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Resources for Nursing Education Online

Basic Arrhythmia Interpretation

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

Q: Is this course only for RNs or can others take it?

A: This course is suitable for anyone wanting to learn how to recognize and interpret the common arrhythmias seen in practice. We frequently have monitor techs or those aspiring to be monitor techs, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians, and medical sales representatives take this course. The online course briefly reviews the treatments of common arrhythmias for those that need this information, but the final exam does not test on this information.


Q: I want to become a Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT).  Will this course allow me to take the Cardiovascular  Credentialing International examination?

A: Yes.  The qualification prerequisites for the CCI category CRAT1 require that you be currently enrolled as a student or be a graduate of a cardiovascular or allied health training program with a completion certificate.

CCI Website Information Here


Q: Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the course?

A: Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Completion when you take the final exam, achieve a passing score, and complete the Course Evaluation.  We will email the certificate in a pdf document to your email address and you can print it from the email.


Q: Besides paying for the online course, are there any other materials to purchase?

A: Although you can choose to take the course entirely online,  a supplemental textbook for those that are entirely new to interpreting basic arrhythmias is strongly recommended. It is not mandatory but extremely helpful for those that need lots of repetitive practice. Calipers are helpful to measure rhythm strips and most students elect to purchase this measuring device. These are inexpensive and can be purchased in most uniform stores.


Q: When can I start the course?

A: You can start as soon as you have completed your payment and registration


Q: How fast can I complete the course?

A: While that depends on the individual and the time you are able to devote to the course, the average time it takes to complete the online lessons AND the recommended practice strips is 28 hours. We allow you up to nine weeks but we frequently have students who complete the course over a few days. We can email the final exam to your proctor to expedite the process.


Q: What if I can't complete the course in nine weeks?

A: We allow you up to nine weeks for completion, but we know that people sometimes have problems that delay their progress. We are happy to work with you in these situations, so let us know.


Q: How do I go about purchasing and registering for the course?

A: If you wish to purchase this course, please go here to pay with PayPal, a very reliable and secure payment processor, where you can pay with your own credit card or with the PayPal procedure.  After you pay, you will be directed to the Course Registration form for you to complete.  After you have submitted the Course Registration form, you will be directed to a web page to receive your user name and password.  You will then be able to log in to our secure site and begin your lessons.


Q:  I am really having a hard time with measuring intervals, wave forms, and rates.  I just seem to be a little bit off from the answers given in the textbooks and the practice strips.  Are exact measurements required for correct interpretation?

A:  Many times you will not get THE EXACT ANSWERS THAT THE TEXTBOOKS AND PRACTICE SESSION SAY. I don't and you won't. It doesn't matter. As long as your measurements are not too far off, "don't sweat the small stuff!"


Q: How does the final exam process work?

A: You will be required to find someone to serve as a proctor for your final exam. Your proctor can be a local librarian, schoolteacher, hospital educator, clinical supervisor/nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse practitioner. You will need to submit information about your proctor at least one week prior to the time you plan to take the final exam. When you complete your course work, you will be given detailed instructions for the process. Once you make arrangements with your proctor for a mutually agreeable location, date, and time, you will let us know. We will email the final exam and proctor contract to your proctor. After you complete the exam, the proctor will either return it to us by US mail, scan and email, or fax the exam back to us for grading.


Q: Is there any additional cost for the final exam?

A:  No.  There is no charge for the final exam.


Q: When can I take the final exam?

A: You can take the final exam after the following:
    • You have completed all of the lessons and quizzes
    • You have arranged for your proctor
    • Your proctor has completed the Proctor Contract and we have received it
    • You and your proctor have arranged a date, time, and place for the exam
    • Your proctor has received the exam.  This is usually within 24 hours of us receiving the Proctor Contract, unless the proctor does not want to communicate electronically


Q: What if I (gulp) fail the final exam?

A: You will have one opportunity to re-take.


Q: I'm a Nurse Educator/Manager and I'm looking to document competency for our Critical Care nursing staff.  Would this course work?

A: Absolutely!  As you know “nurse managers are accountable for providing evidence that individual staff members have adequate knowledge and skills to perform their designated job responsibilities”  (Assessing Nursing Competency, MedSurg Nursing, June, 2005). You can certainly use this course to provide evidence of competency since students will be issued a Certificate of Completion after successful completion.  Check here for group pricing options.  If you have additional questions contact us.


Q: I am an experienced health care provider with tons of experience reading EKGs and monitoring patients, but need documentation of my competency.  Do I have to complete all of the lessons and quizzes or can I just take the final exam to get a Certificate of Completion?

A: If you feel that you are very experienced and capable in interpreting basic cardiac arrhythmias, you can take the final exam at a reduced rate.  If you pass, you will receive a Certificate of Completion that will attest to your competence.  You will still be required to have a proctor for your exam.  Email us for pricing and additional information.


Q: What if I have technical questions about the web site or difficulty accessing lessons or links?

A:  You can send us an email here.