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).

 
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!

2Is the 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. I find that so many participants greatly overestimate their knowledge and skill. Many books aim to make you think that basic ECG knowledge is really somehow advanced. Most other "advanced" courses are actually just review courses of basic material. This course assumes that you are reading ECGs at an intermediate level.

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 713/393-9944 or send an email to jwjmd@medicusofhouston.com. He can also be reached through the Contact Us page or the Chat Bot at the bottom right on every page.

6The Masterclasses are presented in countries all over the world. What language is used for the presentations and can I attend a Masterclass that is being presented in a country other than my own?
The Masterclasses are 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! However, since I will be making a major announcement, the details of group discounts and returning participant discounts will not be available until after the announcement!

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

Elsewhere, we try to find hotels with meeting facilities that are economical and located in safe areas of the city with convenient access to restaurants, shopping, etc.

12Do you provide visa letters?

We do NOT provide visa letters.

13Can I pay with cash or check?
We do not accept any cash or check payments and we cannot accept payment on site. Payment by credit or debit card is required at the time of registration.
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.