About Us

Arrhythmia Technologies Institute was established to provide comprehensive formal training in the fields of cardiac device technology and electrophysiology. Since its inception, Arrhythmia Technologies Institute has provided a formal curriculum to train associated professionals in the rapidly advancing fields of cardiac device technology and electrophysiology. Worldwide, this school was the first of its kind to offer a comprehensive program dedicated to this training.

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Our History

Founded in 1987 by Mark Sweesy, Dr. Robert Batey and Richard Forney, PhD, the school’s original name was The Pacemaker Systems Technology School (The Pacer School) and was located at the Robert L. Batey Cardiology Center and L.W. Blake Hospital in Bradenton, Florida. The school was moved to Greenville, South Carolina in June 1997, to take advantage of both the rich electrophysiology community and the exceptional cooperation from numerous clinical training sites in the area.

Meet Our Faculty & Staff

With more than 35 years of experience educating professionals and many combined years of experience in the Cardiac Rhythm Management industry, the ATI faculty are nationally recognized for the quality of education they provide.

James Holland, CEO

jholland@pacerschool.org

Jim Holland earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and his Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. Jim came to ATI in 1999 with more than 20 years of experience in cardiac rhythm disease management. He has held positions of field trainer, sales representative and field clinical engineer with Guidant Corporation (now Boston Scientific).

Kimber Walters, RN, BSN, MBA, President & COO

kwalters@pacerschool.org

Kimber Walters earned her Nursing Degree from East Tennessee State University.  Kimber worked in open heart  recovery for six years before attending the ATI program in 2000. After graduating, she went to work for Boston Scientific for four years followed by Medtronic for 6 years, holding several different positions such as field clinical engineer, sales representative, TFE and District Service Manager (DSM).

Paul Holland, Director of Technology

pholland@pacerschool.org

Paul is a 2004 graduate of ECPI University, with a degree in Computer Programming. After serving an internship with Honeywell in Greenville, SC, Paul joined ATI as an IT consultant.  In addition to his consulting role, Paul completed ATI’s Cardiac Specialists program graduating in 2005.  After graduation, Paul joined Prisma Health where he was the senior member of the Cardiac Device Team for 16 years.

Charles Zimmer, FHRS, CCDS, CEPS Senior CRM Training Specialist

czimmer@pacerschool.org

Charles earned his undergrad degree from Syracuse University. He then went on to earn an M.A. in Religion from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. Charles worked at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville as a Hospital Chaplain. Like some students, he changed careers by coming to ATI (’14). After ATI, he worked in a device clinic for nearly three years in Greensboro, NC. He then spent four years with Biotronik in the Carolinas and East Tennessee. Prior to joining our team, he spent two years covering the Eastern U.S. with Impulse Dynamics on their research team as a Clinical Trial Liaison.

Lindsey Huguley, BA, EP Training Specialist

lhuguley@pacerschool.org

Lindsey Huguley earned her BA in Public Health at the University of South Carolina. She went on to attend ATI in 2017, and from there, joined Biosense Webster in Charlotte, NC. Lindsey has an immense passion for EP and has over 3 years of experience in the field of heart mapping. She and her husband are very excited to be back in Greenville, and Lindsey is thrilled to be joining us at ATI as our new EP specialist. She values giving back to this school, and helping provide future students with the EP knowledge they need to succeed.

Erik Hammes, MS, PhD, Director of EP Training

ehammes@pacerschool.org

Erik Hammes earned his BS in Biomedical Engineering from Clemson University and his Master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He then received his Doctorate degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California at Davis. There he studied the effects of norepinephrine on learning and memory in the brain using field electrophysiology. He is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge of EP with the students to provide them with the tools for being successful in this field.

Rebecca Jones, BA, CCDS, Remote Education Coordinator

rjones@pacerschool.org

Rebecca Jones earned her BA from the University of Oklahoma in 2006. The fall after her college graduation, she attended ATI’s 9-month Cardiac Device Specialist program. In 2007 she began work as a Field Clinical Specialist with Biotronik in Phoenix, AZ.  During her four years at Biotronik, she earned her IBHRE CCDS certification and worked in a variety of roles in both Phoenix and the Washington, D.C. area, including clinical support, sales and mentorship.  After working for Biotronik, she has gained a variety of experience in the CRM/EP space, including 4 years with Medtronic and 1 year with Biosense Webster in Memphis, TN.

Madison Poe, Office Manager

office@pacerschool.org

Madison Poe has more than six years of reception and administrative experience, ranging from athletics to veterinary medicine. She has a passion for building relationships with others and is excited to have the opportunity to pour into ATI students. She is honored to be a part of the ATI team and helping them live out their mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Cardiac Rhythm Management?
A: Arrhythmia Technologies Institute is the pioneer of formalized Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) education. CRM is the science of treating abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure with electrical stimulation therapy to save and improve quality of life for patients. CRM is a dynamic industry with rapid technology introductions and advances in clinical science. ATI provides students with comprehensive training to be successful in the ever-evolving world of CRM.
Q: How much does ATI cost?

A: The tuition for the Cardiac Device Technology program is $29,500. A deposit of$1,000 due on mutual acceptance. $350 is non-refundable and the remaining $650 is non-refundable 90 days prior to program. Click here for more information on tuition.

Q: Is there government funding available for ATI?
A:  Unfortunatelysince ATI is not accredited, standard student grants and loans do not apply.  ATI does not qualify for the GI Bill.
Q: I will need help with tuition and living expenses to attend ATI. Is there help available?

A: Yes, ATI has partnered with Meritize financial to offer our students a financing option.  To learn more, go to www.meritize.com.

Q: How much can I finance through Meritize?

A: A Meritize loan can cover your tuition and up to $15,000 of certified living expenses.  We recommend that you only get a loan for the amount you personally need. For more information on private student loans, the student loan industry, and more, Meritize has many posts on their Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as information on their website, to help you. [Learn More]

Q: When are applications accepted?

A: Applications for the Cardiac Specialist Program are accepted all year. Click here for more information on the application process.

Q: What if I don't have a science background?

A: Students accepted to ATI carry a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in various educational backgrounds and possess good communication skills and a passion for the CRM/EP industry.  ATI also values bright, quick learners who exemplify strong work ethics, character, and integrity. Click here for more information on application requirements.

Q: What kind of certificate do I earn upon completion of the Cardiac Device Technology program?

A: You will receive a Certificate of Successful Completion of ATI’s training in CRM/EP. The curriculum will also help prepare you for the CCDS IBHRE exam. Click here for more information on completing the Cardiac Specialist Program.

Q: What is the difference between the Jumpstart program and the Cardiac Specialist Program?

A:   The Jumpstart Program provides the foundation of pacing, basic knowledge of devices, terminology used in pacing, and hands on training in our labs to Allied Health Professionals as well as those interested in pacing. ~ The Cardiac Specialist program provides basic and advanced knowledge of pacing and EP as well as clinical rotations for both pacing and EP for up to 5 months.  The Cardiac Specialist program can take someone who knows nothing about pacing or EP to a level of being qualified to run a clinic in a practice or work for a pacing or EP company.  In addition to Brady and Tachy training, the Cardiac Specialist program includes CRT training, hospital rotations allowing students to participate with device implantations, and job placement assistance. Click here for more information on ATI’s curriculum.

Q: Do ATI's courses provide CEUs or CMEs?
A:  Unfortunately, none of ATI’s courses provide CEUs or CMEs.

Hear Why Students Love ATI

Lauren Waller

ATI Alumna

Educating Students in CRM and EP

Phone:
864-297-9232

Fax:
864-297-9250

Email:
office@pacerschool.org

Address:
400 Executive Center Drive, Suite 116
Greenville, SC 29615