The ECG/Telemetry program is a short term (one semester) training.  It includes a didactive and laboratory course.  Computerized and real rhythm strips and ECGs will be used in training.  The laboratory portion of the class will consist of applying portable monitors, performing 12-lead and 15-lead ECGs, and recognizing different arrhythmias.

The ECG/Telemetry training offers the possibility of four potential job outcomes.  Those outcomes are ECG technician, telemetry (monitor) technician, Holter monitor technician, and arrhythmia technician.  The telemetry technician and ECG technician can expect to work in the hospitals.   The ECG technicians, Holter monitor technicians, and arrhythmia technicians can expect to work in cardiovascular clinics with a variety of patients.  Each of these will help attach the monitor to the patient, interpret read the cardiac rhythm, put the ECG/cardiac strip in the appropriate place, and notify the corresponding healthcare professional of any potentially dangerous test.

• ALHT 109: Health Care Systems and Safety
  • Credit hours: 2
• BLGY 110: Medical Terminology
  • Credit hours: 3
• ALHT 112: Basic ECG
  • Credit hours: 4

All courses must be completed with at least a grade of “C” in each class to receive the Career and Technical Certificate in ECG/Telemetry from BPCC.

Students completing the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Bossier Parish Community College may take challenge exams for ALHT 109 and/or BLGY 110. If students successfully complete the challenge exams, they will not be required to enroll in ALHT 109 and/or BLGY 110 to earn the Career and Technical Certificate in ECG/Telemetry Technician.

Are the students required to sit for a national licensure/certification examination?

• ECG/Telemetry technicians are not required to sit for a national licensure/certification examination at this time.  It is not required to complete this program.
• Employers may choose to give a test before employment.  If so, it will be a rhythm recognition test.
• There are several places where a student may obtain the certificate upon completion of the program.  These will be given in the program or can be found online.

How many semesters does it take to complete this program?

• One semester if all three classes are completed in one semester.

How many classes are needed to complete the program?

1. ALHT 109
2. BLGY 110
3. ALHT 112

When are the above classes offered?

• ALHT 109 and BLGY 110 are usually offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
• ALHT 112 is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.

What time is the ALHT 112 usually offered?

• Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 am – 1:45 pm.

Is there an application for the program?

• No.  All that is required is for the student to sign up for all three course or sign up for the missing courses if the student has prior college education with some of the required courses completed with a C or above.

Is a past GPA taken into consideration?

• No.

Will past medical experience be accepted?

• The student with medical experience may take the Challenge Exams for ALHT 109 and BLGY 110.  If the exams are passed, they will not be required to enroll in the respective classes.

Do your graduates have trouble finding employment after graduation?

• Our program has a high reputation in the community and our graduates have a high rate of employment at local hospitals, distant hospitals, and local clinics.

What is the salary for an entry level position?

• The annual salary of this area is between $28,000-32,000.
• More information on the job descriptions, job outlook, and salaries for cardiovascular technicians can be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

How much does the ECG/Telemetry program cost?

• The course of the program has only those costs associated with regular tuition per credit hour which is the same for all BPCC students.  The ALHT 112 class has an additional lab fee.

Does financial aid cover the costs of the ECG/Telemetry program?

• Not typically.  However, the ECG/Telemetry program is covered by the Associate Degree in Allied Health which financial aid does cover.