EKG Technician Study Guide
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Core Competency Areas
The exam tests for 'Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities' (KSAs) in the following core competency areas:
20%Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
25%EKG Technology and Terminology
10%Law, Ethics, Professionalism, and Safety Procedures
25%EKG Procedures, Operations, and Troubleshooting
10%Overview of EKG Analysis and Interpretation
10%Common Cardiovascular Disease
Topical Breakdown
Use the following topical guide to help you prepare for the exam:
I. Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology (20%)
- Cardiac anatomical structures
- Physiology of the cardiac system
II. EKG Technology and Terminology (25%)
- Components of EKG machine and related equipment
- Common EKG and cardiac terminology
- Basic EKG waveform characteristics
III. Law, Ethics, Professionalism, and Safety Procedures (10%)
- Patient identification, communication, and instruction
- Infection control
- Workplace safety
- Emergency situations
IV. EKG Procedures, Operations, and Troubleshooting (25%)
- Lead placement, including for special circumstances
- Mitigation of artifact and interference
- EKG and other equipment settings and procedures
- Identification of life-threatening arrhythmias
V. Overview of EKG Analysis and Interpretation (10%)
- Normal and abnormal rates and rhythms
VI. Common Cardiovascular Diseases (10%)
- Common cardiac conduction abnormalities
- Signs and symptoms of common cardiac diseases
- Defibrillator use
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