The Cardiovascular Technology program prepares students for a career in the health-care field with special emphasis for work in catheterization labs and echocardiography labs. Cardiovascular Technology is a health-related profession specifically concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac and peripheral vascular disease. The technologist assists and performs examinations at the request or direction of a physician. The technologist is proficient in the use of analytical equipment and sundry apparatus to create an easily definable foundation of data from which a correct anatomic and physiologic diagnosis may be established.

Non-Invasive /Echocardiography Technologist will assist in echocardiography and exercise stress testing in laboratories of medical centers, hospitals, diagnostic clinics and physicians offices.

Admission, Retention, and Graduation Requirements

Admission Requirements (General)

A student desiring to pursue an associate of applied science degree in Cardiovascular Technology must:

1. Apply, meet the general admission requirements, and be accepted by Northeast State Technical Community College.
2. Indicate Cardiovascular Technology as the desired major on the Northeast State application form.
3. See a faculty advisor from the Health-Related Professions area prior to registering for classes and obtain faculty approval to register.
4. Complete all required remedial and developmental courses prior to making application for the Cardiovascular Technology program.
5. Complete BIOL 2010, BIOL 2020, CHEM 1030, CSCI 1100, ENGL 1010, MATH 1530, PSYC 1310, SPCH 1300, and a humanities/ fine arts elective prior to making application for the Cardiovascular Technology program. A grade of “C” or better must be achieved in all courses prior to admission. Biological science courses previously taken must have been completed within the last ten (10) years.

Cardiovascular Technology Program Application Requirements

A student who has completed the above referenced requirements and has maintained an overall 2.0 GPA, excluding remedial and developmental courses, must complete and return to the Cardiovascular Technology Program Director a “Request for Admission into the Cardiovascular Technology program” form. The student should attach to the form a current transcript of all the college courses taken.

Admission to the Cardiovascular Technology Program

1. Selection of each class will be made by the Cardiovascular Technology Admission and Progression Committee whose membership consists of:
   1. Division Chair of Health-Related Professions.
   2. Program Director of the Cardiovascular Technology program.
   3. Representatives of the local communities of interest.
   4. Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (ex officio).
2. Students will be evaluated on overall GPA, grades earned in required sciences, prior education, and be interviewed by the Admissions and Progressions Committee. (Evaluation criteria will be made available to each student during the application and orientation process).
3. Individuals selected for the class will be notified in writing of acceptance into the program. Students notified of admission into the program must return by the date specified on the form an acceptance form indicating intent to be included in the class. Students who do not respond will have their positions filled by other applicants selected by the Cardiovascular Technology Program Director from the list recommended by the Admissions and Progression Committee.
4. Students not selected for admission may reapply for a subsequent class.
5. Transfer Students - Individuals who have attended other colleges and desire to transfer into the Northeast State Cardiovascular Technology program will be considered on an individual basis. Transfer requests should be directed to the Division Chair of Health-Related Professions. Transfer students must meet the same standards and criteria as others desiring to pursue an associate degree in Cardiovascular Technology at Northeast State.

Readmission Policies

A student who has been dismissed or has withdrawn from the Cardiovascular Technology program may be readmitted. The following apply:

1. Only one readmission to the Cardiovascular Technology program is permitted. This readmission must occur within a one year time frame.
2. A student must apply to the Cardiovascular Technology Program Director for readmission at least one semester before the desired date of return.
3. A student must request readmission in writing and appear before the Admission and Progression Committee.
4. A student who fails to maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA may be considered for readmission only after removing all grades of less than a “C” in all required general education courses.
5. A student repeating a Cardiovascular Technology course must repeat both the theory and clinical components of the course.
6. A student may be readmitted only if space is available.

Retention

To remain in good standing once admitted to the Cardiovascular Technology program, the student must:

1. Adhere to all Northeast State, Cardiovascular Technology program, department and clinical affiliate policies.
2. Maintain a 2.0 GPA or better in each Cardiovascular Technology course.
3. Satisfactorily complete the theory, clinical, and/or skills requirements of each Cardiovascular Technology course. Failure in either segment will result in a grade of “F” for the entire course.
4. Submit to the Cardiovascular Technology Program Director written evidence, on the appropriate form, of a physical examination within the past six months showing the applicant is in good physical health and possesses no physical disabilities which would impede the applicant’s ability to fulfill the functions and responsibilities of the cardiovascular technologist. Any limitations in the individual’s ability to perform adequately will require additional documentation.
5. Exhibit safe clinical behavior.
6. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and legal conduct.
7. Purchase professional liability insurance ($1,000,000/ $3,000,0000).
8. Maintain CPR certification.
9. Sign a statement prior to admission indicating he/she is drug free and submit to a drug test if requested by the Division Chair of Health-Related Professions at any time during the program. A positive drug test is grounds for immediate dismissal.
10. Students must comply with policies of clinical affiliates concerning criminal background checks and must assume associated costs.

Graduation

Program graduation requirements include the successful completion of the courses listed below with a minimum grade of “C” in each course.