Cardiovascular Technology, Associate in Science Degree

Orange Coast College

Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) is an adult cardiac sonography allied health profession concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiovascular 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 cardiovascular 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 design a comprehensive treatment plan. Cardiovascular sonographers perform the studies, operate various electronic diagnostic 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 cardiovascular sonographers and/or ECG specialists. Program Admission: Completion of Associate of Science degree required Mathematics and General Education requirements. Course Prerequisites: ALH A010 Health Occupations (Program Application Submission) ALH A111 Medical Terminology BIOL A221 Anatomy-Physiology Program Requirements: Students must earn a minimum grade of 70%, C or better in all courses for acceptance and continuation in the program Current BLS/CPR certification, current proof of immunizations (as listed in the School of Allied Health Programs Manual), drug screening, and background check. Prior knowledge of the field is not a requirement to start the program Program Outcome To prepare students for entry-level employment by preparing students in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains as professional and competent Cardiovascular Technologists to meet the needs of the local health care community. Graduates can work in hospitals, medical centers, physician offices and clinics, research centers, and privately- owned companies contracting with medical facilities.