Cardiovascular Technology Associate in Science
Refer to Admission: Cardiovascular Technology Program (CVTE) in Admission Information for special admissions procedures and criteria.
Cardiovascular Technology students are educated in the theory and clinical application of diagnostic tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The first year of the program is composed of a core curriculum of courses which encompass physics, mathematics, cardiovascular anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, medical instrumentation and the application of clinical cardiovascular techniques.
After the first semester, students select one of three subspecialties for concentrated study, which includes lecture, laboratory and clinical experience courses.
Students are admitted to the Cardiovascular Technology Program based on the date a completed application packet is submitted to include the following: CVT application, completed immunizations and/or tests and official transcripts of all science prerequisites if taken outside of GCCCD. Program applications are accepted year round and is a separate process from an application to Grossmont College.
For all information on admission criteria, see the Cardiovascular Technology Program at https://www.grossmont.edu/academics/programs/cvt/index.php.
Grossmont College prepares the student for an Associate Degree in Science as a Cardiovascular Technologist. In addition to the cardiovascular technology courses, the major requires selected general education courses to be successfully completed for the degree. Upon completion of all degree requirements, the graduate is eligible to sit for the registry exam as a Cardiovascular Technologist administered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and/or with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
The Associate Degree Cardiovascular Technology Program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (https://www.caahep.org/) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (https://www.jrccvt.org/) located at 9355 113th Street, N., #7709, Seminole, FL 33775.
Important: Any prior conviction of a misdemeanor or felony may influence eligibility for licensure or certification as a Cardiovascular Technologist. A flagged background check or drug screen may also prohibit participation in the program, registry, or securing employment. Applicants with prior convictions are urged to contact Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) at 800-326-0268 and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) at 301-738-8401.
Subspecialties include:
Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists work in cardiac catheterization laboratories where they assist the invasive cardiologist in performing diagnostic and interventional procedures such as cardiac catheterization, balloon angioplasty, electrocardiographic monitoring, and stent and pacemaker placement. The technologist assists the physician during the catheterization, providing the appropriate instruments, operates various pieces of electronic medical equipment and calculates clinical information for interpretation by the physician.
Adult Echocardiography
Adult Echocardiographers perform cardiac ultrasound studies and specialized electrocardiographic procedures. The information obtained from these clinical studies is used by the cardiologist to evaluate patients for cardiovascular disease and designing comprehensive treatment plans. These technologists perform the studies, operate various electronic instruments, prepare preliminary reports and calculate clinical information for interpretation by the physician.
Vascular Technology
Vascular Technologists perform ultrasound and other diagnostic studies to evaluate arterial and venous obstructions, malformations, or diseases which may put the patient at risk for a stroke, or for loss of circulation in their extremities. The information obtained from these clinical studies is used by vascular surgeons and neurologists to establish a diagnosis, assess the severity of existing disease, and to design comprehensive treatment plans. The vascular technologist performs the studies, operates various medical instruments, prepares preliminary reports and calculates clinical information for interpretation by the physician.
Career Opportunities
https://www.grossmont.edu/student-support/career-center/resources.php
Cardiac Sonographer
Coronary Interventional Specialist
Cath Lab Specialist
Vascular Technologist Sonographer
Peripheral Vascular Specialist
Department Lead, Supervisor, or Manager
Equipment Sales Representative
Pacemaker Representative
Surgical and Endovascular Equipment Sales
With additional training, Nursing, Physicians Assistant or Surgical Assistant
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:- Develop and maintain professional behaviors such as, striving for excellence in skills and knowledge, sharing knowledge and skills with others, caring for self, caring for and supporting patients, and protecting patients’ rights, privacy and dignity. Continue life-long learning habits and professional growth.
- Students of Invasive Cardiology will apply principles of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and medical instrumentation to perform and interpret diagnostic and interventional studies in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
- Students of Invasive Cardiology will set up, calibrate and operate diagnostic and interventional instrumentation in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
- Students of Adult Echocardiography will apply principles of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and medical instrumentation to perform, analyze and interpret diagnostic studies.
- Students of Adult Echocardiography will perform diagnostic cardiac ultrasound studies using standard and Doppler ultrasound instruments equipped with surface and transesophageal transducers. Calculate prescribed hemodynamic function indices for interpretation by the physician.
- Students of Vascular Technology will apply principles of vascular anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and medical instrumentation to perform and interpret diagnostic studies.
- Students of Vascular Technology will perform vascular diagnostic studies using duplex ultrasound, continuous-wave Doppler, arterial and venous plethysmography and photoplethysmography.
All Allied Health and Nursing students adhere to the graduation requirements outlined in the college catalog for the academic year in which they enter the program.
Associate Degree Major Requirements
Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of "C" or higher.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | ||
| All students complete the following core courses in the first year of the program: | ||
| CVTE-100 | Physical Principles of Medicine I | 2 |
| CVTE-101 | Cardiovascular Physiology I | 4 |
| CVTE-102 | Medical Instrumentation I | 3 |
| CVTE-103 | Laboratory Practicum and Proficiency Testing I | 2 |
| CVTE-111 | Cardiovascular Physiology II | 4 |
| CVTE-113 | Introduction to Clinical Practicum II | 1 |
| CVTE-114 | Cardiovascular Pharmacology | 2 |
| Total Units | 18 | |
Invasive Area of Emphasis
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CVTE-109 | X-Ray Physics and Radiation Safety | 3 |
| CVTE-116 | Introduction to Invasive Cardiology | 4 |
| CVTE-130 | Clinical Practicum I | 2 |
| CVTE-220 | Clinical Practicum II | 5 |
| CVTE-222 | Interventional Procedures I: Invasive Cardiology | 5 |
| CVTE-250 | Clinical Practicum III | 5 |
| CVTE-252 | Interventional Procedures II: Invasive Cardiology | 5 |
| Total Units | 29 | |
Adult Echocardiography Area of Emphasis
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CVTE-110 | Physical Principles of Medicine II | 3 |
| CVTE-115 | Introduction to Adult Echocardiography | 4 |
| CVTE-130 | Clinical Practicum I | 2 |
| CVTE-220 | Clinical Practicum II | 5 |
| CVTE-221 | Diagnostic Procedures I: Adult Echocardiography | 5 |
| CVTE-250 | Clinical Practicum III | 5 |
| CVTE-251 | Diagnostic Procedures II: Adult Echocardiography | 5 |
| Total Units | 29 | |
Vascular Technology Area of Emphasis
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CVTE-110 | Physical Principles of Medicine II | 3 |
| CVTE-117 | Introduction to Vascular Technology | 4 |
| CVTE-130 | Clinical Practicum I | 2 |
| CVTE-220 | Clinical Practicum II | 5 |
| CVTE-223 | Diagnostic Procedures I: Vascular Technology | 5 |
| CVTE-250 | Clinical Practicum III | 5 |
| CVTE-253 | Diagnostic Procedures II: Vascular Technology | 5 |
| Total Units | 29 | |
Plus General Education and Elective Requirements