2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Electrocardiograph Technology
Program Type:	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster:	Health Science

PSAV	
Program Number	H170208	
CIP Number	0351090203	
Grade Level	30, 31	
Standard Length	465 hours	
Teacher Certification	LAB TECH @7 7G 
LAB ASST @7 7G
EKG  7  G
REG NURSE  7 G
RESP THER @7 7G 
PARAMEDIC @7 7G 
PRAC NURSE @7  %7%G *(Must be a Registered Nurse)	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	31-9099 Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
29-2031 Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians	
Facility Code	[252] http://www.fldoe.org/edfacil/sref.asp (State Requirements for Educational Facilities)	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Industry Certifications	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/fcpea/default.asp 	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	
Basic Skills Level	Mathematics:9	
Language:9	
Reading: 9		

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The program is designed to prepare students for employment as electrocardiograph aides, electrocardiograph technicians, EKG Technicians SOC 29-2031 cardiovascular technologists and technicians or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in this occupation.  

The content includes but is not limited to communication and interpersonal skills, overview of human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on cardiac and vascular systems, medical terminology and transcription, patient care techniques, medical instrumentation, cardiovascular drugs, interpretation of monitoring and testing results, medical ethics, cardiac wellness and rehabilitation, safe and efficient work practices, CPR, Basic Life Support (BLS) and employability skills.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 3 occupational completion points.

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S.  Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44(3)(b), F.S.

The following table illustrates the post-secondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Length	SOC Code	
A	HSC0003	Basic Healthcare Worker	90 hours	31-9099	
B	MEA0540	EKG Aide 	75 hours	31-9099	
C	MEA0541	EKG Technician  	300 hours	29-2031	

Common Career Technical Core – Career Ready Practices

Career Ready Practices describe the career-ready skills that educators should seek to develop in their students.  These practices are not exclusive to a Career Pathway, program of study, discipline or level of education.  Career Ready Practices should be taught and reinforced in all career exploration and preparation programs with increasingly higher levels of complexity and expectation as a student advances through a program of study. 

1. Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee. 

2. Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. 

3. Attend to personal health and financial well-being. 

4. Communicate clearly, effectively and with reason. 

5. Consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of decisions. 

6. Demonstrate creativity and innovation. 

7. Employ valid and reliable research strategies. 

8. Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. 

9. Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management. 

10. Plan education and career path aligned to personal goals. 

11. Use technology to enhance productivity. 

12. Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence. 

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Describe the cardiovascular system.
13.0	Identify legal and ethical responsibilities of an EKG aide.
14.0	Demonstrate knowledge of, apply and use medical instrumentation modalities.
15.0	Perform patient care techniques in the health care facility.
16.0	Recognize normal and abnormal monitoring and testing results.
17.0	Describe cardiovascular drugs, their actions, use, and adverse effects.
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of other cardiovascular diagnostic modalities.
19.0	

2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Electrocardiograph Technology
PSAV Number:	H170208

PSAV Course Number:  HSC0003
Occupational Completion Point:  A 
Basic Healthcare Worker – 90 Hours – SOC Code 31-9099	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations–The student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify the basic components of the healthcare delivery system including public, private, government and non-profit.	
01.02	Identify common methods of payment for healthcare services.	
01.03	Describe the various types of healthcare providers and the range of services available including resources to victims of domestic violence. 	
01.04	Describe the composition and functions of a healthcare team. 	
01.05	Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the individual members of the healthcare team. 	
01.06	Identify the roles and responsibilities of the consumer within the healthcare delivery system. 	
01.07	Identify characteristics of effective teams. 	
01.08	Recognize methods for building positive team relationships.	
01.09	Analyze attributes and attitudes of an effective leader. 	
01.10	Recognize factors and situations that may lead to conflict.	
01.11	Demonstrate effective techniques for managing team conflict. 	
01.12	Describe factors that influence the current delivery system of healthcare.	
01.13	Explain the impact of emerging issues including technology, epidemiology, bioethics and socioeconomics on healthcare delivery systems. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively–The student will be able to:	
02.01	Develop basic speaking and active listening skills.	
02.02	Develop basic observational skills and related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including communication styles and barriers. 	
02.04	Respond to verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Compose written communication using correct spelling, grammar, a formatting and confidentiality and specific formats of letter writing.	
02.06	Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.07	Recognize the importance of courtesy and respect for patients and other healthcare workers and maintain good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.08	Recognize the importance of patient/client educations regarding healthcare. 	
02.09	Adapt communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic and religious groups. 	
02.10	Analyze elements of communication using a sender-receiver model.	
02.11	Distinguish between and report subjective and objective information. 	
02.12	Report relevant information in order of occurrence. 	
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities–The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the legal framework of the healthcare occupations including scope of practice legislation.	
03.02	Explain practices that could result in malpractice, liability, negligence, abandonment, false imprisonment and fraud. 	
03.03	Demonstrate procedures for accurate documentation and record keeping. 	
03.04	Interpret healthcare facility policy and procedures. 	
03.05	Explain the “Patient’s Bill of Rights”.	
03.06	Identify standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).	
03.07	Describe advance directives. 	
03.08	Describe informed consent. 	
03.09	Explain the laws governing harassment, labor and employment. 	
03.10	Differentiate between legal and ethical issues in healthcare.	
03.11	Describe a code of ethics consistent with the healthcare occupation. 	
03.12	Identify and compare personal, professional, and organizational ethics. 	
03.13	Recognize the limits of authority and responsibility of health care workers including legislated scope of practice 	
03.14	Recognize and report illegal and/or unethical practices of healthcare workers. 	
03.15	Recognize and report abuse including domestic violence and neglect. 	
03.16	Distinguish among the five schedules of controlled substances.	
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts–The student will be able to:	
04.01	Describe strategies for prevention of diseases including health screenings and examinations. 	
04.02	Identify personal health practices and environmental factors which affect optimal function of each of the major body systems.	
04.03	Identify psychological reactions to illness including defense mechanisms. 	
04.04	Identify complementary and alternative health practices. 	
04.05	Discuss the adverse effects of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and both legal and illegal drugs on the human body and apply safety practices related to these and other high risk behaviors. 	
04.06	Explain the basic concepts of positive self image, wellness and stress. 	
04.07	Develop a wellness and stress control plan that can be used in personal and professional life. 	
04.08	Explore and utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate food guide (www.choosemyplate.gov).	
04.09	Recognize the steps in the grief process. 	
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures–The student will be able to:	
05.01	Recognize safe and unsafe working conditions and report safety hazards. 	
05.02	Demonstrate the safe use of medical equipment.	
05.03	Explain and apply the theory of root- cause analysis.  	
05.04	Identify and describe methods in medical error reduction and prevention in the various healthcare settings. 	
05.05	Identify and practice security procedures for medical supplies and equipment. 	
05.06	Demonstrate personal safety procedures based on Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations (including standard precautions). 	
05.07	Recognize Materials Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) and comply with safety signs, symbols and labels. 	
05.08	Demonstrate proper body mechanics and ergonomics. 	
05.09	Demonstrate the procedure for properly identifying patients. 	
05.10	Demonstrate procedures for the safe transport and transfer of patients. 	
05.11	Describe fire, safety, disaster and evacuations procedures. 	
05.12	Discuss The Joint Commission patient safety goals (www.jointcommission.org). 	
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations–The student will be able to:	
06.01	Monitor and record vital signs.	
06.02	Describe legal parameters relating to the administration of emergency care. 	
06.03	Obtain and maintain training or certification on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) and first aid. 	
06.04	Recognize adverse drug related emergencies and take appropriate first aid action. 	
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures–The student will be able to:	
07.01	Define principles of infection control including standard and transmission based precautions.	
07.02	Demonstrate knowledge of medical asepsis and practice procedures such as hand-washing and isolation. 	
07.03	Demonstrate knowledge of surgical asepsis. 	
07.04	Describe how to dispose correctly of biohazardous materials according to appropriate government guidelines such as OSHA. 	
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare–The student will be able to:	
08.01	Describe technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.02	Define terms and demonstrate basic computer skills. 	
08.03	Recognize technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.04	Interpret information from electronic medical documents. 	
08.05	Identify methods of communication to access and distribute data such as fax, e-mail and internet. 	
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills–The student will be able to:	
09.01	Identify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
09.02	Exemplify basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. telephone etiquette, courtesy and self-introductions). 	
09.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job. 	
09.04	Write an appropriate resume. 	
09.05	Conduct a job search. 	
09.06	Complete a job application form correctly.	
09.07	Examine levels of education, credentialing requirements including licensure and certification, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.08	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.09	Identify acceptable work habits. 	
09.10	Recognize appropriate affective/professional behavior. 	
09.11	Compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services or biotechnology research and development). 	
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS–The student will be able to:	
10.01	Recognize emerging diseases and disorders.	
10.02	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the transmission and treatment of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens including Hepatitis B.	
10.03	Identify community resources and services available to the individuals with diseases caused by blood borne pathogens.	
10.04	Identify "at risk" behaviors which promote the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens and the public education necessary to combat the spread of these diseases.	
10.05	Apply infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens to the care of all patients following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
10.06	Demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects of HIV/AIDS, including testing.	
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills–The student will be able to:	
11.01	Draw, read, and report on graphs, charts and tables.	
11.02	Measure time, temperature, distance, capacity, and mass/weight.	
11.03	Make, use and convert using both traditional and metric units. 	
11.04	Make estimations and approximations and judge the reasonableness of the result.	
11.05	Convert from regular to 24 hour time.	
11.06	Demonstrate ability to evaluate and draw conclusions.	
11.07	Organize and communicate the results obtained by observation and experimentation.	
11.08	Ask appropriate scientific questions and recognize what is involved in experimental approaches to the solution of such questions.	
11.09	Calculate ratios.	

Course Number: MEA0540
Occupational Completion Point: B
EKG Aide – 75 Hours – SOC Code 31-9099	
12.0	Describe the cardiovascular system.--The student will be able to:	
12.01	Locate the heart and surrounding structures.	
12.02	Diagram and label the parts of the heart and list the functions of each labeled part.	
12.03	Trace the flow of blood through the cardiopulmonary system.	
12.04	Identify and describe the electrical conduction system.	
13.0	Identify legal and ethical responsibilities of an EKG aide.--The student will be able to:	
13.01	Recognize and practice legal and ethical responsibilities as they relate to an EKG aide.	
13.02	Maintain a safe and efficient work environment.	
13.03	Maintain EKG equipment so it will be safe and accurate.	
13.04	Implement appropriate JCAHO patient safety goals.	
14.0	Demonstrate knowledge of, apply and use medical instrumentation modalities.--The student will be able to:	
14.01	Calibrate and standardize the cardiograph instrument.	
14.02	Identify three types of lead systems.	
14.03	State Einthoven's triangle.	
14.04	Demonstrate proper lead placement including lead placement for patients with special needs.	
14.05	Identify artifacts and mechanical problems.	
14.06	Perform a 12 lead EKG.	
14.07	Recognize normal sinus rhythm.	
14.08	Report any rhythm that is not normal sinus rhythm.	
14.09	Recognize a cardiac emergency as seen on the EKG.	
14.10	Use documentation skills to identify electrocardiographs.	
15.0	Perform patient care techniques in the health care facility.--The student will be able to:	
15.01	Describe the physical and mental preparation of the patient for EKG testing.	
15.02	Identify patient and verify the requisition order.	
15.03	Prepare patient for EKG testing.	
15.04	Measure and record patient's vital signs and recognize and report abnormalities.	
15.05	State precautions required when performing an EKG.	
	
Course Number: MEA0541
Occupational Completion Point: C
EKG Technician – 300 Hours – SOC Code 29-2031	
16.0	Recognize normal and abnormal monitoring and testing results.--The student will be able to:	
16.01	Measure waves, segments, complexes, rates and intervals.	
16.02	Identify electrical axis.	
16.03	List purposes for pacemakers and indications for insertion.	
16.04	Recognize normal and deviations from normal sinus rhythms.	
16.05	Recognize normal and deviations from normal atrial rhythms.	
16.06	Recognize normal and deviations from normal atrioventricular rhythms.	
16.07	Recognize normal and deviations from normal ventricular rhythms.	
16.08	Recognize normal and deviations from normal types of heart blocks.	
16.09	Recognize normal and deviations from normal pacemaker rhythms.	
16.10	Recognize normal and deviations from normal types of myocardial ischemia and infarction.	
16.11	Recognize normal and deviations from normal atrial and ventricular hypertrophies.	
16.12	Recognize normal and deviations from normal extrasystole and other rare phenomena.	
16.13	Recognize normal and deviations from normal 12 lead EKG results.	
16.14	Recognize and describe AV block.	
17.0	Describe cardiovascular drugs, their actions, use and adverse effects.--The student will be able to:	
17.01	Describe mechanisms by which cardiovascular drugs work.	
17.02	List common cardiovascular drugs.	
17.03	Identify and respond to cardiac emergency.	
17.04	State actions and adverse effects of commonly used cardiovascular drugs.	
17.05	Differentiate between normal and abnormal EKG changes due to drugs.	
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of other cardiovascular diagnostic modalities.--The student will be able to:	
18.01	Describe the Holter monitoring and scanning exercise treatment.	
18.02	Describe other modalities of cardiovascular diagnosis and interpretation.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

Special Notes

This cluster of programs focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the health care industry; planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety, and environmental issues.

Students must complete the core, or demonstrate the mastery of skills standards contained in the core, before advancing in the program.

This program meets the Department of Health HIV/AIDS Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors education requirements. Upon completion of this program, the instructor will provide a certificate to the student verifying that these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635 F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

A voluntary national certification is available through an exam offered by the National Health Career Association, 194 Rt. 46 East, Fairfield, NJ 07004 (973/244-0023) To be eligible students must;

1. Have a High School Diploma or equivalency and have completed an NHA approved training program.
OR
2. Have a High School Diploma or equivalency and have worked in the field for a minimum of one year.

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Career Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health occupations program at any level. Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio. The Core should be taken first or concurrently with the first course in the program.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the appropriate career and technical student organization for providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills.  Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.  The activities of such organizations are defined as part of the curriculum in accordance with Rule 6A-6.065, F.A.C.

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Basic Skills 

In PSAV programs offered for 450 hours or more, in accordance with Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C., the minimum basic skills grade levels required for postsecondary adult career and technical students to complete this program are:  Mathematics 9, Language 9, and Reading 9.  These grade level numbers correspond to a grade equivalent score obtained on a state designated basic skills examination.  

Adult students with disabilities, as defined in Section 1004.02(7), Florida Statutes, may be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirements (Rule 6A-10.040).  Students served in exceptional student education (except gifted) as defined in s. 1003.01(3)(a), F.S., may also be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirement.  Each school district and Florida College must adopt a policy addressing procedures for exempting eligible students with disabilities from the Basic Skills requirement as permitted in Section 1004.91(3), F.S.

Students who possess a college degree at the Associate of Applied Science level or higher; who have completed or are exempt from the college entry-level examination; or who have passed a state, national, or industry licensure exam are exempt from meeting the Basic Skills requirement (Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C.)  Exemptions from state, national or industry licensure are limited to the certifications listed at http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/rtf/basicskills-License-exempt.rtf.  

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan to meet individual needs and ensure equal access.  Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors.  Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education.  Accommodations change the way the student is instructed.  Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems.  Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

In addition to accommodations, some secondary students with disabilities (students with an IEP served in Exceptional Student Education (ESE)) will need modifications to meet their needs.  Modifications change the outcomes or what the student is expected to learn, e.g., modifying the curriculum of a secondary career and technical education course.  Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.

Some secondary students with disabilities (ESE) may need additional time (i.e., longer than the regular school year), to master the student performance standards associated with a regular Occupational Completion Point (OCP) or a Modified Occupational Completion Point (MOCP).  If needed, a student may enroll in the same career and technical course more than once.  Documentation should be included in the IEP that clearly indicates that it is anticipated that the student may need an additional year to complete an OCP/MOCP.  The student should work on different competencies and new applications of competencies each year toward completion of the OCP/MOCP.  After achieving the competencies identified for the year, the student earns credit for the course.  It is important to ensure that credits earned by students are reported accurately.  The district’s information system must be designed to accept multiple credits for the same course number for eligible students with disabilities.

Articulation

This program has no statewide articulation agreement approved by the Florida State Board of Education.  However, this does not preclude the awarding of credits by any college through local agreements. 

For details on statewide articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications, refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp.