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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).

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

-MATH-122, 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

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

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. 1. Provide quality care as a competent and compassionate professional in the dynamic cardiovascular environment.
  2. 2. Utilize theoretical knowledge and critical thinking as the basis for professional practice.
  3. 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 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.