Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, A.S.

Program Code: 3307

Interventional Cardiovascular Technologists are vital members of the cardiac catheterization laboratory team, working alongside doctors and nurses. They assist in invasive diagnostic or corrective procedures of the heart and/or peripheral arteries. While cardiac catheterizations are considered minimally invasive compared to open surgery, technologists work in a sterile environment. Interventional Cardiovascular Technologists perform various duties during interventional procedures. They are responsible for scrubbing in alongside the physician, obtaining all necessary equipment, positioning and imaging patients, resolving equipment issues, and demonstrating knowledge of human anatomy, radiation safety, interventional supplies and equipment operation. Depending on the clinical setting, procedures may be routine or emergent. Many cardiac catheterization labs require technologists to be on call or work flexible schedules. Graduates of the Interventional Cardiovascular Technologist program are eligible to earn a nationally recognized credential in the field which is typically required for employment.

Accreditation
The Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT). Instruction is consistent with the curriculum frameworks as administered by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Additional information about CAAHEP can be found at caahep.org. CAAHEP is located at 9355 113th Street N. #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. Their phone number is 727-210-2350.

Licensure and Certification
Successful completion of all degree requirements may provide you eligibility to take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) certification exam offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

If you are a student who resides outside of Florida, or plan to relocate outside of Florida, Santa Fe College has made the determination that this degree program or curriculum only meets educational requirements for professional licensure in the state of Florida. Please contact the Licensure Board in your state to determine whether this program or curriculum will meet any licensure requirements.

Requirements for Admission
Please note that program prerequisite courses have changed. Carefully review the following information to ensure your application to the Program satisfies the posted requirements.

The following prerequisite requirements must be completed in order to apply to the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program:

Possess overall college GPA of 2.50.
Complete the following prerequisite coursework with a grade of “C” or better:
- BSC2085/L Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
- BSC2086/L Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
- ENC1101 College Composition
- *Choose one of the following Math courses:
  - MAC1105 College Algebra
  - MGF1130 Mathematical Thinking
  - STA2023 Statistics
- Choose one of the following Social/Behavioral Sciences courses:
  - AMH2020 US History Since 1877
  - POS2041 American National Government
  - AMH2010 US History To 1877
- Choose one of the following Humanities/Fine Arts courses:
  - ARH1000 Art Appreciation
  - HUM2020 Introduction to Humanities
  - LIT1000 Literature Appreciation
  - MUL1010 Music Appreciation
  - PHI2010 Introduction to Philosophy
  - THE1000 Theater Appreciation

*Successful completion of MGF1106 and/or MFG1107 prior to the 2024-2025 academic year may be used to satisfy the mathematics core in lieu of MGF1130.

All transcripts and coursework must be evaluated and accepted by Santa Fe College prior to the application date in order to qualify for application.

To help protect patients and students, upon acceptance to a Health Science Program, all students must undergo state and federal background checks and show proof of certain immunizations and negative drug screenings as required by clinical affiliates. Students will be provided instructions to complete these tasks at the appropriate time. For more information regarding the application process, please visit the “Before You Apply” webpage.

For more information on program specific expectations and to view the Allied Health Student Handbook, please visit the “Prospective and Current Students” webpage.

See Application Dates and Deadlines and closely review other requirements Before You Apply.

Program Goal
To prepare competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for invasive cardiovascular technology.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate appropriate radiation safety practices. (Badge exchange, rad safety questions)
Students will identify appropriate indications for a diagnostic and/or interventional cardiac catheterization.
Students will obtain pertinent patient histories and vital signs for the cardiovascular patient.
Students will identify coronary and peripheral angiography as well as be acclimated to current interventional techniques.
Students will apply a working knowledge of cardiac and vascular pathology, as evidenced by ECG interpretation, obtaining proper hemodynamics, and utilizing safe and efficient scrubbing techniques while maintaining sterility.
Students will demonstrate appropriate patient care in the lab and clinical settings.
Students will demonstrate a professionalism in the lab and clinical settings.
Students will be familiar with and apply advanced Cath lab procedures.

Program Length, Format, Curriculum
The Invasive Cardiovascular Technology program spans five semesters with courses meeting in a variety of formats to include: to include: on-campus, hybrid, online and virtually. In addition, students will conduct clinical internships at hospitals throughout the state of Florida.

The program is academically rigorous and requires students to be available Monday through Friday 8am - 4:30pm

The program is a total of 77.0 credit hours, including prerequisite requirements. Program core courses: 57.0 credit hours. Pre-requisite courses: 20.0 credit hours.

The Technical courses must be taken as a cohort in the order indicated below. The prerequisite requirements listed in “Requirements for Admission” may be taken in any order based on course offerings.

Term 1 Spring (13.0 Credit Hours)

CVT1120 Patient Care (2 Credit Hours)
CVT1120L Patient Care Lab (1 Credit Hour)
CVT1270 Pathophysiology (3 Credit Hours)
CVT1261 Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology (2 Credit Hours)
CVT1500 Electrocardiography (EKG) (2 Credit Hours)
CVT1610 Ultrasound Physics (2 Credit Hours)
CVT2322L Invasive Vascular 1 Lab (1 Credit Hour)

Term 2 Summer (9.0 Credit Hours)

CVT2511 Radiation Safety and Biology (2 Credit Hours)
CVT2625L Invasive Echo 1 Lab (1 Credit Hour)
CVT2420 Invasive Cardio Procedures 1 (4 Credit Hours)
CVT2420L Invasive Cardio Procedures 1 Lab (2 Credit Hours)

Term 3 Fall (13.0 Credit Hours)

CVT2421 Invasive Cardio Procedures 2 (4 Credit Hours)
CVT2421L Invasive Cardio Procedures 2 Lab (2 Credit Hours)
CVT2425C Advanced Practices (3 Credit Hours)
CVT2800 Imaging Lab 3 (1 Credit Hour)
CVT1200C Clinical Practice and Therapeutics (3 Credit Hours)

Term 4 Spring (12.0 Credit Hours)

CVT2840 CVT Practicum 1 (8 Credit Hours)
CVT2920 Cardio Tech as a Professional (2 Credit Hours)
CVT2441C Electrophysiology 1 (2 Credit Hours)

Term 5 Summer (10.0 Credit Hours)

CVT2841 CVT Practicum 2 (8 Credit Hours)
CVT2442C Electrophysiology 2 (2 Credit Hours)

Performance Standards
The Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program (ICVT) is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective and psychomotor performance requirements. Based on these requirements, the following list of Program Performance Standards has been developed. Each standard has an example of activities which a student will be required to perform, with or without an accommodation, while enrolled in the ICVT program. The Program Performance Standards should be used as a guide to assist applicants in determining whether or not accommodations or modifications are necessary in order to meet program participation requirements. Applicants who identify potential difficulties with meeting the Program Performance Standards should communicate their concerns to the Academic Chair for Allied Health Programs. If the concern is related to a documented disability, applicants are responsible for contacting the Disabilities Resource Center. Determination of reasonable and appropriate accommodation will be made on an individual basis in consultation with the Disabilities Resource Center. Additionally, applicants should assess their aptitude and ability to perform professional duties by reviewing the Program Performance Standards below and discussing them with their healthcare provider.

Critical Thinking
Standard: Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment.
Examples: Handle multiple priorities in stressful situations. Make accurate independent decisions. Concentrate and focus attention for prolonged periods of time to attain precise testing results. Ability to work alone as well as a member of a team. Apply reasoning and evaluation skills necessary in the safe technical performance of cardiovascular procedures.

Interpersonal
Standard: Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
Examples: Display patience, empathy and concern for others. Deal with fear and hostility in a calm manner. Demonstrate a high degree of patience. Work with other health care providers in stressful life/death situations.

Communication
Standard: Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
Examples: Communicate needs in a sensitive, prompt, clear and concise manner to a diverse population. Accurately document pertinent information. Follow verbal and/or written instructions. Interact with patients and other health care providers in a professional manner.

Mobility
Standard: Physical abilities sufficient to move independently from room to room and through hallways; maneuver in small places.
Examples: Walk to and from departments. Maneuver nimbly in small spaces. Respond swiftly to patient’s needs, manipulate equipment, lift a minimum of 30lbs, exert a sustained force of 20lbs, push/pull mobile equipment weighing up to 300lbs; participate as a team member of four in moving an incapacitated patient; ensure patient safety; stand for prolonged periods of time (sometimes wearing a 12-20lb lead apron underneath gown); walking equivalent of 5 miles per day; sit for periods of 1 hour.

Tactile and Motor Skills
Standard: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform cardiovascular technology skills.
Examples: Ability to grasp, hold, grip, seize, turn or otherwise manipulate work with hands. Work with fingers to manipulate switches, dials and other computer equipment. Input data into computer. Perform palpations.

Hearing
Standard: Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
Examples: Communicate verbally with patients and other health care providers. Detect and evaluate the sounds of cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, Doppler, IV pumps, fire alarms, etc.

Visual
Standard: Visual ability sufficient for physical observation.
Examples: Observe and monitor patients. Manipulate equipment and evaluate image quality in conditions of low ambient lighting. Detect color on image display.

Professional Appearance
As a representative of Santa Fe College and the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program, students must abide by specific professional appearance guidelines required by our clinical affiliates. Hair must be maintained within the range of natural color and must be conservative in length and style. Clothing and footwear must comply with standards prescribed by the program. Facial hair should be kept neat and trimmed short.