Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology
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About This Program
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 1,240 hours of patient care experience over four of the five semesters and is closely aligned with the cardiovascular curriculum. Students enrolled in the Cardiovascular Technology program are encouraged to take Part 1 – Basic Science Exam from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) while enrolled at SMCC. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the registry level examination (Part 2 of the two-part certification examination). Students may select either the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS).
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.
Additional Admissions Requirements
Please note this program has additional requirements. For more information, visit our Health Science Applicants webpage.
Your Degree Courses
Cardiovascular Technology offers an Associate in Science degree requiring a mix of general education and hands-on courses. Students self-select a track of study (Invasive or Non-Invasive) with corresponding course selections. Course offerings are subject to change as medical technology advances or changes.
Program Course Sampling
Prerequisites
- Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
- English Composition
- College Algebra
- General Chemistry I with Lab
Core Courses
- Introduction to Cardiovascular Technology
- Medical Instrumentation
- Non-Invasive Testing
- Invasive Cardiovascular Technology I with Lab
- Invasive Cardiovascular Technology II
- Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology I & II
- Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation
- Echocardiography I & II
- Cardiovascular Rehabilitation & Prevention
- Vascular Imaging and Pathology
- Dosage Calculations
Current Major-Specific Courses Available
Interested in seeing some of the current major-specific courses being offered as a part of this degree program?
Graduation Requirements
Prospective Students
If you are thinking about attending SMCC and are curious what the current program course requirements are to earn your degree, download the current SMCC Course Catalog.
Current Students
If you are a current student, your program requirements may be different than those listed for the current catalog year. To view your specific program requirements or to search and register for courses, log in to MySMCC and visit the MyDegree webpage.
Graduation Outcomes
- Demonstrate attitudes and behaviors in the clinical setting consistent with a technologist-level Cardiovascular Care Practitioner.
- Demonstrate and perform 12 lead ECGs and echocardiograms in the clinical setting.
- Calculate hemodynamic parameters in the clinical setting.
- Set up, operate and perform various blood analyses utilized during open heart surgery.
- Assist the cardiologist with invasive and therapeutic procedures utilizing aseptic technique.
Estimated Degree Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
SMCC Graduates
