On-Campus Clinic Preps Students for EKG Certification

Students enrolled in the Sand Creek High School EKG program hosted an on-campus clinic the third week of April. Those who pass a national exam will walk away certified to check people for a range of cardiac conditions in a professional setting. But first, they have to practice on living, breathing patients. 

“Being able to be here and help out does a dad‘s heart good. It’s awesome,” said Christopher McCrady, whose son is taking the class. “For the last couple years he said he wants to be a doctor. Seeing him find something that he is interested in and sticks with is amazing.”

The comprehensive EKG (Electrocardiogram) program at SCHS supports in-depth knowledge of cardiac function and diagnostic procedures. Through hands-on and classroom study, students learn proper EKG administration, including attaching electrodes and operating the machine. Students conducted 12-Lead EKG procedures on volunteers who scheduled time to serve as patients. 

With a minimum of 12 successful EKG procedures, students are eligible to test for a national certification which sets them up to be work-ready immediately after high school.  

“This is free education, free certifications that people pay good money for,” said Mr. McCrady. “To be able to do it here in high school is an amazing opportunity.” 

As a bonus, this diagnostic, typically $250, was free at the SCHS event. Participants took home results to add to their medical records, ensuring doctors have vital heart health information.