EKG Program??Good or not, or drop out. What to do (skill, Associates degree)

[Dallascrazy]

Well, currently I am a student, a sophmore turning Junior at a college. I am 6 classes away from getting an associates degree in A.A/A.S. It's just a general Associate degree, not an applied associates. I would actually have enough credits for an associate degree, but I transfered schools and not all my credits transfered...I took Stats Math and Algrebriac models for Nothing...lol. Anyway, I am looking at a program that is offered at my university for EKG. However, I was wondering if people really look at this as anything, I mean, is it worth it? The program is $1,000.00. It is an 8 week program, it covers medical term, EKG's, a little echocardiogram. However, this program would end up costing me $1550.00 because I owe the school $550.00. So, in the end, is it worth it? I am really at a cross roads because I was badly advised when I came to this school, they actually put me under the wrong course catalog year. Also, I found out most A.A/A.S degrees are used as transfer degrees! I already have over 12k in student loans, for a degree that will what, get me to be a Tutor( I have a 3.41 GPA ), or teacher's assistant. After realizing this, I have been thinking about actually going through with school or not. My carreer goals have changed. I was thinking about Polysomnography( Sleep tech ). However, I didn't know if the EKG program would help with becoming a sleep tech, or if the EKG program is bogus, and it really wouldn't help much anyway. I did take 2 occupational Therapy classes for my electives at school. I got a A's in both classes. However, my main q's are Number 1, is this EKG program even worth it? Number 2, will this even help me in getting in as a trainee for sleep tech? Lastly, should I just tank school? Really I feel my degree will not make me any more smart than now, and it will cost a bunch of money to get a bogus job. I mean the classes I don't even study for because I am BORED! It dosen't interest me. I mean philosophy, ethics.....history..BORED. If you guys or gals, can give insight or opinions on this EKG program, or my situation, just drop a post. Thanks

[sean98125]

Call a couple of HR departments in local hospitals and ask them if they hire EKG techs if they only have that class.

[mm_mary73]

No, an EKG class will not help you become a sleep tech. Being a licensed respiratory therapy tech might, but you'd have to successfully complete that program, then apply to an accredited polysom program. Advising for allied health programs is my job, as well as working in a healthcare position, and using your post as an example of your communication skill and study / school work habits, I do not know if you would do well enough to finish.

[Sleeptechswift]

[FONT=Verdana]I am new to this Forum so hello ALL. I would like to comment on the need for EKG in the profession of polysomnography. I think you need to figure out exactly what you want to do. If you want to become a poly tech it is kind of hard to get into and could become expensive to go to school. You have to find a school that is offering the course or have medical background. I believe the schools that offer sleep programs are few and far between and are expensive. I know of only a handful of schools that offer that type of program. The other way to get into the field is get lucky and get into a new lab start up or find a place that is in great need for techs and is willing to train someone with medical history. I did not go into an accredited school, I just lucked up. I think an EKG course would be a very good thing if you want to jump into the field of sleep. The cost is low in comparison to a Poly course and you would get general medical background. Plus if you ever want to take the RSPGT exam to get certified you need to know your stuff when it comes to EKG. There are so few schools that offer sleep programs that there is a great need for sleep techs. Companies are having to outsource for these positions which puts Polysomnograph technologists in high demand. There is a great need for these techs and not enough trained techs if you get my drift. I do not think you would have a problem finding a sleep tech job if you have some kind of medical background. I think EKG would be a great way to do it! I am tring to get into an EKG course as we speek. I do agree a a respiratory course would be great but it is a two year course. [FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Sleeptechswift[/FONT]