Holter monitoring, and patient education.
Content Overview
Modules:
- Part I: Introduction to EKG
- Part II: Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
- Part III: EKG Lead Placement and Recording
- Part IV: Basic EKG Interpretation
- Part V: Common EKG Rhythms
- Part VI: Cardiac Emergency Recognition
- Part VII: Technical Considerations
- Part VIII: Documentation and Legal Aspects
- Part IX: Practical Applications
- Part X: Holter Monitoring
- Part XI: Additional Information & Resources
Those who complete the course and pass the postttest will earn a downloadable digital badge (available as Bonus Content).
Learners will have 50 days from starting the course to complete and pass the posttest.
Loxie Kistler, EdD, MS, BSN, RN, CMA (AAMA), CHUC
Contributed content on the history, clinical applications, recording types, and technology associated with electrocardiography.
Brian Justice
Contributed content addressing cardiac anatomy and physiology, rhythm recognition, cardiac emergencies, practical applications, and Holter monitoring.
Jennifer Dietz, MS, CMA (AAMA), PBT(ASCP)CM, CPC (AAPC)
Contributed instruction on lead placement, EKG recording, basic interpretation, artifact correction, and technical quality.
Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA
Contributed guidance on EKG documentation, reimbursement requirements, privacy, security, and legal compliance.
Linda Vitzthum, CMA (AAMA)
Contributed additional information on cardiology medications, diagnostic procedures, and commonly ordered laboratory tests.
This course is intended for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, medical assisting students, and other ambulatory care staff who prepare patients for EKG procedures, obtain or monitor cardiac tracings, maintain equipment, document services, or provide related patient education. It supports both foundational learning and the continued development of safe, accurate EKG practices.