Advanced ECG in Practice
University Certificate in Continuing Education

Course overview

This award facilitates healthcare professionals from primary care, pre-hospital care and the acute care setting to develop, enhance, appraise and evaluate evidence-based knowledge underpinning the issues relating to electrocardiography interpretation and treatment of the adult patient with cardiac disease.

The award addresses the multi-professional care and management of clients who require cardiac monitoring.

HEE funding for 2021/22
Please note: funding for this module may be available from your trust but this not guaranteed. If funding is not available, you will be informed.

Where you study

Learning materials are delivered using the VLE. Tutorial support is provided as required.

Course details

What you study

• ECG recording using current guidelines
• normal sinus rhythm, junctional rates, idioventricular rates
• action potential
• axis
• supraventricular arrhythmias - atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, premature atrial contractions (PACs), junctional tachycardia - effects on patient and treatment
• ventricular arrhythmias - ventricular ectopics, accelerated idioventricular rhythm, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation - effects on patient and treatment (ICDs)
• atrioventricular (AV) blocks - sinus block, atrioventricular blocks (pacing)
• bundle branch blocks (pacing, CRT)
• acute coronary syndromes (STEMI/NSTEMI/U/A)
• ECG - miscellaneous changes

How you learn

Twenty hours of direct engagement with the VLE/learning materials is expected and includes presentations, blogs, tests and activities to support learning.

Formative feedback is provided for students engaging in four case studies provided in the VLE, which help you prepare for the exam and create an opportunity for students to systematically interpret a 12-lead ECG and discuss their thoughts on diagnosis and treatment options.

How you are assessed

Summative assessment is a two-hour unseen written examination. You are provided with a selection of 3- or 5-lead rhythm strips and 12-lead ECGs to interpret, analyse, evaluate and discuss.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

• Evidence of ability to study at Level 6
• Working in an environment where ECG interpretation can be employed
• Access to IT equipment for students choosing the distance learning option

Employability

Career opportunities

This award will enhance the CV of health professionals working with adult patients requiring cardiac monitoring, care and management of arrhythmias.