SMCCME

The Cardiovascular Technology program provides graduates with the skills necessary to work with medical professionals in cardiac catheterization laboratories, operating rooms, non-invasive laboratories, and echocardiography departments. Students receive training in cardiovascular physiology, medical electronics and instrumentation, and applied cardiovascular techniques, and are introduced to both invasive and non-invasive patient care areas.

Students spend time in both the classroom setting and at various clinical sites throughout their educational experience. The clinical component of the program includes more than 1,140 hours of patient care experience over four of the five semesters and is closely aligned with the cardiovascular curriculum.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take Part 1 of a two-part certification examination offered by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), Basic Science Exam for CV Technologists. Career opportunities for graduates are numerous. The growth in cardiovascular surgeries, diagnostic procedures and interventional techniques, and the continued advances in echocardiography and non-invasive cardiology, have increased the demand for qualified cardiovascular technologists throughout the nation.

Graduates of SMCC's Cardiovascular Technology program accepted at the University of Southern Maine may transfer a full two years of credits toward a baccalaureate degree in Health Sciences.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate attitudes and behaviors in the clinical setting consistent with a technologist level Cardiovascular Care Practitioner.
• Demonstrate and perform in the clinical setting, twelve lead ECGs and echocardiograms.
• Calculate hemodynamic parameters in the clinical setting.
• Set up, operate, and perform various blood analysis utilized during open heart surgery.
• Assist the cardiologist with invasive and therapeutic procedures utilizing aseptic technique.

Curriculum

 Non-Invasive Option