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).
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Now accepting Invasive Cardiovascular Technology & Cardiac Electrophysiology Technology applications for January 2011.
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Applications for Noninvasive Vascular Study & Adult Echocardiography are closed for January 2011. Accepting applications for January 2012.
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All Cardiovascular Technology Programs are now Associate's of Occupational Science Degrees.
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The Cardiovascular Technology Program admitted its first class in 1982 in response to the need for qualified individuals to work in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s cardiac catheterization, cardiac ultrasound, and vascular ultrasound labs. Today, Cardiovascular Technologists in all specialties work throughout Sentara Healthcare in various settings and facilities.
Cardiovascular Technologists are employed throughout the country in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, imaging centers, operating rooms, clinical research laboratories and the biomedical industry. The highly specialized fields of Cardiovascular Technology are in high demand.
Cardiovascular Technologists assist physicians and surgeons in performing many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures both in the hospital and in the outpatient setting.
- All are eighteen (18) month competency-based Programs.
- You select the specialty prior to starting the Program.
- Programs are offered once per year in January.
- All are full time, daytime Programs.
- 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 Cardiovascular Technologists - $45K-$55K annually.
- Tuition, Fees, and Expenses
Specialties:
As an Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist you will function in the cardiac catheterizations laboratory assisting the physician in performing adult diagnostic and interventional procedures.
As an Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist you will assist/review a baseline assessment, evaluate patient response to diagnostic or interventional maneuvers and medications during cardiac catheterization laboratory procedures. You will provide patient care and administer medications commonly used in the cardiac catheterization laboratory under the direction of a qualified physician. You will also act as the first assistant during the diagnostic and therapeutic catheterization procedures.
As an Cardiac Electrophysiology Technologist you will work in the electrophsiology laboratory assisting physicians performing diagnostic and therapeutic electrophysiology procedures.
As a Adult Echocardiography Technologist you will perform ultrasound imaging of the heart to assist the physician in identifying cardiac abnormalities.
As a Non-Invasive Peripheral Vascular Sonographer you will perform ultrasound-imaging to assist the physician in identifying peripheral vascular abnormalities.
As a Adult Echocardiographer OR Non-Invasive Peripheral Vascular Sonographer you will use computerized equipment to direct high frequency sound waves at the heart and blood vessels to produce images that reveal their anatomy and function. You will record the images on digital equipment for evaluation by the physician. Your work is generally performed independently.
Your Exceptional Learning Experience
- Your Learning Experience is like no other. With 56 to 60 semester credits, 465-540 lecture, 90-135 skills lab and 1084-1219 clinical hours you will be well prepared with the competence and confidence you need to work as a 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 their 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's of Occupational Science Degree in Cardiovascular Technology and are eligible to take a registry examination offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) depending on the specialty completed. 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.
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.
| High School Level-Diploma or equivalent | |
| College Level | Semester Credits |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with lab | 5-8 |
| College Algebra | 3 |
| Physics w/lab | 4 |
| Chemistry w/lab | 4 |
- If you are unsure of an acceptable prerequisite, please contact the College before registering at Request More Information
- Chemistry with lab at Tidewater Community College must be CHM 111, 112, 121, or 122.
- Physics with lab at Tidewater Community College must be PHY 100, PHY 201 or PHY 241.
- Physics with lab at College of the Albemarle in NC must be PHY 110 & 110 A, 151, 152, or 251.
- Physics with lab at Thomas Nelson Community College must by PHY 100, 201, or 241.
- Physics with lab at J. Sargent Reynolds must be PHY 201 or 241.
- For the Jan. 2012 Program Math for Allied Health will no longer be accepted.
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 Lisa Waterfield at lmwaterf@sentara.com .