Cardiovascular Technology
As the only associate degree program of its kind in South Carolina, Piedmont Technical College’s Cardiovascular Technology program offers a comprehensive study of both invasive and adult echocardiography.
Credentials Offered:
Cardiovascular Technology (A.A.S.) - Adult EchocardiographyCardiovascular Technology (A.A.S.) - Invasive
A Career in Cardiovascular Technology
At Piedmont Technical College you’ll get hands-on experience in hospitals and health care settings. You’ll learn from experienced cardiovascular technologists, cardiac sonographers and cardiologists to get the hands-on training you need to excel in the field.
Because the program is much more in depth and hands-on than similar programs, you’ll graduate with practical knowledge of the field, and with direct experience on cutting-edge equipment.
Special Application Requirements
The Cardiovascular Technology program has special program admission criteria which must be completed prior to applying for the clinical phase of the program. A student may be admitted to the college at any time in order to complete prerequisite and general education coursework.
What Will I Do in the Cardiovascular Field?
Cardiovascular technologists assist in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels by operating cutting-edge diagnostic equipment. They compare cardiac findings to a standard to identify diseases that can then be treated. Cardiovascular technologists are known to be an extension of the cardiologist.
The job requires both in-depth technical knowledge and a knack for detective work. Cardiovascular technologists often aid clinicians in diagnosing complex medical mysteries — helping patients who have been ill for long periods of time with limited or no response to treatment.
Some Job Duties May Include:
- Prepare patients for procedures by taking medical history and answering questions about procedures
- Prepare and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment
- Operate equipment to obtain diagnostic images or to conduct tests
- Review images or test results to check for quality and coverage of areas needed for diagnoses
- Analyze diagnostic information to provide a summary of findings to physicians
- Record findings and keep track of patients’ records
Career Quick Facts
- Career Outlook
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Median Salary Average: $65,330
- SC Salary Range: $46,020-$82,300
- 89% placement rate for 2015-2017 graduates
Cardiovascular Technicians
- Median Salary Average: $57,380
- SC Salary Range: $27,680-$81,180
- 89% placement rate for 2015-2017 graduates
- Entry Level Positions
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Adult Echocardiography
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Invasive
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- Cardiovascular Technician
Program Information
Cardiovascular Technology is a title used to describe two basic areas of expertise: Invasive Cardiology and Adult Echocardiography.
Invasive Cardiology utilizes highly sophisticated equipment to perform procedures on patients for diagnostic and interventional treatment of cardiovascular diseases as part of the cardiac catheterization team. The invasive technologist assists a cardiologist in all aspects of the cardiac catheterization.
Adult Echocardiography involves sonographers who perform echocardiograms, or ultrasound imaging, to evaluate different aspects of the heart and blood vessels, such as chamber size, valve function, and blood flow. They must be familiar with cardiac diseases in order to identify any abnormalities and document them via ultrasound imaging. While cardiac sonographers do not themselves diagnose patients, they assist cardiologists with the diagnostic process.
The Cardiovascular Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 US Highway, 19 North., Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763; (727) 210-2350, www.caahep.org, upon the recommendation of The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT), www.jrccvt.org, 1449 Hill Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588-1032.
Cardiovascular Technology Application Process
Cardiovascular Technology is a limited enrollment program that has special admissions requirements. These requirements must be completed before you can be accepted.
If you are a new student, there are three key steps to complete before entering the Cardiovascular Technology program:
- Step 1: Apply to the college and complete the enrollment process
- Step 2: Take the necessary courses to become Program-Ready
- Step 3: Apply to the program
Are You Program-Ready?
Before applying for program entry, be sure you meet the requirements for acceptance. Start by connecting with an advisor and review program requirements.
We've also provided the resources below to assist you with the program acceptance process.
- Cardiovascular Technology Fact Sheet
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Fact Sheets are designed for students and advisors to review program-specific requirements and program application procedures. Please make an appointment with your advisor to discuss your academic goals and progress, and to develop your individualized degree plan.
- Application Worksheet
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The application worksheet is used to calculate points toward merit/competitive program entry.
- Graduation Plan
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Our semester-by-semester graduation plans will show you when required courses in your major are offered. Following this plan will help you stay on track and graduate on time.
Students in the Health Care Certificate that are focusing on Cardiovascular Technology should consider the following coursework to complete the appropriate program-ready and general education coursework needed for Cardiovascular Technology.
- Health Care FAQ
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We strongly recommend that students review the Health Care Division FAQ to be fully aware of our program entry requirements.
Apply to the Cardiovascular Technology Program
Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to become program ready, it’s time to apply to the program.
Applications are accepted for the fall entry into the Cardiovascular Technology program on the following schedule
- Application Dates - May 1-16
- Notification Emails Sent - Mid-June*
Program applications must be submitted during the scheduled dates for this program to be considered.
Note: If you haven't already done so, you must apply to the college before completing the Cardiovascular Technology program application.
* Students accepted into any Health Care program will be required to attend a program orientation. Accepted students will NOT be excused from attending this mandatory orientation.