Interventional Cardiac and Vascular Technology - Cardiac

Curriculum Description

The Interventional Cardiac and Vascular Technology curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to qualify as an entry-level Intervention Cardiac and Vascular Specialist.

Course work will include radiographic physics, radiation protection, patient care, ECG, pharmacology, anatomy and pathology.  Clinical rotations will provide experiences with advanced radiographic imaging equipment and medications used to visualize human vasculature and organs.

Graduates should qualify for eligibility to apply for and take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam given by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). 

This certificate is intended for individuals who are employed in a Cardiac Cath Lab and have graduated from an approved accredited program and earned an Associate Degree or higher in Nursing, Paramedic, Respiratory Therapy, or Radiography; or graduates who have earned Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology.

The following represents one way in which the certificate can be completed. Students who aren’t able to follow the recommended curriculum model below should consult their academic advisor to be sure that they take courses in the best order for their success.

Certificate

C45410C
NC CIP: 51.0901
Online
POS Approved: Fall 2017

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Total Credit Hours: 16

Additional Information

This certificate is intended for individuals who are employed in a Cardiac Cath Lab and have graduated from an approved accredited program and earned an Associate Degree or higher in Nursing, Paramedic, Respiratory Therapy, or Radiography; or graduates who have earned Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. Current licensure/registry must be in good standing, and applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements (MAR). The academic plan will be determined on an individual basis and will be based on previous academic and clinical work as well as anticipated career goals. Additional information can be obtained from a Forsyth Tech Admissions Counselor.

1. Issuance of transfer course credit based on primary Associate or higher degree from an accredited school:

2. Students who have been admitted to the ICVT Advanced Placement Program may request to take a proficiency exam for a course that has a proficiency exam available.  Students must receive permission from the appropriate department chairperson to earn credit for the course by proficiency examination and must pay the testing fee before taking the exam. Students may take a proficiency exam for a given course only once in a 12-month period at a non-refundable cost of $10 per exam.  Guidelines on how to apply for a proficiency exam can be obtained from the ICVT Program Coordinator.  Students who successfully pass a proficiency exam will be given a grade of CR (credit granted or passed proficiency) and hours earned will be granted but will not affect the grade point average (GPA).

Additional admissions requirements: (Must provide proof of)

1. Overall GPA of 2.8 for acceptance into program.
2. Graduation from an eligible program (B.S. Biology/Electrophysiology, Echo, Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic, Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Registered Nursing, Nuclear Medicine)
3. Secured employment in a cardiovascular interventional lab.
4. Letter of recommendation from department manager to include the number and types of exams performed per year in the department.

Program Information
The Interventional Cardiac and Vascular Technology – Cardiac certificate accepts graduates who have completed a Bachelor of Science degree or any of the following accredited degree health programs: ECHO Cardiography, Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic, Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, Respiratory Therapy or Nursing (RN).

This program admits students in the fall semester only. The application deadline is June 30.