Cardiovascular Technology
Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) is an adult cardiac sonography allied health profession concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac disease. The cardiac sonographer performs exams at the request of a physician to obtain information about the patient’s heart anatomy and function so the physician can make a diagnosis. The cardiac sonographer performs these studies and electrocardiographic (ECG) procedures. The information obtained from these clinical studies is used by the cardiologist to evaluate patients for cardiovascular disease and designing comprehensive treatment plans. Cardiac sonographers perform the studies, operate various electronic instruments, prepare preliminary reports and calculate clinical information for interpretation by the cardiologist. The CVT Program provides the necessary classroom and clinical courses to allow graduates to work as cardiac sonographers and/or ECG specialists.
Specifically, the program objectives include:
- Graduate qualified ECG specialist
- Graduate qualified Adult Cardiac Sonographer who obtain RDCS or CCI registry upon graduation
- Provide an adequate number of graduates to meet community needs
After completing the first year of program enrollment, the student will receive the certificate of achievement as an ECG Specialist (Technician). With this certificate, students may obtain employment as an ECG Technician (Specialist).
Upon completion of this two-year program, students will be awarded an Associate in Science degree in Cardiovascular Technology (CVT). The Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) program is fully accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Education of Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Program Admission
ALH A010 Health Occupations course – application and orientation.
The student must complete the General Education requirements for an Associate in Science Degree and the program prerequisites prior to acceptance to the program.
Department Contact Information
Kristy Norfolk, CVT Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, and Instructor
Cardiovascular Technology Department
- American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) www.asecho.org
- Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) https://www.sdms.org/
- Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) https://www.caahep.org/
- Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) www.cci-online.org
Credit Courses
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Electrocardiographic interpretation and testing procedures for the ECG technician. Includes anatomy and electrophysiology of the cardiac conduction system; basic cardiac arrhythmias including sinus, atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias and heartblocks.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A100
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Introduction to the concepts of cardiac catheterization primarily for diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Includes hemodynamics, cardiovascular radiologic safety, aseptic and sterile field maintenance, pressure monitoring equipment, catheters, and contrast used for catheterization. Catheterization techniques, drug pharmacology used in the procedures and complications of cardiac catheterization.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A130
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Advanced procedures in electrocardiographic testing, including stress testing, Holter monitoring, and pacemakers. Advanced arrhythmias including ventricular conduction disturbances effects of drugs, electrolyte imbalances, myocardial infarction, and cardiac pharmacology.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A150
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Cardiac anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Includes cardiovascular structures, hemodynamics, cardiac output and blood pressure, coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, valvular diseases, infectious diseases, cardiac tumors and myopathies, and congenital heart disease.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A160
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A170
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Introduction to ultrasound physics & instrumentation for cardiac ultrasound, visualized on 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional ultrasound imaging.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A190
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Theory, equipment, and procedures for echocardiography to include M-mode, 2D, and Doppler. Recognition of specific echocardiographic patterns and abnormalities. Relates anatomical cardiac images to echocardiographic images.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A200
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Skill development in using echocardiographic imaging equipment, machine adjustments, and obtaining correct views on M-mode, 2-dimensional, Doppler and color flow echocardiograms under direct supervision. Includes exercises in recognition of cardiac anatomy and pathology found in diagnostic ultrasound imaging evaluation for cardiac function.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A205
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Experience in echocardiography in a clinical facility to include conferences or lectures by physicians, sonographers, and guest lecturers to relate patient clinical presentations to diagnostic findings. Offered on a pass-no pass basis only.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A210
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
The study of physical principles and instrumentation of diagnostic medical sonography, echocardiography, vascular ultrasound and peripheral vascular ultrasound. It includes sonographic equipment design, instrumentation and sonographic imaging application.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A220
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Intermediate clinical experience. Continue in cardiac and vascular sonographic scanning in assigned clinical facility and perform related patient care. Begin to determine normal and abnormal sonographic findings. Offered on a pass or no-pass basis only.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A224
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Clinical practice within a cardiac catheterization laboratory to include performances of patient monitoring, data collection, and recognition of anatomical and hemodynamic abnormalities for coronary artery disease. Course includes one hour of discussion-seminar with physician lecturers each week. Offered on a pass-no pass basis only.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A240
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Advanced theory, equipment, and procedures in echocardiography, including Doppler, color flow Doppler in adults and pediatric. Further development of techniques and evaluation of disease states using exercise stress, TEE, pharmacological stress, and contrast echocardiographic studies.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A250
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Skill development in advanced echocardiographic techniques under direct supervision. Includes spectral Doppler, color flow Doppler, pediatric, stress/pharmacological stress, TEE, and further evaluation of adult echocardiography. Computer lab modules for advanced echocardiographic techniques and Registry Exam Review.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A255
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Diagnosis and scanning techniques in the evaluation of cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease by ultrasound and Doppler testing. Includes normal anatomy and physiology of the cerebrovasculature, ultrasound instrumentation, and examination techniques relating to pathologies. Imaging demonstrations and direct student scanning.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing CVT A260
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Clinical experience in echocardiography in an assigned clinical facility practicing a variety of Echocardiograms. The emphasis on scanning using appropriate Doppler interrogation and calculations to recognize between normal and pathology processes relating to actual patient situations. Successful clinical performance evaluation and submission of written patient case study. Offered on a pass-no pass basis only.