Frequently, EP Lab staff have not been to a technical school program as there are not very many across the country. The big programs ATI https://atischool.org/, UT https://med.uth.edu/epheart/ and Loma Linda https://alliedhealth.llu.edu/academics/radiation-technology/degree-options-radiation-technology/cardiac-electrophysiology-technology develop students at the industry level which is awesome. The lab I came from did not have fellows and the staff was responsible for all the pacing. There was a time when the lab staff also mapped our own cases. Mapping was my favorite part of the job and I’d hoped to go into industry.

As time went on the number of physicians grew and schedules increased and new staff increased. It was harder to get all staff trained at the same level. Also, we worked 3-12 hour shifts so (in my opinion) there was no continuity of staff. Each day was like starting fresh because you never knew which skillset mix you’d work with.

Many hospitals have found themselves in this situation. OJT training in the EP world will cost you time, money, and staff. Eventually that leads to bad outcomes.

I recently found a way around on the job training for EP lab staff. It’s not a conference, or some weekly training you have to make time for that gets 30% attendance rate. This program is a way to keep your staff in the lab, but provide interactive training, with accountability of the staff.

CHART Healthcare Academy is a virtual training session that allows students point direct information about EP and how to be a fast thinking, strong contributor in procedures.

The program gives you the knowledge of your worn copy of Fogoros, but in concise EP Lab terminology. The student has downloadable or editable PDF Workbook, an interactive online class time where we complete activities with the student, and coaching available that fits into the students hectic schedule.

The courses get everyone on the same page by starting small, HRA signals, up to expert level and #coach. The online class met through Zoom https://zoom.us/ which is really easy to use if you haven’t done that kind of virtual meeting before. You don’t have to have your face displayed on the screen if that bothers you.

I’m inserting a few pictures from the course so you can see the top quality you’ll find with CHART Healthcare Academy. I am the geek who loves to go to conferences for the classes, not the after hour drinks (anymore!). However, with education budgets being cut the way they are, it’s difficult to get any funding. Hospitals or MD offices can use these classes to get staff to more advanced levels. Better understanding leads to better outcomes for the patients. #levelup

More classes are going to available after the New Year –That’s only 17 days from now. I encourage you to visit the CHART Healthcare Academy website. Browse and then decide that this is the year you figure out how to tell where the PVCs are coming from! This is the year you troubleshoot the signals methodically, not haphazardly. This is the year everyone in the lab asks you for help.

https://www.charthealthcareacademy.com/

Please comment below your experiences with EP staff training. Wins. Losses. Also, follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for daily cardiology topics. I value your insights.