EKG and Phlebotomy Technician Dual Certification (Vouchers Included)

MSM152 / Hours: 160 / Access Length: 12 Months / Delivery: Online, Self-Paced
Online Hours: 160
Retail Price: $2,340.00 / Materials Included / Exam Voucher(s) Included

Course Overview:

This comprehensive course integrates the dual foundations of electrocardiography (ECG) and phlebotomy, equipping you with the essential diagnostic skills required in modern healthcare. By bridging cardiovascular anatomy and physiology with clinical practice, you will learn to interpret a wide range of cardiac rhythms, from sinus and junctional dysrhythmias to life threatening conditions, while simultaneously mastering the technical nuances of venipuncture, capillary collection, and specimen management. Throughout the curriculum, a strong emphasis is placed on patient safety, infection control, and professional ethics, ensuring you can navigate complex healthcare structures and laboratory processes with confidence. By linking clinical presentations like ischemia and heart failure to both ECG findings and diagnostic testing, this course provides the foundational knowledge necessary to deliver accurate high quality patient care and excel in entry level medical roles.

Students will:

• Clinical Foundations and Anatomy: Master the history and professional roles of ECG and phlebotomy while integrating the anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems.
• Technical Procedures and Equipment: Execute 12 lead ECGs, venipuncture, and capillary collections using proper equipment, electrode placement, and specimen handling techniques.
• Diagnostic Interpretation: Analyze cardiac rhythms, including sinus, junctional, and ventricular dysrhythmias, alongside point of care testing to identify clinical conditions like ischemia or heart failure.
• Safety and Professional Standards: Apply infection control, safety protocols, and legal ethical responsibilities such as HIPAA to ensure patient confidentiality and high quality care.
• Specialized Patient Monitoring: Coordinate advanced diagnostic procedures, including cardiac stress testing, ambulatory monitoring, and modified collection techniques for specific patient populations.

This course prepares a student to take the AMCA EKG Technician Certification (ETC) and AMCA Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC) national certification exams.  The cost of the course INCLUDES the cost of the exam vouchers.

Course Outline:

EKG Technician Curriculum:

Lesson 1: Electrocardiography

In this lesson, you trace the development of the ECG and its importance in modern healthcare. You discover how it is used in diagnosing heart conditions, examine related legal and ethical issues, and review essential safety measures. You also connect ECG concepts with basic vital signs and learn about career paths in this growing field.

Lesson 2: The Cardiovascular System

In this lesson, you explore how the heart’s structures and rhythms connect to the ECG. You follow the flow of blood through chambers, valves, and vessels while distinguishing between pulmonary, systemic, and coronary circulation. You also examine the cardiac cycle, learning how systole, diastole, and the conduction system reveal the heart’s function on an ECG.

Lesson 3: The Electrocardiograph

In this lesson, you learn how ECG leads capture the heart’s electrical activity and how machines record and display those signals. You become familiar with electrodes, graph paper, and machine controls while connecting these concepts to measuring heart rate. Through these foundations, you gain insight into interpreting accurate ECG tracings in clinical practice.

Lesson 4: Performing an ECG

In this lesson, you follow the full process of performing an ECG, from preparing the patient and equipment to applying electrodes and recording a tracing. You study ways to communicate with patients, ensure safety, and address special circumstances. You also learn how to recognize artifacts, care for equipment, and respond to emergencies during the procedure.

Lesson 5: Rhythm Strip Interpretation

In this lesson, you examine how heart activity creates the ECG waveform and what each segment reveals about cardiac function. You learn how to evaluate tracings, identify abnormalities, and apply criteria for classifying dysrhythmias. By connecting rhythm, rate, and waveform features, you build the foundation for understanding clinical ECG interpretation.

Lesson 6: Sinus Rhythms

In this lesson, you focus on sinus rhythms and how they influence patient health. You compare normal rhythm with conditions such as bradycardia, tachycardia, dysrhythmia, arrest, and exit block. Each pattern is linked to specific effects on the patient and guides the care or treatment that may be required.

Lesson 7: Atrial Dysrhythmias

In this lesson, you examine atrial dysrhythmias and how they differ in origin and effect. You review premature atrial complexes, wandering pacemakers, multifocal tachycardia, flutter, and fibrillation, noting how each alters heart function. Understanding these patterns helps you connect rhythm disturbances with patient outcomes and the care needed to manage them.

Lesson 8: Junctional Dysrhythmias

In this lesson, you study junctional dysrhythmias and how they influence the heart’s rhythm and patient well-being. You look at premature junctional complexes, escape rhythms, accelerated rhythms, tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia. Each condition highlights how changes in the AV junction can affect cardiac output and guide decisions in patient care.

Lesson 9: Heart Block Dysrhythmias

In this lesson, you learn about heart block dysrhythmias and how they interfere with the heart’s electrical conduction. You review first-, second-, and third-degree AV blocks, including Mobitz I and II, and consider how each affects patient stability. These patterns reveal important links between conduction delays and the care patients may require.

Lesson 10: Ventricular Dysrhythmias

In this lesson, you focus on ventricular dysrhythmias and their serious impact on patient outcomes. You examine premature ventricular complexes, idioventricular rhythms, tachycardia, fibrillation, and asystole, along with their clinical implications. Recognizing these life-threatening patterns helps you understand how disruptions in the ventricles affect cardiac function and the urgent care that may follow.

Lesson 11: Pacemaker Rhythms

In this lesson, you explore the role of pacemakers in regulating the heart. You look at how pacing rhythms appear on an ECG, what they reveal about heart function, and how complications can be identified. The material connects device operation with the realities of patient monitoring and care.

Lesson 12: Cardiac Stress Testing

In this lesson, you examine exercise electrocardiography, often called stress testing, and its role in evaluating heart function under physical demand. You consider how patients are prepared, what safety steps guide the process, and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals. You also compare testing methods and protocols that reveal valuable information about cardiovascular health.

Lesson 13: Ambulatory Monitoring

In this lesson, you learn how ambulatory monitoring extends the information gained from a standard ECG by tracking heart activity over time. You review different monitoring devices, their purposes, and how they are applied and removed. The material also emphasizes patient education and the role of healthcare professionals in reporting accurate results.

Lesson 14: Clinical Presentation and Management of the Cardiac Patient

In this lesson, you explore the role of the coronary arteries and how reduced blood flow leads to cardiac symptoms. You compare stable and unstable presentations, review ST elevation and non-ST elevation changes, and examine heart failure. The content also highlights urgent assessment steps and treatment options that guide care for cardiac patients.

Lesson 15: Basic 12-Lead ECG Interpretation

In this lesson, you connect the 12-lead ECG to the heart’s anatomy, learning which coronary arteries supply different regions. You review changes that signal ischemia, injury, or infarction and study conduction problems such as bundle branch block. The material also introduces axis deviation and left ventricular hypertrophy, providing tools to recognize advanced patterns on the ECG.

SIMTICS Virtual Hands-On Labs:

• Cardiovascular Pathology
• Disinfection and Sterilization in Outpatient Setting 1
• Disinfection and Sterilization in Outpatient Setting 2
• ECG Interpretation for Medical Professionals
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) 12-Lead
• Electronic Health Records
• Hand Hygiene
• Isolation Room PPE Protocol (FREE)
• Obtain Vital Signs - Adult
• Obtain Vital Signs - Pediatric
• Perform Basic Life Support (BLS) on a Child
• Perform Basic Life Support (BLS) on an Adult
• Perform Basic Life Support (BLS) on an Infant
• Prepare and Perform an ECG

Phlebotomy Technician Curriculum:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Phlebotomy

This lesson provides an overview of phlebotomy, including its definition, modern practice, essential job skills, duties, and personal qualities of successful phlebotomists. It covers professional standards, certification, and legal responsibilities such as informed consent and confidentiality, laying the foundation for a career in this exciting healthcare field.

Lesson 2: Healthcare Structure

In this lesson, you will learn how healthcare organizations are structured, including hospital branches, laboratory services, and other healthcare settings. You will understand the roles of key departments, the functions of clinical laboratory areas, and how quality standards ensure accurate, reliable patient testing.

Lesson 3: Safety

In this lesson, you will learn about OSHA’s role in workplace safety and the types of hazards you may encounter in healthcare, including physical, sharps, chemical, radioactive, electrical, fire, and MRI risks. You will also review labeling systems, chemical hygiene plans, first-aid responses, and latex sensitivity precautions.

Lesson 4: Infection Control

In this lesson, you will learn how infections spread in healthcare settings and how to reduce transmission risks. You will review the chain of infection, proper hand hygiene, correct hand-washing steps, and the use of personal protective equipment. You will also study Standard and Transmission-based Precautions and their role in protecting patients and healthcare workers.

Lesson 5: Medical Terminology

In this lesson, you will build your understanding of medical word parts, including roots, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms. You will practice translating common terms into their medical form, applying phlebotomy-specific terminology, and correctly using approved medical abbreviations in alignment with professional standards.

 Lesson 6: Human Anatomy and Physiology

This lesson introduces you to the body’s structure and function at different levels, from cells to entire systems. You will connect anatomic terms, body planes, and cavities to real-world patient care, while examining how each major body system works, what organs are involved, and which laboratory tests help identify common conditions.

Lesson 7: Circulatory, Lymphatic, and Immune Systems

In this lesson, you will trace blood flow through the heart, lungs, and body while comparing arteries, veins, and capillaries. You will review blood components, cellular elements, and the process of hemostasis, along with related diseases and tests. You will also examine lymphatic circulation and the immune system’s role in defending the body.

Lesson 8: Circulatory, Lymphatic, and Immune Systems

This lesson details the materials needed to safely collect blood samples. You will examine tourniquets, antiseptics, and disinfectants, along with needles, syringes, and winged infusion sets. The discussion also covers tube holders, additives, color-coded stoppers, and the correct order of draw, concluding with proper disposal of used needles to ensure patient and provider safety.

Lesson 9: Routine Venipuncture

This lesson focuses on the step-by-step process of performing a routine venipuncture. You will see how patient identification differs for inpatients and outpatients, how to prepare and position patients, and how to select, clean, and access a vein. The lesson also covers tourniquet use, labeling requirements, and the differences between evacuated tube and syringe collections.

Lesson 10: Capillary Collection

This lesson covers when capillary collection is the preferred method, such as in infants or patients with fragile veins. You will examine skin puncture devices, site selection, and safe puncture depth. The sequence of steps, the order of draw, and reasons for discarding the first drop of blood are also addressed, along with precautions to prevent complications.

Lesson 11: Preanalytic Variables and Venipuncture Complications

This lesson highlights factors that can influence test results before analysis takes place. You will consider patient-related variables, such as age, lifestyle, and health conditions, as well as procedural issues like site selection, tourniquet use, and sample handling. Common complications, specimen rejection causes, and long-term risks of venipuncture are also addressed to prepare you for preventing errors.

Lesson 12:  Preanalytic Variables and Venipuncture Complications

This lesson addresses blood collection procedures for patients with unique needs. You will consider the differences in physiology and comfort for pediatric and geriatric patients, as well as precautions for long-term care and critical care populations. The lesson also explains bilirubin testing, neonatal screenings, and the use of vascular access devices for ongoing or emergency blood draws.

Lesson 13: Arterial Blood Collection

This lesson introduces the collection and testing of arterial blood, focusing on how it differs from venous sampling. You will study the purpose of arterial blood gas testing, the equipment and arteries used, and the precautions needed to ensure accurate results. The lesson also reviews collateral circulation testing, possible complications, common errors, and the role of capillary blood gas collection.

Lesson 14: Special Collections and Procedures

This lesson explains the circumstances that require non-routine collection and handling of blood specimens. You will study fasting and timed draws, tolerance tests, therapeutic drug monitoring, and blood cultures. The lesson also covers donor collections, autologous donation, and therapeutic phlebotomy, along with handling temperature-sensitive and light-sensitive samples, preparing blood smears, and following legal or forensic collection requirements.

Lesson 15: Special Nonblood Collection Procedures

This lesson covers the collection and handling of specimens beyond blood. You will learn how to obtain urine, feces, semen, saliva, breath, gastric fluid, and other body fluids, along with instructions for patient preparation when needed. The lesson also explains neonatal and diagnostic procedures such as sweat electrolyte testing, cerebrospinal fluid collection, and amniotic fluid sampling, emphasizing proper technique, safety, and chain of custody where required.

Lesson 16: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing

This lesson explains the steps required to maintain specimen integrity after collection. You will learn safe transport methods, reasons for upright positioning, and time limits for separating serum or plasma. The lesson also addresses temperature and light-sensitive analytes, centrifuge use, stopper removal, safety equipment, and the most common causes of specimen rejection.

Lesson 17: Point-of-Care Testing

This lesson introduces point-of-care testing (POCT), highlighting its benefits, limitations, and quality assurance requirements. You will study common bedside and clinic-based tests such as blood gases, glucose, cholesterol, hemoglobin, pregnancy, and occult blood. The lesson also includes therapeutic drug monitoring concepts and outlines the role of electrocardiography, focusing on patient preparation and interpretation of major ECG features.

Lesson 18: Quality Phlebotomy

High-quality phlebotomy ensures both accurate test results and patient trust. This lesson examines how quality systems, manuals, and service directories guide daily practice. It highlights common errors, equipment checks, and patient factors that can affect results, while also addressing specimen labeling, transport, and processing standards that protect both safety and reliability.

Lesson 19: Legal Issues in Phlebotomy

Legal awareness is an essential part of safe and professional practice. This lesson reviews different types of laws, legal terms, and the concept of liability as it applies to phlebotomy. You will consider malpractice, standards of care, and patient confidentiality, with special focus on HIPAA and safeguarding protected health information, while also learning practical steps to reduce legal risks.

SIMTICS Virtual Hands-On Labs:

• Obtain Swabs for Culture
• Perform Capillary Puncture and Hematology Testing
• Perform Rapid Infectious Mononucleosis Test
• Perform Rapid Strep Test
• Perform Routine Clinical Urinalysis Test
• Perform Venipuncture
• Perform Basic Life Support (BLS) on a Child
• Perform Basic Life Support (BLS) on an Adult
• Perform Basic Life Support (BLS) on an Infant

All necessary course materials are included.

Certification(s):

This course prepares a student to take the AMCA EKG Technician Certification (ETC) and AMCA Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC) national certification exams.  The cost of the course INCLUDES the cost of the exam vouchers.

System Requirements:

Internet Connectivity Requirements:

• Cable, Fiber, DSL, or LEO Satellite (i.e. Starlink) internet with speeds of at least 10mb/sec download and 5mb/sec upload are recommended for the best experience.

NOTE: While cellular hotspots may allow access to our courses, users may experience connectivity issues by trying to access our learning management system.  This is due to the potential high download and upload latency of cellular connections.   Therefore, it is not recommended that students use a cellular hotspot as their primary way of accessing their courses.

Hardware Requirements:

• CPU: 1 GHz or higher
• RAM: 4 GB or higher
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 or higher.  1920x1080 resolution is recommended for the best experience.
• Speakers / Headphones
• Microphone for Webinar or Live Online sessions.

Operating System Requirements:

• Windows 7 or higher.
• Mac OSX 10 or higher.
• Latest Chrome OS
• Latest Linux Distributions
  

NOTE: While we understand that our courses can be viewed on Android and iPhone devices, we do not recommend the use of these devices for our courses. The size of these devices do not provide a good learning environment for students taking online or live online based courses.

Web Browser Requirements:

• Latest Google Chrome is recommended for the best experience.
• Latest Mozilla FireFox
• Latest Microsoft Edge
• Latest Apple Safari

Basic Software Requirements (These are recommendations of software to use):

• Office suite software (Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice)
• PDF reader program (Adobe Reader, FoxIt)
• Courses may require other software that is described in the above course outline.