Programs & Courses

Accredited

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

1361 Park St., Clearwater, FL 33756

Tel: 727.210.2350

and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Certified Private Vocational Institution through The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist, AOS

  • The competency-based Program is eighteen (18) months.
  • You select one of the Cardiovascular specialties at time of application.
  • Programs are offered once per year in January.
  • The Program is full time, days.
  • The 1st semester is 3 days per week.  The second through 4th semester is 3.5 to 4 days per week.
  • Small student to faculty ratio.
  • Clinical exposure is in advanced technology settings.
  • 100% passage on certification tests - 2010
  • Average salary for Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists - $45K-$55K annually.
  • Tuition, Fees, and Expenses
  • Now Taking Applications for Jan. 13 Program Start Date for Invasive Cardiovascular Program.
  • Attend an Information Session to learn more! 
    • Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Specialty:

 

 

As an Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist you will work in a hospital setting as a member of the cardiac catheterization or "cath lab" team assisting a cardiologist in performing procedures that diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and coronary arteries.  

As an Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist some of the more common "cath lab" procedures include coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (where stents, ballons, plaque removal devices, and other treatments to restore blood flow are deployed), and right heart catheterization (where blood flow measurements are made).  During these procedures, the invasive cardiovascular technologist is responsible for preparing patients for the cardiac catheterization then assisting the physician with the procedure itself whereby a small catheter is threaded through an artery in the groin or arm to the heart. 

As an Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist, you will work with highly sophisticated imaging, monitoring, and recording systems.  They provide direct patient care and in some areas administer medications under the direct supervision of the physician. 

Invasive Cardiovascular Technology students at Sentara College of Health Sciences are provided training in the classroom and skills lab located at the main campus in Chesapeake.  Students also receive an extensive clinical rotation at several hospitals that specialize in cardiovascular procedures.

Your Exceptional Learning Experience:

  • Your Learning Experience is like no other. With 60 semester credits, 465 lecture, 90 skills lab and 1,219 clinical hours you will be well prepared with the competence and confidence you need to work as an Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist.
  • First semester - all students begin with foundation courses in medical terminology, patient care concepts, cardiac hemodynamics and anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiac and vascular systems.  The semester is three days per week and is 16 weeks.
  • Second, third and fourth semesters – students begin the first of three semesters of classroom and clinical experiences in the chosen specialty.  The last three semesters are 3.5 to 4 days per week, full time.  The second semester is 13 weeks in the summer, third semester is 15 weeks in the fall, and the last semester is 16 weeks in the spring.
  • Advanced placement is available to students who qualify.  See below for additional details.
  • On-line courses are part of the didactic learning experience.
  • Graduates are awarded an Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Cardiovascular Technology and are eligible to take a registry examination offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).  Licensure and certification for entry into practice is not required for this health profession, however, many employers require staff to become credentialed after a pre-determined period of employment.  The College submits applications for exams for each graduate who then have one year to sit for the exam.  This Program is a terminal occupational/technical program and credits generally earned in this Program are not applicable to other degree.
  • Please refer to Cardiovascular Credentialing International for specifics on exam qualifications.

Prerequisite Requirements:

A minimum of ten (10) of the following prerequisite credits must be completed prior to submitting an application for admission. All prerequisites must be completed at an accredited institution with a “C” or better prior to starting the Program.  Prerequisites are not offered at Sentara College of Health Sciences. Acceptance decisions may not be made until all required prerequisite courses are completed.

If you are unsure of an acceptable general education/prerequisite course, please contact the College before registering at Request More Information

Additional information about Allied Health general education course requirements: 

High School Level-Diploma or equivalent
College LevelSemester Credits
Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with lab5-8
College Algebra3
Physics w/lab4
Chemistry w/lab4

Useful Links:

Advanced Placement for Cardiovascular Technology Programs:

Eligible Students:

  • Registered Sonographers in either of the ultrasound curriculums.
  • Registered Radiologic Technologists certified in cardiovascular technology in the invasive curriculum.
  • Cardiovascular Technology graduates from the College who are seeking a second specialty.

General Information Concerning Advanced Placement:

  • When considering awarding credit for advanced placement, the College uses factors such as transcripts, verification of employment, years of experience, and references.
  • For comprehensive details on all Advanced Placement guidelines, to include course specific challenge requirements visit the College Catalog.
  • Before consideration for advanced placement, applicants must meet Program admission requirements and be admitted into the respective Program.
  • The Allied Health Admissions Committee will review the applicant file to determine best course of action for the applicant.
  • All required paperwork must be submitted prior to the Allied Health Admissions Committee review. Transfer credits are considered credit from other institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditations (CHEA).
  • Admission to a particular course/semester is contingent upon available space in the course for which the student is requesting to enter. Placement availability will be determined by the Program Official.
  • If you are considering and feel you qualify for Advanced Placement, attend an Academic Planning & Information Session or set an individual appointment with Jennie Pond at jkpond@sentara.com  .