Programs And Courses

Cardiology Technician

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Below is information on the Cardiology Technician program —Lancaster Campus.

Download Cardiology Technician program flier. (pdf)

The Cardiology Technician Certificate program is currently under review and is not being offered at this time. We welcome your questions if you are interested in the program and ask that you contact Jackie Foster at jafoster@hacc.edu.

What is a Cardiology Technician?

A cardiology (monitor) technician has various duties. You must:

  • Be a knowledgeable healthcare professional.
  • Be educated and trained to perform diagnostic procedures. Physicians request the procedures to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with cardiac disease.
  • Operate machines that record the electrical changes that occur during and between heartbeats.
  • Attach electrodes to specified areas of the patient's body. You will position electrodes to record electrical variations of the heart.
  • Keep EKG machines in proper-working order.
  • Edit results of EKG for analysis and interpretation. You will provide a printout for interpretation by the physician.
  • Perform Holter monitor testing. 

    For Holter monitoring, the technician:
    • Places electrodes on the patient's chest and attaches a portable EKG.
    • Monitors the patient.
    • Removes a tape from the monitor. The technician places it in a scanner after 24 or more hours of normal patient activity. Physicians use the output from the scanner to diagnose arrhythmias or problems with pacemakers.
  • Assist with treadmill stress testing.

    For treadmill stress testing, the technician:
    • Documents the patient's medical history and explains the procedure. The technician connects the patient to an EKG monitor. He then obtains a baseline reading and resting blood pressure.
    • Monitors the heart's performance while the patient is walking on a treadmill. The technician gradually increases the treadmill's speed to observe the effect of increased exertion.
  • Schedule appointments and type doctors' interpretations. You may maintain patient files and care for equipment.
  • Work a five-day, 40-hour week. Your schedule may include weekends.
  • Spend a lot of time walking and standing.

 

How much does a cardiology technician earn?

The median salary for a cardiology technician in Lancaster is $31,836 as of November 2013. Visit www.salary.com for more information on local salaries.

 

What is the employment outlook?

The employment outlook is good. Growth will occur as the population ages. Older people have a higher incidence of heart disease. Some job openings will occur when individuals transfer to other jobs.

If you are trained in Holter monitoring and stress testing, you may experience more favorable job prospects.

HACC does not offer assistance in Cardiology Technician job placement at this time.

 

What do I need to enroll in the program?

This is a non-credit course. You are not required to submit a college application, school transcripts or placement testing results.

HACC requires a high school diploma or GED. Your future employer may require a State Police Criminal Record Check and drug screening. However, HACC does not require them for entry into the program.

Typing or keyboarding skills are helpful, but HACC does not require them.

 

Where does HACC hold classes?

  • HACC offers the program in Harrisburg and Lancaster.
  • HACC is expecting to offer certain EKG courses alternately between the Harrisburg and Lancaster campuses. 
  • Some classes may be available in Gettysburg, Lebanon and York.
  • Instructors choose the frequency of quizzes and exams for each class.

 

Can I receive veterans education benefits for this program?

Department of Veterans Affairs provides veterans education benefits for non-credit healthcare programs. The programs must result in a certificate upon completion.

The department bases the benefits on the length of the class and the number of clock hours per week. You must pay tuition in advance. The VA disburses benefits on a post-payment basis.

Find more information on veterans education benefits from the Military and Veterans Affairs Harrisburg campus office:

Cooper 206
vaoffice@hacc.edu
717-780-2331
 

What degree will I earn? Will I be eligible for credentials? 

HACC will award a Certificate of Completion for successful completion of the program.

 After completion, you can achieve:

  • The national certification credential of CCT (Certified Cardiovascular Technician). You must sit for the examination as offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
  • CRAT Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician offered by CCI.  
  • College credit in pursuit of cardiovascular associate degrees at HACC. These degrees include cardiac sonography or invasive cardiovascular technician. You must have at least six months of work experience. You must also hold CCT credentials.

 

Where can I work?

You will be qualified to work in a doctor's office, hospital pre-admission testing area, cardiology department or outpatient testing facilities.

 

Where can I get more information?

 

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information or if you have questions, you can email Healthcare Education staff at nchealth@hacc.edu or contact the Welcome Center at 717-780-2414

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