About Cardiac Electrophysiology
Cardiac Electrophysiology is the fastest growing and technologically advanced subspecialty in cardiology. This intensive program provides the education and technical skills required to work with physicians to diagnose and provide treatment for patients with cardiac arrhythmias. Interventional modalities include utilizing computer technology in 3-dimensional mapping, ultrasound imaging, radiofrequency ablation, and surgical implantation of internal cardiac devices.
Program Description
The Cardiac Electrophysiology program offers a two-year associate program and a one-year academic certificate program for qualified students. The Program is designed to develop technical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and promote professional ethics. Classroom instruction includes mechanisms of arrhythmia theory, pharmacology, radiation safety, pulmonary and cardiac anatomy & physiology and cardiac devices. Clinical instruction offers a variety of experiences through which supervised, competency-based, entry-level cardiac electrophysiology technologist skills can be obtained. Clinical rotations provide students the opportunity to experience different approaches to treating cardiac arrhythmias. Class size is limited in order to provide the student individualized attention in both the classroom and clinical areas. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are ready to assume entry-level responsibilities in the electrophysiology lab and are eligible to take the registry examination (Registered Cardiovascular Electrophysiology Specialist – RCES) offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Qualified individuals who have completed a two-year post-secondary allied health program, or have earned an associate or bachelor degree, are eligible to enter the academic certificate program beginning in Summer II, 2nd year. Prerequisite coursework includes human anatomy and physiology I & II.
Program Mission
The Mission of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Technology Program is to create a compassionate, competent Electrophysiology Technologist. The program will provide didactic electrophysiologic concepts and theories while promoting ethical professional practice and strong clinical skills. The program facilitates and requires critical thinking, independent learning, and technical skill development.
Program Educational Outcomes
Graduates of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Program will:
1. Provide quality care as a professional in the Cardiac Electrophysiology and medical environment.
2. Utilize critical thinking and theoretical knowledge in their clinical practice.
3. Practice responsibly within the ethical and legal realm of the Cardiac Electrophysiology profession.
4. Accept responsibility for life-long personal learning and professional growth.
Admission Criteria Specific to This Program
For complete College admissions requirements, see our Admissions page (link on the left side of this page). Individuals who have completed a two-year post-secondary allied health program, or have earned an associate's or bachelor's degree, are eligible to complete the Cardiac Electrophysiology Program diploma curriculum. Applicants must have completed college-level human anatomy and physiology I & II courses with a grade of C or better:
Clinical Facilities
Two primary clinical sites are the Lancaster General Hospital and Penn State Hershey Medical Center. These clinical sites have both the correct mix and volume of cases, as well as experienced staff that helps with student clinical education. Additional clinical sites are being considered. Current reference materials and journals are readily accessible to students and faculty at the Lancaster General Health Sciences Library.
Course of Study
Expectations of specific courses, in the order they are to be taken, are in our College Catalog (link under Quick Links at the top of this page).
Electrophysiology courses
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CIS 220 Rhythm Analysis & 12-lead ECG
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CEP 200 Introduction to Cardiac Electrophysiology
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CEP 201 Advanced Cardiac ECG and Arrhythmias
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CEP 202 Electrophysiology Science
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CEP 204 Electrophysiology Theory I
Mechanisms of Cardiac Arrhythmias I
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CIS 205 Invasive Procedures I
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CEP 214 Cardiac Electrophysiology Theory II
Mechanisms of Cardiac Arrhythmias II
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CEP 224 Electrophysiology Theory III
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CIS 225 Acute Cardiac Care
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CEP 230 Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinical I
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CEP 240 Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinical II
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CEP 250 Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinical Internship
Updated 05/13/10