Monitor Surveillance

About the Program

This Program teaches you how to monitor the heart rhythms of hospitalized patients using electrocardiograms. The Program is 15 weeks in length, including a one-week break.

Monitor Surveillance Program

Monitor Surveillance Technicians observe patient telemetry monitors and interpret basic cardiac rhythms. Then they report their findings to the nurse and/or physician. It’s a perfect career for someone who enjoys helping others from a distance, by observing audiovisual displays rather than providing direct patient care.

As a Monitor Surveillance Technician, you’ll be responsible for observing electrocardiographic (EKG) information for multiple clients with diverse backgrounds, ages, and cardiovascular healthcare needs. This is a critical position at Sentara.

Your Educational Experience

As a student, you’ll learn in classrooms, practical application, clinical settings, and online, thanks to the College’s emphasis on hybrid learning. You’ll learn material when it’s convenient for you, then come together in class to discuss what you’ve learned; or in practical application, where you’ll apply that knowledge. You’ll gain 234 hours of hands-on experience along the way. So you’ll graduate uniquely prepared for one of the most challenging and rewarding careers anywhere. This approach to education is what makes Sentara College of Health Sciences one of the top healthcare schools in the region, and will set you apart from all others.

Classes are held two days per week. Clinical time is completed in the final six weeks of the Program. Twenty-four hours of clinical time are required per week, with various shifts available to choose from. Peninsula students may have clinical opportunities on the Peninsula upon request.

With 84 lecture hours, 90 practical application hours, and 144 clinical hours, you will be well prepared to be a competent, caring, self-directed member of the healthcare team.

Monitor Surveillance at a Glance

• • 15-week Program (including a one-week break)
  • Classes are held in the daytime, part-time for 15 weeks
  • Daytime, evening, or overnight clinical hours are possible during the final six weeks
  • The Program is offered twice per year in January and August
  • 234 hours of hands-on experience, including classwork, practical application, and clinicals
  • High school diploma or GED required to apply
  • Must be 18 years old by the first day of class
  • Now accepting applications for January 2025
  • Placement assistance within Sentara is available
  • Note that this Program does not qualify for federal student aid; payment plans and other assistance may be available
  • 2024-2025 tuition, fees, and total cost of attendance

Career Opportunities in Monitor Surveillance

As a Monitor Surveillance Technician, you will have the opportunity to work in hospital and emergency room environments. Graduates of the Program receive a certificate of completion in Monitor Surveillance, and will take the Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) exam offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). The fee is included in your tuition. This will ensure that you are a highly qualified candidate for the job and will help you begin a successful career.

To learn about this program's state authorizations and compliance disclosures, please click here.

Interested in applying to this program?

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