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Cardiovascular Technology–Invasive Technologist - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

Application Code 114

For curriculum information, contact the Health Sciences Division—Room HS-236—443-518-1560.

This area of study prepares students to enter the allied health career field of cardiovascular technology to gather data and perform various cardiac and/or vascular diagnostic tests and procedures under the direction of a physician. The invasive technologist may be found in cardiac catheterization, blood gas, and electrophysiology laboratories. Working in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, operating area, and/or electrophysiology laboratory, the technologist utilizes x-ray and monitoring equipment in performing invasive diagnostic tests to determine the condition of the patient’s heart. New therapeutic steps may be taken to treat an existing condition during the catheterization procedure. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology, 1449 Hill Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588-1032, 978-456-5594, http://www.jrccvt.org. Graduates may apply to take the national certification examination to become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS).

Suggested Summer Term

Course NumberTitleCredits
BIOL 101General Biology I

4

OR

BIOL 107Fundamentals of Microbiology

4

BIOL 203Anatomy and Physiology I

4

Suggested Semester 1

Course NumberTitleCredits
ENGL 121College Composition

3

BIOL 204Anatomy and Physiology II

4

PHYS 101Technical Physical Science

4

Gen Ed Core MATH 132, MATH 138, MATH 141, or higher core course

3

Suggested Semester 2

Course NumberTitleCredits
CARD 120Rhythm Analysis and 12-lead ECG

2

CARD 121Cardiovascular Assessment Skills Lab

3

CARD 122Cardiac Anatomy and Pathophysiology

3

SOCI 101Introduction to Sociology

3

Suggested Summer Term

Course NumberTitleCredits
CARD 123Hemodynamics

3

CARD 124X-Ray Theory for Cardiovascular Technology

3

Suggested Semester 3

Course NumberTitleCredits
CARD 201Cardiovascular Pharmacology

2

CARD 220Cardiovascular Procedures

2

CARD 221Diagnostic and Interventional Procedures

8

SPCH 110Interpersonal Communication

3

Suggested Winter Term

Course NumberTitleCredits
CARD 231Applied Clinical Practicum

3

Suggested Semester 4

Course NumberTitleCredits
CARD 222Advanced Intravascular Interventional Procedures

4

CARD 261Clinical Internship

4

A graduate should be able to

  1. Provide quality care as a competent and compassionate professional in the dynamic cardiovascular environment.
  2. Utilize theoretical knowledge and critical thinking as the basis for professional practice.
  3. Practice responsibly within an ethical and legal realm as a Cardiovascular Professional.

Total Credit Hours: 65

A grade of “C” or better is required in cardiovascular, mathematics, and science courses.

Admission to this area of study is based upon successful completion of BIOL 101 or BIOL 107, and BIOL 203, BIOL 204, PHYS 101, and Mathematics Core. Anatomy and Physiology courses must be completed within five years prior to admission to the first cardiovascular course. BIOL 101 or BIOL 107 and PHYS 101 must be completed within ten years prior to admission. Anatomy and Physiology I and II must be completed within five years prior to beginning CVT course work. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

CARD 121: Students will be expected to participate in four 8-hour days of clinical experience during the semester in addition to scheduled class time. A health form is required.

CARD 231: Students will be assigned to a clinical agency for the month of January, between the third and fourth semesters. Clinical experience is 40 hours per week.

A minimum grade of 80% is required for the following courses: CARD 221, CARD 222 (clinical portion only), CARD 231, and CARD 261.