Understand the principles of electrocardiography and learn a step-by-step approach to performing and interpreting an ECG test.
91,106 enrolled on this course
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
2 hours100% online
How it works
ECG Assessment: an Introduction for Healthcare Providers
Gain an introduction to ECG assessment and ECG interpretation
This free online course will equip you with an introductory understanding of ECG assessment and interpretation, which will support the further hands-on training that is needed to competently perform the ECG test in clinical practice.
Discover the importance of ECG tests
The electrocardiograph (also known as electrocardiogram) or ECG/EKG is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure, commonly used to assess people with known or suspected heart disease, in a variety of healthcare settings.
Competent recording, reading and interpretation are vital to ensure safe and effective care, yet ECGs are commonly undertaken by unqualified and junior staff, who have received little training. With this course, you’ll learn why an EKG test can be so useful, as well as some of the clinical applications of them.
Explore how to record an ECG
Over two weeks, you will be guided through a step-by-step approach to undertaking the procedure, including ECG lead placement, and how to deal with common challenges you may face in obtaining a high-quality ECG reading.
By the time you’re finished, you’ll understand the steps involved in recording a standard 12 lead ECG.
Learn how to read ECG results
As you progress through the course, you will also explore the principles of electrophysiology, and how to recognise a normal heart rhythm, as well as signs of arrhythmia.
You’ll work on your ECG reading skills, learning how to read ECG reports and what various elements mean.
You will learn through demonstrations and interactive animations, and you’ll get to check your knowledge and deepen your understanding through a variety of quizzes and peer discussions.
What topics will you cover?
- What are ECGs and why are they useful?
- How to record an ECG
- Troubleshooting and challenges in obtaining a high quality ECG
- Recognising normal sinus rhythm
- Introduction to arrhythmias
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explain the heart’s normal electrical activity and the meaning of the term ‘sinus rhythm’
- Describe an ECG and what it measures
- Discuss the reasons for recording an ECG
- Identify the steps involved in recording a standard 12 lead ECG, including electrode placement and the pre and post-procedure considerations
- Identify problems in obtaining a good quality ECG and suggest solutions to these
- Explain the relationship between the heart’s electrical activity and ECG waveforms
- Summarise the parameters for normal sinus rhythm
- Describe some key features of arrhythmias and their potential impact
Who is the course for?
This course is suitable for a range of existing healthcare providers, including qualified and student nurses, paramedics and support workers. It’s designed to give an introduction to ECG assessments and the process behind it. Anyone interested in ECG interpretation can benefit from this online course.
Who will you learn with?
I am an Associate Professor for Undergraduate Workforce Development and also a Registered Nurse with extensive experience of teaching cardiac care to Healthcare Providers from a range of backgrounds.
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Limited access |
---|---|---|---|
Choose the best way to learn for you! | $54/one-off payment | $39.99 For your first month. Automatically renews | Free |
Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Sample the course materials | |
Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 23 Dec 2024 |
Access to 1,000+ courses | cross | tick | cross |
Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$39.99
For your first month. Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$54/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 23 Dec 2024
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. |
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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