FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Here are some of the most common questions we are asked. If you have any other questions not covered here, please email us via the Contact Us page or call our office at 713/393-9944 (M-F, 9a - 5p Central US Time).

ECG Course - Medicus of Houston
 
1What is the difference between the Masterclass in Advanced Electrocardiography and the Advanced ECG Interpretation Boot Camp?

The class formerly known as the Advanced ECG Interpretation Boot Camp is now named the Masterclass in Advanced Electrocardiography . Otherwise, the curriculum is the same, the CME credits are the same, the tuition is the same and the discounts are the same. The class is still limited to a maximum of 20 participants. The ONLY difference is the new name. This is as close as you can get to private tutoring with Dr. Jones!

The new Advanced ECG Interpretation Boot Camp uses the same curriculum as the Masterclass in Advanced Electrocardiography but the class no longer has a maximum size. The tuition ($899.00) is also considerably less and there are discounts for residents/fellows, nurses, nurse practitioners, PAs, paramedics and physicians on active duty in the US military ($799.00). There are no group discounts and no discounts for returning participants. The CME credit remains the same. Due to the potential for a much larger class size, questions will only be taken during a short Q&A period at the end of each presentation and participants may have fewer opportunities to participate in the active interpretation of complex ECGs.

2Is the Advanced ECG Interpretation Boot Camp or Masterclass in Advanced Electrocardiography for physicians only?
Not at all! While physicians certainly form the majority of our participants, there are many others in the healthcare industry that must interpret ECGs at an advanced level. These include nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, paramedics, medical researchers (non-physician) and we've even had veterinarians in our classes.
3Are the ECG courses only for those with advanced ECG skills?

No, but you must have at least an intermediate level of skill in reading ECGs.

Here is a scenario that occurs repeatedly: people enroll in the class yet they have no idea what a bundle branch block is. They are unable to distinguish between a right or left bundle branch block and in many instances cannot even recognize a bundle branch block when it is present. These people are operating at an INTRODUCTORY level of expertise - NOT an INTERMEDIATE level. Bundle branch block is a concept that is taught at the introductory level - it is NOT an advanced concept. There are too many books and online courses that give you the impression that you can become an expert in just a few days by using their product. That is simply NOT true.

4I'm seeking certification to be a monitor technician or an EKG technician. Will these courses qualify me for either of those fields?
Unfortunately, no. Those types of classes are vocational courses and are stringently regulated by certain state boards or authorities. We offer Continuing Medical Education for people who are already in the medical field.
5I think I would benefit from the course, but I'm not sure. Are there any books that would give me the required skills to do well in the course?

If you need to review the basics of ECG interpretation prior to the class, I would recommend the following books:

Garcia and Holtz, 12-Lead ECG: The Art of Interpretation

Garcia and Miller, Arrhythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation

Both are soft-cover books, very readable and easily available on-line (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.). You could probably complete each book in 10-14 days. If you understand what is in these books, you will do well in the class. If you still have questions about your preparedness, contact Dr. Jerry Jones at 713/931-5423 or send an email to jwjmd@medicusofhouston.com. He can also be reached through the Contact Us page.

6The advanced ECG courses are presented in countries all over the world. What language is used for the presentations and can I attend a boot camp that is being presented in a country other than my own?
The Advanced ECG Interpretation Boot Camp is always presented in English because no matter where it is presented, there are usually several different countries and languages represented in the class. ANYONE may attend a class anywhere; however, Medicus of Houston has no control over the issuance of visas for a particular country. Always be certain that you can obtain a required visa before enrolling in the class. And please apply for the visa well enough in advance to receive it prior to your travel dates. We have had several cancellations because the registrants did not allow enough time for visa processing.
7Several of my colleagues are also interested in the Masterclass in Advanced Electrocardiography. Are there any group discounts?

Absolutely! For groups of 3 to 5 participants the tuition is only $1449.00 per person. For groups of 6 or more, the tuition is just $1249.00 per person.

A lot of material is covered during the 4-day boot camp and we understand that few participants get everything the first time. For that reason, all participants who have completed the Masterclass in Advanced Electrocardiography may repeat it at any time for just $825.00! You can repeat the course as often as you like and you will receive full CME credit each time! We have participants that have attended the course three times!

Please understand that there are no group discounts or returning participant discounts for the new Advanced ECG Interpretation Boot Camp . There are, however, discounts for residents/fellows, nurses, nurse practitioners, PA-Cs, paramedics and physicians who are on active duty in the US military.

8What type of CME credit do you offer?

At this time we offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

CME Credit

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the essential areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of American Medical Seminars and Medicus of Houston. American Medical Seminars is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

American Medical Seminars designates this live activity for a maximum of 27.15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses, nurse practitioners, PA-Cs, EMT-Ps and all others should check with your state licensing agency regarding acceptance of AMA PRA Category 1 credits.

9Another ECG interpretation course offers board certification in cardiovascular medicine. Do you offer board certification?

We checked with the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABMS) regarding that board certification. The ABMS is the ultimate regulatory authority that certifies all other recognized specialty boards, such as Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB-GYN, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Pathology etc. They stated they neither approved, nor do they support, any such board certification.

The ABMS representative did state, however, that any organization or business can legally offer "board certification" in any of their curricula; however, it would not carry the legitimacy of board certification as established and certified by the ABMS nor would it likely be recognized by other ABMS-certified physician specialties.

We offer a Certificate of Completion and not a proprietary "board certification" that would be recognized by no one other than Medicus of Houston.

10What does the tuition cost include?
The cost is for tuition and provided materials only! It does not include travel expenses, lodging, meals, local transportation or incidentals. Provided materials include the course manual (it's large, so save room in your suitcase!), ECG calipers and a magnifying lens.
11Where are the Masterclasses presented?

Our classes are held in the upscale Galleria-area of Houston, Texas. Our home base is The Homewood Suites by Hilton - Galleria.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton - Galleria is located at:

2950 Sage Road
Houston, Texas 77056

12Do you provide visa letters?

We do NOT provide visa letters.

13Can I pay with cash or check?
We do not accept any cash payment and we cannot accept payment on site. Payment must be received before the start of the class. We do accept personal checks, corporate checks and cashier's (or certified bank) checks that are drawn on US banks for the exact amount of the tuition. No exceptions. If you are going to pay by check, we strongly suggest that you send it via overnight mail because we cannot reserve your place until we have received your payment. Those paying by credit card will be given priority over someone paying by a check that is "in the mail."
14What if something prevents me from attending after having paid my tuition? Can I get a refund?
Late cancellations prevent us from filling your place in the class. Because our classes are so small, even one cancellation has quite a large impact. A buyer wishing to withdraw from the course will be entitled to a full refund up to 14 days before the scheduled event. From 8 to 13 days before the commencement of the event, the buyer is entitled to a 50% refund. Beginning 7 days before the event, the buyer will not be entitled to any refund. The buyer may, however, choose to reschedule the desired course for a later date. A buyer may reschedule only twice before forfeiting the tuition. Medicus of Houston will have 10 business days after the receipt of the cancellation notice to issue the refund.
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