Cardiovascular Technology
The Agnes Binder Weisiger Cardiovascular Technology curriculum prepares individuals to develop attributes necessary to perform procedures leading to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Course work emphasizes technical and cognitive skills development with application by applying the concepts of echocardiography, exercise stress testing, electrocardiography, cardiac catheterization, blood gases, electrophysiology, cardiovascular anatomy, and physiology.
Graduates selecting the non-invasive track (Cardiac Sonography) are eligible to become a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) for the Noninvasive Registry through the American Registry of Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or a Registered Cardiac Sonography (RCS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International, Inc. (CCI). Graduates selecting the invasive track (Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist) may be eligible for the Invasive Registry to become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International, Inc. (CCI).
For specific information about potential positions and wages in cardiovascular employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Cardiovascular Technology (A45170)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science Degree Cardiovascular Technology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- Complete a Central Piedmont admissions application.
- Admission to the Cardiovascular Technology program is competitive. Please note that, in addition to the college application, students also must complete a separate application to apply specifically for the program.
- The program application is available on the Cardiovascular Technology website.
- Students must be selected to enter the program. Upon acceptance and enrollment in the program, students must take all courses as scheduled and sequenced.
Program Accreditation
Upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT), the Cardiovascular Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) at the associate degree level for two concentrations:
- Non-Invasive Cardiology (Adult Echocardiography) concentration, and
- Invasive Cardiology (Invasive Cardiovascular Technology) concentration.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
25400 US Highway 19 North
Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763
caahep.org
727-210-2350
Notes
In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs of this program include the following: scrubs, lab coat, radiation monitoring badge, CVT patch; student picture ID; a physical examination including drug screening test; immunizations such as tetanus toxoid, hepatitis B vaccinations; TB test; blood test (VDRL, rubella titer, etc.), current CPR certification and criminal back-ground check.
All students must provide a certificate of health and accident insurance. In order to participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students may be required to submit results of a NC state or national criminal background check at their own expense. As a condition of program admission, students may be required to verify that they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States.
All students enrolled in the Cardiovascular Technology program take the same Core courses for the first semester. Upon admission, applicants select either the Invasive or Noninvasive specialty track. Students enroll in Core courses of their specialty track in the fall term of the second year.
Graduates selecting the non-invasive track are eligible for the Noninvasive Registry to become a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer. Graduates selecting the invasive track are eligible for the Invasive Registry to become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist. Graduates may be employed in hospitals, clinics and cardiology offices. Registry status, in specialty field, is required for employment.
Contact Information
The Agnes Binder Weisiger Cardiovascular Technology program is in the Therapy & Acute Care Division. Division offices are located on 3rd floor in the Belk Wing (BL) of the Health Careers Building on Central Campus.
For an admission packet, frequently asked questions and other information, visit the Cardiovascular Technology website, or call the Program Chair at 704.330.6258 or the Admissions Specialist at 704.330.6284.
Invasive Track
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Take 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| NCT 134 | Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology | 4.0 |
| ICT 113 | Electrocardiography | 4.0 |
| ICT 110 | Invasive Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| ICT 136 | Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Invasive I | 6.0 |
| ICT 140 | Cardiovascular (CV) Hemodynamics I | 2.0 |
| ICT 214 | Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Invasive II | 9.0 |
| ICT 218 | Invasive Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| ICT 234 | Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Invasive III | 13.0 |
| ICT 236 | Cardiovascular (CV) Hemodynamics II | 2.0 |
| Other Major Requirements: | ||
| Select one of the following: | 5.0 | |
| Basic Anatomy & Physiology | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Select 4.0 credits from the following: | 4.0 | |
| College Physics I | ||
| Conceptual Physics | ||
| Conceptual Physics Lab | ||
| MED 120 | Survey of Medical Terminology | 2.0 |
| or MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | |
| Total Credits | 72 | |
Non-Invasive Track
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Take 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| NCT 134 | Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology | 4.0 |
| ICT 113 | Electrocardiography | 4.0 |
| NCT 110 | Echo Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| NCT 133 | Cardiovascular Ultrasound Principles | 3.0 |
| NCT 143 | Echocardiography I | 6.0 |
| NCT 251 | Echocardiography II | 8.0 |
| NCT 253 | Hemodynamic Echocardiographic Principles | 3.0 |
| NCT 273 | Echocardiography III | 14.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 5.0 | |
| Basic Anatomy & Physiology | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Select 4.0 credits from the following: | 4.0 | |
| Conceptual Physics | ||
| Conceptual Physics Lab | ||
| College Physics I | ||
| MED 120 | Survey of Medical Terminology | 2.0 |
| or MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | |
| Total Credits | 72 | |
Cardiovascular Technology Suggested Course Sequences
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2023-2024 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
Invasive Track
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ICT 110 | Invasive Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| NCT 134 | Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology | 4.0 |
| ICT 113 | Electrocardiography | 4.0 |
| BIO 163 or BIO 168 | Basic Anatomy & Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology I | 5.0 |
| MED 120 or MED 121 | Survey of Medical Terminology or Medical Terminology I | 2.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Term II | ||
| ICT 136 | Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Invasive I | 6.0 |
| ICT 140 | Cardiovascular (CV) Hemodynamics I | 2.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PHY 110 or PHY 151 | Conceptual Physics (and PHY 110A lab) or College Physics I | 4.0 |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy or Statistical Methods I or Precalculus Algebra | 3.0 |
| BIO 169, if BIO 168 taken in Term I | 0.0-4.0 | |
| Credits | 18-22 | |
| Term III | ||
| ICT 214 | Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Invasive II | 9.0 |
| ICT 218 | Invasive Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| ENG 112 or ENG 114 | Writing and Research in the Disciplines or Professional Research & Reporting | 3.0 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term IV | ||
| ICT 234 | Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Invasive III | 13.0 |
| ICT 236 | Cardiovascular (CV) Hemodynamics II | 2.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 72-76 | |
Non-Invasive Track
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| NCT 110 | Echo Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| NCT 134 | Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology | 4.0 |
| ICT 113 | Electrocardiography | 4.0 |
| BIO 163 or BIO 168 | Basic Anatomy & Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology I | 5.0 |
| MED 120 or MED 121 | Survey of Medical Terminology or Medical Terminology I | 2.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Term II | ||
| NCT 133 | Cardiovascular Ultrasound Principles | 3.0 |
| NCT 143 | Echocardiography I | 6.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PHY 110 or PHY 151 | Conceptual Physics (and PHY 110A lab) or College Physics I | 4.0 |
| BIO 169, if BIO 168 taken in Term I | 0.0-4.0 | |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy or Statistical Methods I or Precalculus Algebra | 3.0 |
| Credits | 19-23 | |
| Term III | ||
| NCT 251 | Echocardiography II | 8.0 |
| NCT 253 | Hemodynamic Echocardiographic Principles | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| ENG 112 | Writing and Research in the Disciplines or Literature-Based Research or Professional Research & Reporting | 3.0 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term IV | ||
| NCT 273 | Echocardiography III | 14.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 72-76 | |
Cardiovascular Tech (Invasive) Courses
ICT 110. Invasive Fundamentals. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides information related to the profession and practice of invasive cardiovascular technology. Emphasis is placed on medical-legal and ethical aspects of healthcare, patient safety principles, basic invasive principles and cardiovascular imaging modalities. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic invasive principles, cardiovascular imaging modalities, medical-legal and ethical aspects and safety practices.
ICT 113. Electrocardiography. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the principles of electrocardiography, ECG rhythm recognition, methods of arrhythmia intervention and cardiac pacemaker therapy. Topics include rhythm strip and 12-lead analysis, identification of conduction abnormalities, and pharmacologic and electrical treatment methods. Upon completion, students should be able to describe electrical function, detect a variety of arrhythmias and describe their treatment methods and analyze 12-lead electrocardiograms.
ICT 136. Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Invasive I. 6.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-6.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an introduction to diagnostic techniques and equipment utilized in the invasive labs. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic cardiac and peripheral vascular catheterization principles, instrumentation, patient care techniques and the development of basic invasive lab skills. Upon completion, students should be able to identify cardiovascular anatomy through angiographic assessment, provide basic patient care and demonstrate basic invasive lab skills.
ICT 140. Cardiovascular (CV) Hemodynamics I. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an introduction to the hemodynamic principles of the cardiac catheterization lab. Emphasis is placed on pressure acquisition, basic waveform analysis and hemodynamic calculations. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the pressure acquisition process, identify cardiac pressures, determine valve conditions, and perform basic hemodynamic calculations.
ICT 214. Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Invasive II. 9.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-15.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the student to advanced diagnostic and interventional techniques and instrumentation used in invasive labs. Emphasis is placed on functional assessment, coronary interventional instrumentation, emergency treatments, and increasing clinical skills in clinical rotations. Upon completion, students should be able to describe peripheral vascular and coronary interventional techniques and demonstrate clinical skills with increased competency in the clinical setting.
ICT 218. Invasive Pharmacology. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the student to the essential medications and medical therapies used in the invasive catheterization labs. Emphasis is placed on indications, contraindications, routes, dosages, and adverse effects of the primary and secondary medications used in cardiovascular labs. Upon completion, students should be able to identify indications, side effects, contraindications, dosages, complications, identify trade and generic names and perform medication calculations.
ICT 234. Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Invasive III. 13.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-30.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the student to advanced cardiac interventional techniques, peripheral vascular intervention techniques and increased clinical rotations. Emphasis is placed on identification of advanced disease states, structural heart and peripheral vascular interventional techniques, and increasing clinical skills in clinical rotations. Upon completion, students should be able to identify advanced diseased states, interventional techniques, and instrumentation and demonstrate entry level skills in the clinical setting.
ICT 236. Cardiovascular (CV) Hemodynamics II. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces students to advanced cardiac conditions and disease states found in the invasive lab environment. Emphasis is placed on identifying advanced cardiovascular conditions, performing advanced hemodynamic calculations, and identifying congenital malformations through hemodynamic pressures. Upon completion, students should be able to identify advanced cardiovascular conditions, perform hemodynamic calculations and identify congenital malformations through hemodynamic pressures.
Cardiovascular Tech Non-Invasi Courses
NCT 110. Echo Fundamentals. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides information related to the profession and practice of echocardiography. Emphasis is placed on medical-legal and ethical aspects of healthcare, patient centered care, understanding basic echocardiography imaging views and cardiovascular imaging modalities. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic echocardiography imaging views, cardiovascular imaging modalities, medical-ethical issues and patient care practices.
NCT 133. Cardiovascular Ultrasound Principles. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the principles of ultrasound applications and instrumentation of cardiovascular imaging procedures. Emphasis is placed on the physical principles of cardiovascular imaging as a diagnostic tool, instrumentation and applicable effects, and biosafety issues. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss applications of ultrasound imaging, understand instrumentation applications and improve quality imaging while maintaining bioeffects standards.
NCT 134. Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology. 4.0 Credits. Class-4.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides information related to cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on the hemodynamics of pathophysiological disease states, embryology and the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Upon completion, students should be able describe normal and abnormal cardiovascular diseases, associated hemodynamic findings, and treatment options.
NCT 143. Echocardiography I. 6.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-6.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces echocardiography procedures, cardiovascular imaging modalities and their applications in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Emphasis is placed on the diagnostic capabilities of echocardiography related to clinical presentations of cardiovascular diseases and development of basic imaging skills. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic echocardiography/Doppler examinations and describe the diagnostic information obtained by noninvasive procedures.
NCT 251. Echocardiography II. 8.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-15.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces advanced echocardiography/Doppler techniques, modalities, and hemodynamic assessments utilized for the diagnosis of acquired and congenital cardiovascular diseases. Emphasis is placed on protocols, interpretation of echocardiography/Doppler data with correlation to the clinical presentation of disease states in the clinical setting. Upon completion, students should be able to identify abnormal heart diseases through analysis and correlation of imaging data and demonstrate increasing clinical skill development.
NCT 253. Hemodynamic Echocardiographic Principles. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an introduction to the hemodynamic approach in performing an echocardiogram to detect cardiovascular heart disease. Emphasis is placed on the applications of hemodynamic calculations in valvular heart disease and development of quality standard practices for quality patient care outcomes. Upon completion, students should be able to perform hemodynamic calculations on an echocardiogram.
NCT 273. Echocardiography III. 14.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-30.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides expanded techniques and applications required for a comprehensive echocardiography procedure. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of advanced qualitative and quantitative calculations of various heart diseases with increasing skill development in the clinical setting. Upon completion, students should be able to independently perform a comprehensive diagnostic echocardiography examination with relative quantitative calculations with entry level skill competency.