Cardiovascular Technology
What is Cardiovascular Technology?
Cardiovascular technology is an allied health profession specifically concerning the non invasive diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessels) disease. It is a multidisciplinary science requiring the technologist to be trained and educated in the basic and applied principles of several diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
Program Information:
Mercy College offers two associate degree programs:
Cardiovascular Technology - Echocardiography and
Cardiovascular Technology- Peripheral Vascular.
NOTE: The Fall 2012 application deadline forCardiovasculart Technology-Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Technology- Peripheral Vascular is February 1, 2012. All application materials must be received by this date in order to be considered for admission for these programs. Apply online now!
The CVT programs are six consecutive semesters in length and generally require two academic years to complete. Courses in the associate degree programs are divided into didactic, laboratory and clinical areas. Cardiovascular technology students are educated in the theory of a broad spectrum of diagnostic techniques used in the diagnosis and follow-up care of cardiovascular disease.
In the first year of the programs, students receive education and training in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, and the application of clinical cardiovascular techniques including electrocardiograms, ambulatory monitoring and stress testing. Students completing the first year of study, are eligible and encouraged to take the National Certification Exam, Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
The second year of the programs has emphasis on noninvasive vascular studies OR adult echocardiography, with lecture and laboratory courses combined with clinical experience in local hospitals and clinics.
What will my role be in healthcare?
The technologist performs patient examinations at the request or direction of a physician. The technologist is proficient in the use of analytical equipment including placing such equipment on the patient. The technologist creates reports comprised of data from subjective sampling and recording of test results, from which a physician can make a diagnosis for the patients.
Noninvasive Cardiovascular Technologist:
Noninvasive cardiovascular technologists perform electrocardiograms, stress testing, ambulatory monitoring and scanning of the heart (echocardiograms), all of which yield data about the pathophysiology without invading the cardiovascular system. The echocardiogram combined with Doppler technology is the most extensive noninvasive examination performed and provides visualization and information on both the anatomic structure and function of the heart.
Noninvasive Peripheral Vascular Technologist:
Noninvasive peripheral vascular technologists also perform electrocardiograms, stress testing, and ambulatory monitoring. Peripheral vascular studies are performed on the upper and lower arterial and venous system, and utilize Doppler technology as well. Noninvasive cardiovascular techniques have major applications in both the adult and pediatric population by providing serial examinations in patients with previously diagnosed disease, or identifying complex anatomy.
What environment do Cardiovascular Technologists work in?
Cardiovascular techs generally work daytime shifts and can work in a multitude of healthcare settings that include healthcare clinics, hospitals, private physician practices, labs, mobile units, and as a travel temp.
What do Cardiovascular Technologists earn?
According to www.bls.gov, in 2008, the wages of Cardiovascular Technologists were approximately $50,000.
Mercy College of Ohio’s Cardiovascular Programs are approved by The Ohio Board of Regents and will be applying for accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology, under the auspices of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org). Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registry Exam offered through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) OR the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) after working in the clinical area.
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