» Cardiovacular Technology

A cardiovascular technologist (CVT) is a highly specialized and knowledgeable health care professional who is educated and trained to perform diagnostic procedures, at the request of a physician, in order to document the presence and degree of cardiac disease. A CVT may choose to specialize in either cardiac ultrasound or invasive cardiovascular technology.

For more information on Cardiovascular Technology, contact Andrea Reiley-Helzner at (215)-542-4659 or e-mail at reiley.a@gmc.edu. You may also contact admissions at 1-800-DIAL-GMC or e-mail at admissions@gmc.edu.

For a detailed description on the Cardivacular Technology program, click here

Noninvasive Cardiovascular Technology

Cardiovascular ultrasonographers perform noninvasive diagnostic procedures using ultrasound. For these procedures you must have a thorough working knowledge of:

• ultrasound physics and instrumentation
• the anatomy of the heart and its disease mechanisms
• clinical signs and symptoms of acquired and congenital heart disease
• cardiovascular pharmacology

ECG interpretation

Proficiency in mathematics is required in order to perform the various calculations required in the cardiac ultrasound study. In addition you must be capable of effectively communicating to the physician, and preparing a written summary of the study performed. Ultrasound studies can involve transporting heavy machinery to and from a patient's bedside as well as lifting and moving patients.

Invasive Cardiovascular Technology

As an invasive cardiovascular technologist you will be part of a team of specialists who work in a cardiac catheterization laboratory under the direction of a physician performing diagnostic as well as interventional procedures. Your duties during a cardiac catheterization procedure include, but are not limited to:

• assisting the physician
• utilizing sterile techniques as a scrub assistant
• monitoring and recording heart pressure and ECG tracings
• assisting in advanced cardiac life support procedures and cardiovascular drug therapy
  

You also need to be proficient in:

• ECG interpretation
• radiation safety and protection
• knowledge of coronary anatomy
• physiology and disease mechanisms
• cardiovascular pharmacology

And you will be required to stand during procedures wearing lead fluoroscopy aprons which weigh approximately 15 pounds.

A genuine respect for life and human dignity, good patient rapport and empathy, an aptitude for math and science, taking responsibility for your own actions and self-direction, a motivation to learn, a joy in working with others, an ability to receive constructive criticism and take verbal direction, a willingness to be on call or to do overtime if the occasion arises, an ability to concentrate for long periods of time, are all important traits for a CVT.

Associate of Science Degree Program (24 months)

The Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) program prepares you for entry-level positions in the fields of cardiovascular diagnostic medicine. The Associate of Science degree curriculum is a 24-month program of professional studies integrated with the liberal arts.

The first year you will study liberal arts and sciences along with basic theories, principles and applied techniques. The last four weeks are spent at a hospital performing ECG testing and observing procedures in cardiac ultrasound and cardiac catheterization laboratories. At the end of this year you will select your area of specialization, cardiac ultrasound or invasive cardiovascular technology.

A minimum GPA of 2.0 and current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support, Course C, are required to enter the second year of the program.

The second year is divided between campus classroom, laboratory studies, and the hospital laboratory. There are two major clinical rotations for each track. The initial, fifteen-week clinical rotation is performed during the Spring semester, and the final clinical specialization experience is conducted in the summer during the last fifteen weeks of the program.

Diplomas, certificates of specialization, and College pins are conferred during the August closing ceremony.

Successful completion of the second year of the program qualifies you to sit for the appropriate registry examination. Professional registry in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology is sponsored by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Cardiac Ultrasonographers may choose to become registered through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Certificate Program (12 months, full time)

With previous experience, and prerequisite sciences, you may apply for admission into either the cardiac ultrasound track or the invasive cardiovascular track. In addition to the required specialization courses, all certificate candidates are required to take CV 120: Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology in the fall semester.

Bachelor of Health Science

Gwynedd-Mercy College is the first College to offer a BHS in Cardiovascular Technology. This degree allows you to become a master practitioner in all areas of cardiovascular practice: cardiac ultrasound, invasive CVT and vascular ultrasound. As a graduate of the Associate of Science program you would study vascular ultrasound and either invasive or cardiac ultrasound depending on your previous concentration.

Applicants for the BHS must hold the RCS, RCIS or RDCS registry and have a current GPA of 2.5.

Graduating from the BHS program as a multi-skilled technician with knowledge and hands-on experience in all areas of CVT would give you flexibility in employment opportunities. The program also provides education and management skills for those seeking management positions. In a recent survey of CVT sites, 92% said they would readily hire this type of professional.