Cardiovascular Technology: Invasive, Non Invasive, Vascular

FOR STATE CHANCELLOR REGIONAL DOCUMENTATION, EXISTING PROGRAM-NO MODIFICATIONS

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.

Subspecialties include:

1. Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
2. Adult Echocardiography
3. Vascular Technology

Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists work in cardiac catheterization laboratories where they assist the invasive cardiologist in performing diagnostic and interventional procedures su ch 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 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 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. 

Employment Projections data reported on Cal-PASS Launchboard data shows that 79% of Cardiovascular Technology students were employed after a year (2016-2017 reporting year). Of the those students, 79% were employed in the second fiscal quarter after exiting the program. This same year, reported 81% were employed at one job as their current employment status. 

At Grossmont College, student gain valuable hands-on training including practicums at local hospitals and in the classroom to build on experience and job opportunities upon exiting the program. 

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).

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.

Competency Requirement

A. Competency in reading, writing, expression shown by achieving a “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in courses listed under Area A, Section 1 – Written Communication.

B. Competency in Mathematics shown by either

1. Completion of MATH 103 or a higher numbered

math course with a grade of “C” or higher or a

grade of “P”.

2. Placement into MATH 125 or a math course numbered MATH 170 or above. (Students meeting competency through placement must still take an Area A3 course.)