VSPN TECH136-1021: ECG Interpretation Module 1

The real time sessions for this course will be presented via Zoom webinar platform.

Presenter: Dianne Hudson, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia)
Course Open: October 6, 2021-November 6, 2021
Real Time Sessions (RTS): Wednesdays, October 13, 20, and 27, 2021; 9:00-10:30pm ET (USA)    World Clock Converter
Total CE Credit: 4.5
RACE Category: 4.5 hours Medical

Enrollment is now closed.

Course Information:
This is module 1 of a two-part course designed to cover the essentials of electrocardiograph (ECG) interpretation. Basic knowledge of the cardiovascular system and physiologic components is highly recommended as we will only cover basic anatomy and physiology briefly in this intermediate level course. Participants completing both modules of this course will be exposed to the basic elements of ECG interpretation (Lead II) including a review of the conduction system of the heart, the ECG/EKG waveform, normal rhythms, cardiac arrhythmias, and nursing care of abnormal cardiac events.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:
  • Illustrate cardiac anatomy.
  • Demonstrate normal blood flow through the heart.
  • Describe the conduction system.
  • Describe the properties of cardiac muscle.
  • Demonstrate ECG lead wire placement.
  • Describe standard patent positioning for diagnostic ECG.
  • Interpret ECG paper readings.
  • Understand how to calculate rate from and ECG recording.
  • Differentiate amplitude and duration.
  • Recognize normal ECG waveforms for canine and feline patients.
  • Recognize normal sinus rhythms.
  • Recognize sinus arrhythmia.
  • Recognize sinus tachycardia.
Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate VSPN CE course is geared toward veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and veterinary technician students. Module 1 is a required prerequisite for Module 2 to help insure a complete basic understanding of ECG interpretation in the anesthesia, emergency and critical care patient.

RACE Accreditation: This program has been submitted approved for 4.5 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval. (20-847917)

Course Agenda:

Week 1 (Real Time Session October 13): Circulation and the Conduction System
In this session we will go over cardiac anatomy and demonstrate normal blood flow through the heart. We will discuss the conduction system and the properties of cardiac muscle.

Week 2 (Real Time Session October 20): Recording ECGs
This week we will demonstrate ECG lead wire placement and describe the standard patient positioning for a diagnostic ECG. We will learn to interpret ECG paper leads, discuss calculation rate from an ECG recording, and differentiate amplitude and duration.

Week 3 (Real Time Session October 27): What is Normal for Our Canine and Feline Patients?
In this session we will learn to recognize normal ECG waveforms for both canine and feline patients. We will learn to recognize normal sinus rhythms, sinus arrhythmia and sinus tachycardia.

Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course. To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.
Required Textbook(s): There is no required textbook for this course.

Enrollment is now closed.

Tuition: $95 ($86 early bird special if enrolled by September 22, 2021)
* Enroll in both modules by October 13, 2021, and receive a 15% discount off the original course price.
Prices are listed in US dollars.

* Students currently enrolled in an AVMA accredited or CVMA approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status).

*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on October 13, 2021 at 5 pm ET (USA) or when the maximum number of participants is reached.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

To Enroll:
  1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN member and non-member veterinarians. Veterinarians enrolling in a VSPN CE course must be a VIN member. Veterinary support staff must be a VSPN member to enroll in a VSPN CE or a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
  2. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  3. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext.792 or email . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.

Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN office 800-846-0028 ext. 792 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

*For more information on VSPN's upcoming CE courses, check the VSPN Course Catalog.

Lisa Kernaghan, LVT, RVT, CVT, VTS (ECC)
VSPN CE Coordinator

VSPN CE Services:
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 792
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357