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, cardiac surgery, electrocardiography/stress laboratories, or echocardiography departments. Students complete a combination of general education and required core courses in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, medical electronics and instrumentation, and applied cardiovascular techniques in either invasive cardiology or echocardiography. Clinical opportunities in patient care areas at various health care sites will be completed throughout their educational experience. The clinical component of the program includes more than 1,200 hours of patient care experience over four of the five semesters and is closely aligned with the cardiovascular curriculum. Graduates of the Cardiovascular Technology program are eligible to take either the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) upon graduation from Cardiovascular Credentialing International. The growth in cardiovascular surgeries, diagnostic procedures and interventional techniques, and the continued advances in echocardiography and non-invasive cardiology, has 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 Provider.
- Demonstrate and perform in the clinical setting, diagnostic and/or interventional procedures.
- Calculate invasive or non-invasive hemodynamic measurements in the clinical setting.
- Set up, operate, and perform diagnostic equipment for cardiovascular procedures.
- Assist the cardiologist with non-invasive, 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
