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Interventional Cardiac and Vascular Technology

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). 

The following represents one way in which the program of study 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.

Associate in Applied Science

A45410
NC CIP: 51.0901
Day
POS Approved: Fall 2022

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BIO 168 Anatomy and Physiology I 3 3 0 4
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry 3 0 0 3
ICV 110 Patient Care/Fundamentals 2 2 0 3
ICV 111 ICV Electrocardiography 0 3 0 1
ICV 118 Cardiology Procedures I 1 2 0 2
ICV 120 ICV Clinical Education I 0 0 6 2
  Total: 9 10 6 15

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BIO 169 Anatomy and Physiology II 3 3 0 4
ICV 125 ICV Clinical Education II 0 0 12 4
ICV 217 Inter Equip & Supplies 2 2 0 3
ICV 218 Cardiology Procedures II 1 2 0 2
Select one:
Writing/Research in the Disc (3) (0) (0) (3)
  OR        
Prof Research & Reporting 3 0 0 3
  Total: 9 7 12 16

Summer Term

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
ICV 112 ICV Ionizing Radiation Effects 2 0 0 2
ICV 113 ICV Neurovascular Procedures 1 2 0 2
ICV 130 ICV Clinical Education III 0 0 12 4
ICV 216 ICV Pharmacology 3 0 0 3
  Total: 6 2 12 11

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
ICV 212 ICV Imaging Physics 2 2 0 3
ICV 219 Vascular Physiology & Proc 3 0 0 3
ICV 220 ICV Clinical Education IV 0 0 24 8
  Total: 5 2 24 14

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
ICV 230 ICV Clinical Education V 0 0 24 8
ICV 241 ICV Pathology Review 2 0 0 2
ICV 261 ICV Cardiac Exam Prep 1 0 0 1
Select one:
Interpersonal Psychology 3 0 0 3
  OR        
General Psychology (3) (0) (0) (3)
___ ___ Humanities/Fine Arts Elective ** ** 0 3
  Total: 6 0 24 17

Total Credit Hours: 73

Additional Information

   Additional admissions requirements:

  1. Completion of Basic Emergency Medical Technician or Certified nurse assistant level II (CNA II) or equivalent (i.e. military corpsman). Basic EMT and CNA I & II can be taken through Forsyth Tech’s Corporation and Continuing Education. 
  2. Completion of high school or college credits in biology and algebra.
  3. Completion of program orientation requirements.
  4. Completion of the Forsyth Tech Student Medical Form.
  5. Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification at the health care provider level (BCLS).
  6. Grade of C or better is required in all related and program specific courses and is mandatory for admission and progression in the Interventional Cardiac and Vascular Technology program.

Program Information
This program has limited enrollment. Students are chosen through the selective admissions process based on grades earned in required related courses (i.e. biology, English, psychology, etc.). The Admissions Office can provide additional information on the selections process.

This program admits students in the Fall Semester only. The yearly deadline for application to the ICV program will be March 17. 

Senior students will be expected to take call every fourth weekend beginning the Fall Semester until graduation.

Withdrawal in any science course, ICV prefix or prerequisite course while enrolled in the program will result in dismissal of the student from the program. Readmission may be possible but requires reapplying and approval by the college.

Interventional Cardiac and Vascular Technology is considered to be a safe profession in terms of radiation exposure, however, special limits have been established for occupationally exposed declared pregnant women to ensure that the probability of birth defects is negligible. A copy of the program’s pregnancy policy is included in the program’s Student Handbook and is available upon request.

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective – Select one: ART 111, ENG 231, ENG 232, HUM 110, HUM 115, HUM 120, MUS 110, PHI 215, PHI 240, or REL 110. Consult an academic advisor concerning other possible electives.

Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screening
Clinical agencies require criminal background checks and/ or drug screening for students assigned to their facility for clinical education. In addition, national and/or state registry and/or licensure boards may prohibit eligibility for registry or licensure based on criminal background records. Please refer to the Health Technologies section on www.forsythtech.edu.

**Hours will vary depending on course selection.

A45410