Cardiovascular Technology
Play a key role in keeping the body’s hardest-working muscle healthy.
Prepare yourself for a career performing invasive procedures on the heart. You will work alongside cardiologists to perform diagnostic and therapeutic heart procedures. These include diagnostic catheterizations, stent placements and temporary pacemakers.
PA College offers two ways to become an entry-level cardiovascular invasive specialist. Both of our programs offer hands-on experience right away, with access to advanced simulation learning. Work in small classes alongside experienced health care professionals to set yourself up for success.
See the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook.
If you already have an associate degree (or higher) or have completed a two-year, post-secondary allied health program, you may eligible for our certificate program.
Curriculum
First Year: Associate Degree in Applied Science Total Credits: 26
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| BIO 175 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| ENG 100 | English Composition | 3 |
| MAT 160 | College Algebra | 3 |
| CSS 101 | College Seminar | 3 |
| PHI 210 | Ethical and Legal Dimensions in the Health Sciences | 1 |
| Total | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | Credits | |
| BIO 176 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| PHY 150/L | Physics w/ Lab | 3 |
| SOC 100 or SOC 200 | Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Diversity | 1 |
| HSC 100 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
| HSC 101 | Methods of Patient Care | 3 |
| Total | 12 | |
| Total Combined Credits | 26 |
Second Year: Associate Degree in Applied Science Total Credits: 43
| Summer II (6 Week Semester) | Credits | |
| HSC 160 | Rhythm and 12 lead ECG analysis | 3 |
| CVT 204 | Cardiovascular Simulation Lab | 1 |
| CVT 205 | Cardiac Invasive Procedures | 3 |
| Total | 7 | |
| Fall | Credits | |
| CVT 206 | Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology | 3 |
| CVT 207 | Advanced Procedures | 3 |
| CVT 208 | Cardiovascular Hemodynamics | 3 |
| CVT 215 | Clinical I | 4 |
| CVT 217 | Introduction to Radiology | 2 |
| Total | 15 | |
| Spring | Credits | |
| CVT 218 | Implantable Cardiac Device Theory | 3 |
| CVT 221 | Cardiac Arrhythmias & Treatments | 3 |
| CVT 225 | Cardiac Pharmacology | 3 |
| CVT 230 | Clinical II | 5 |
| HSC 200 | Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) | 1 |
| Total | 15 | |
| Summer (12 Week Semester) | Credits | |
| CVT 235 | Clinical III | 6 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Total Combined Credits | 43 |
Will I Be Successful?
| Year | # Of Students Started | Graduated | Took Exam | Passed Exam | Grad with Jobs | Grads with Jobs within 6 Months | Continuing Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2017 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 2016 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 1 |
| 2015 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
Not sure if this is the right program for you?
Our cardiac invasive specialty degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology. See more accreditation information.