Instructor: Eursula Davis, BSN, RN

Email: davise1@lamarpa.edu

Phone: (409) 984-6364

Office Hours: Mondays, 9 am - Noon, Fridays, 9 am - Noon, Advising by Appointment

Additional Contact Information: Allied Health Administrative Assistant, Donna Wolfe (409) 984-6366 or email at wolfeds@lamarpa.edu

Fundamentals of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. Includes basic electrocardiography procedures, interpretation of basic dysthymias and appropriate treatment modalities.

ISBN: 9781604251517 Harman's Complete Guide for the EKG Technician, (2nd Edition, 2023) Hartman Publishing, Inc. 

ISBN: 9781604251524 Workbook Hartman's Complete Guide for the EKG Technician, (2nd Edition, 2023), Hartman Publishing, Inc.

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Hartman Publishing, Inc.: hartmanonline.com

National Certifying Body for the Patient Care Technician: Patient Care Technician Certification | CPCT/A (nhanow.com)

None

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
• Perform basic electrocardiography procedures
• Interpret basic dysrhythmias

• Exhibits an understanding of the Scope of Practice for a Patient Care Technician
• Demonstrates the knowledge, skills and attitude to work collaboratively with members of the healthcare team to provide safe and competent patient care within their scope of practice
• Demonstrates the knowledge of the ethical, legal and professional principles for the role of the Patient Care Technician
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team in a therapeutic and professional manner

Role of the EKG Technician

Basic Patient Care Skills

Anatomy and Physiology

Common Cardiovascular Diseases

Introduction to EKG Technology & Applications

Basic EKG Procedures

EKG Adaptations & Troubleshooting

The Cardiac Conduction System & EKG Tracings

Overview of Rhythm Interpretations

Emergency Situations

Week # 1: Introduction & Orientation, Role of EKG Technician

Week # 2: Practicing Basic Nursing Skills

Week # 3: Quiz, Chapters 1, 2 Checkoffs Basic Skills

Week # 4: Show & Tell - EKG Equipment, Worktext Assignments, Chapter 3

Week # 5: EKG Machine Setup and Electrode Placement Practice, Worktext Assignments, Chapter 4

Week # 6: Quiz, Chapters 3 & 4, EKG Machine Setup & Electrode Placement, Worktext Assignments, Chapter 5

Week # 7: Practice Skills - Obtaining 12-Lead EKG, Applying Telemetry pack/unit/ambulatory monitor, Simulate Conduction of a Stress Test, Worktext Assignments Chapters 6 & 7

Week # 8: Mid-Term Exam, Practice Skills - Obtaining 12-Lead EKG, Applying Telemetry pack/unit/ambulatory monitor, Simulate Conduction of a Stress Test

Week # 9: Practice Skills - Obtaining 12-Lead EKG, Applying Telemetry pack/ambulatory monitor

Week # 10: Skills Checkoffs - EKG Machine Setup and Electrode Placement, Obtaining 12-Lead EKG, Applying Telemetry pack/monitor

Week # 11: Practice Skills - EKG Tracings, Worktext Assignment, Chapter 8

Week # 12: Quiz, Practice Skills - EKG Tracings – Sinus & Atrial Rhythms, Worktext Assignment, Chapter 9

Week # 13: Quiz, Practice Skills - EKG Tracings – Junctional & Ventricular Rhythms, Continue Worktext Assignment, Chapter 9

Week # 14: Giving Thanks - Thanksgiving Holiday

Week # 15: Final Exam, Final Skills Checkoff, as scheduled - Obtaining 12-Lead EKG

Week # 16: Review of Test Plan and Information for Certification, LSCPA - Graduation

December 4, 2026, 3 p.m.

90-100 = A    80-89 = B    75-79 = C    60-74 = D    Below 60 = F

Worktext Assignments & Other - 10%

Lab/Classroom Participation - 15%

Professionalism/Attendance - 15%

Quizzes - 15%

Mid-Term - 20%

Final Exam - 25%

Final Skills Checkoff - Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory

Total Calculation = 100% and Satisfactory Final Skills Checkoff

A minimum average of 75% in Electrocardiography, ECRD 1211, as well as a Satisfactory for Final Skills Checkoff, independent of all other requirements, is necessary to pass the course. 

Attendance, Professionalism and Participation:

Active engagement in class and lab sessions, assignments and activities increase student retention of learned concepts. Further skills such as communication, teamwork, personal responsibility and critical thinking skills are cited as one of several soft skills that employers desire to see in potential candidates for hire. Therefore, regular attendance, absentee notification, professional courtesy, class and lab participation are included in the grading criteria. Daily grades will be taken to address these critical areas, necessary for students to become competent, caring, professional healthcare professionals.

Eligibility for the National Patient Care Technician and/or EKG Certification Examination: 

A minimum average of 75% or greater course average for ECRD 1211, and a Satisfactory Final Skills Checkoff, is necessary to be eligible to take the National Certification Examination to become a Certified Patient Care Technician and/or EKG Technician. Additionally, the successful completion of a minimum of TEN (10), 12-Lead EKGs is also required in order to be eligible to take the National Certification Examination to become and EKG Technician.

Missed Exams/Major Assignments: 

There are no make-up exams for this course, except at the discretion of the Program Coordinator, Instructor and Allied Health Department Chair for extenuating circumstances. The same is true for the Mandatory Skills Checkoff.

Course Policies:

• Lamar State College – Port Arthur (LSCPA) is a no smoking, drug-free campus. Use of tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigs, as well as unauthorized drug use, is prohibited on all LSCPA properties at any time. This includes all clinical facilities and off-campus sites.
• No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Snacks are okay but you must keep this area clean. Should you be unable to maintain a clean classroom, snack privileges will be discontinued.
• Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.
• No caps, hoodies, cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, calculators, other electronic devices, other than pencils and keys, shall be brought into the exam room, unless specifically allowed by the instructor.
• Use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions.
• Students should turn their phones to vibrate before they enter the classroom. Phones should be off and out of reach
• No cell phones and/or smart watches should be visible during class or exams. 

Additional classroom policies include:

Students and faculty of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Patient Care Technician Program are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. To assure that faculty have the opportunity to teach and students have the opportunity to benefit from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in distracting classroom behavior:

• I understand that promptness is expected. I will be on time for all classes on campus or virtually and return from breaks promptly.
• I understand that I am expected to come to theory and lab experiences prepared and present myself as a sincere, adult learner. Pre-course assignments may be required for admission into class.
• I will return phone calls and/or text messages only during scheduled breaks.
• I will keep cell phones off and out of reach during class sessions, testing and test reviews. In the event of an emergency, your family should contact you through AH Administrative Assistant, Patient Care Technician Instructor, or Department Chair.
• I agree that on-campus computers will only be used for classroom work.
• I agree that all information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential.
• I will not repeat or discuss what is shared with anyone.
• I agree that I will not engage in ‘side-bar’ discussions.
• I agree that I will direct my comments to faculty, of guest presenters in charge of the classroom, clinical or lab time.
• I agree to actively participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises.
• I agree to be open to new ideas and experiences.
• I agree to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone.
• I agree to maintain a positive attitude.
• I agree to give supportive feedback and make corrections without belittling anyone.
• I agree to suspend judgment and be responsible for my actions.
• I agree to be responsible for learning as much as I can from this experience, utilizing approved resources to aid in my academic and professional success.
• I agree to ask for what I need from my instructors.
• I agree to get better acquainted with my fellow students so we can all identify ways to support one another, work together as a team and develop professionally.
• I agree to follow the guidelines and policies as stated in this course syllabi and discussed by the Instructor

The following behaviors may result in the student being asked to cease the action and/or leave the classroom session:

• Inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones or other electronic devices in classroom
• Talking or sleeping while the instructor is giving instructions or during class discussions/presentations
• Displaying a rude or negative attitude/behavior to the instructor, guest presenters or other students; disruptive behaviors in the classroom, skills/simulation lab, computer lab, testing environment, or clinical setting

If any of these behaviors reoccur on a continual basis, the student will be counseled and a plan of correction set in place. The student should also be reminded that these behavioral violations may be reflected in the grading schema for professionalism.

Should I be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools Syllabus Statement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, DALL·E, Quizlet AI, etc.) can support learning, but they must be used responsibly and within course guidelines. In this course, AI tools may be used conditionally under the circumstances outlined below.

Permitted Uses

• Brainstorming & Idea Development: AI may be used for outlining projects, presentations, study strategies, or draft ideas for assignments.
• Study Support: AI may be used to generate concept maps, study guides for review, flashcards, or self-quizzes.
• Writing Support: Limited use for grammar, structure, or formatting support is acceptable, provided the final submission is your own original work.

Prohibited Uses

• Exams, Quizzes, or Graded Assessments: AI tools are not permitted during any testing, simulations, checkoff’s, or any closed-book or proctored assignments.
•  Clinical Assignments: Care plans, charting, clinical paperwork, or patient documentation must be student-created.
• Copy-and-Paste Submission: Direct submission of AI-generated content as your own work is considered plagiarism.

Student Accountability

• Students must disclose any AI use in written assignments. (e.g., “AI was used for grammar suggestions only” _.
• Students are fully responsible for the accuracy, validity, and professionalism of all work submitted.
• Improper use of AI may result in academic penalties under the LSCPA Academic Integrity Policy.

Electrophysiology, ECRD 1211 consists of in-person lectures, labs and assignments. Schedules, and methods of class delivery may be changed at the discretion of the Faculty. Research has shown a cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success. All attendance policies are in effect regardless of whether conducted online, in the classroom, lab, or clinical setting. Policies for this course are described below: 

Because poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment, attendance at all scheduled classes is expected.

1.    A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days without notification to the faculty may be dropped from the program by the Program Director. Students on campus but not in class are considered absent. Students who do not attend scheduled live virtual activities will be counted absent.

2.    Late arrival to class is disruptive. Students who consistently arrive after the beginning of the class (3 or more times) will be counseled and a plan of corrective action determined. Class will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Students who arrive fifteen (15) minutes after the beginning of class should not enter the classroom and should wait until break to enter. A student who is tardy three (3) times in one class will result in a 5-point deduction from the next assignment grade. 

3.   It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Instructor of any absence. If the student is unable to contact the instructor, the student should call 409-984-6366 or 1-800-477-5872 ext. 6366. The student should also email the faculty and call the faculty office and leave a voicemail.

4.    In addition to notifying Instructor, students must submit a Student Excuse Form, upon the first day of return, each time the student is absent, delayed from attending or must depart early from class, clinical or lab. Failure to complete the Student Excuse Form will result in a declaration of a ‘No Call, No Show' for the number of days absent and may result in the student being dismissed from the program.

Bullying Policy:

Lamar State College Port Arthur is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Bullying of any kind is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated in any academic or clinical setting.

Definition of Bullying:

Bullying is defined as repeated, unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying can be verbal, social, or physical in nature and may include, but is not limited to:

• Verbal abuse or threats
• Intimidation or humiliation
• Spreading rumors or false information
• Excluding others intentionally
• Cyberbullying or inappropriate use of digital platforms

Scope:

This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff in classrooms, clinical sites, labs, simulations, and any school-sponsored activities.

Reporting process:

Any student who experiences or witnesses bullying is encouraged to report the incident to a faculty member, program coordinator, or the department chair. Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated promptly.

Consequences:

Verified incidents of bullying may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to verbal warnings, written documentation, dismissal from the program, or referral to college administration in accordance with institutional policy.

Resources and Information:

1.     Gates Memorial Library (lamarpa.edu)

2.     Testing Center (lamarpa.edu)

3.     Patient Care Technician Certification | CPCT/A (nhanow.com)

4.     Lamar State College Port Arthur Catalogs - SmartCatalog www.academiccatalog.com

5.     Lamar State College Port Arthur Catalogs - Student Handbook

6.     Find Course Materials | Lamar State College - Port Arthur Bookstore

7.     The Nest: Food Pantry, Supplies, Clothing (lamarpa.edu)

8.   Academic Calendars

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.