Programs & Courses

Cardiac Electrophysiology, 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.
  • Average salary for Cardiac Electrophysiology Technologists - $45K-$55K annually.
  • Tuition, Fees, and Expenses
Special Bulletins:

Associate of Occupational Science in Cardiac Electrophysiology 

 

As a Cardiac Electrophysiology Technologist you will work in a hospital setting as a member of the Electrophysiology Lab (EP Lab) team and provide highly specialized assistance to an electrophysiologist. An electrophysiologist is a cardiologist with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm problems.

Electrophysiology (EP) procedures include studies that diagnose heart rhythm disorders as well as procedures that treat these disorders. More specifically, Electrophsiology (EP) studies produce data that makes it possible to diagnose the source of heart rhythm disorders, evaluate the effectiveness of certain medications in controlling these disorders, predict the risk of a future cardiac event, such as Sudden Cardiac Death and assess the need for an implantable device such as a pacemaker or a therapeutic procedure like radio frequency catheter ablation.

As a Cardiac Electrophysiology Technologist ("EP lab tech") you will work with highly sophisticated imaging, monitoring, mapping and recording systems in EP labs, cardiac catheterization labs and operating rooms. They also serve as a first assistant to the physician and are responsible for reviewing and compiling data collected during EP procedures and device implants. EP Techs perform direct patient care both prior to and immediately following electrophysiology procedures.

Cardiac Electrophysiology Technologist students at Sentara College of Health Sciences are provided training in the classroom and skills lab located at the College. Students also receive an extensive clinical rotation at area hospitals that specialize in Electrophysiology procedures.

Your Exceptional Learning Experience:

  • Your Learning Experience is like no other. With 60 semester credits, 495 lecture, 135 skills lab and 1,084 clinical hours you will be well prepared with the competence and confidence you need to work as an Cardiac Electrophysiology 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.

General Education Course 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. Full 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:

Advance Placement Options:

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 .