Purpose
Graduates of the Cardiovascular Technology, AS degree program are prepared to become credentialed as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) after successful completion of the national RCIS Examination. Cardiovascular technology is an allied health profession specifically focused on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac and vascular disease. The Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist is employed in cardiovascular catheterization laboratories (cath labs). Our specialty of invasive cardiovascular technology will prepare the graduate to function in multiple facets in the cardiovascular catheterization laboratory. Working with a cardiologist, they perform sophisticated tests to diagnose and quantify cardiac and vascular disorders such as coronary artery disease, cardiac valve disease, vascular disease, and disorders of the heart’s electrical conduction system. Cardiovascular Technologists perform diagnostic cardiovascular catheterization studies on patients including coronary and vascular angiography and hemodynamic monitoring and analysis. They also assist the cardiologist in interventional procedures including coronary and vascular angioplasty, direct infarct angioplasty, aortic and mitral valve replacement and repair, septal defect repair, rotablator procedures, intra-coronary and vascular stenting, and pacemaker/defibrillator insertion.
Current occupational employment and wages data for Cardiovascular Technologists are published by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292031.htm.
Program Structure
The Cardiovascular Technology, AS program admits students once per year and starts each Fall semester. This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 77 credit hours in the following areas: 27 credit hours of General Education Requirements, 3 credit hours of Program Specific Coursework, and 47 credit hours of Cardiovascular Technology Requirements. The curriculum includes a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical education experiences. General Education and Program Specific coursework may be taken on various campuses, but the Cardiovascular Technology Program Requirements are only offered on the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus. Clinical education occurs at affiliated hospitals throughout Southwest Florida.
Accreditation
The Florida SouthWestern State College Cardiovascular Technology, AS program at the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus is nationally accredited by the:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
25400 US Highway 19 North Ste. 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Telephone: 727-210-2350
Application Deadline
May 31
Admission Requirements
Cardiovascular Technology has limited enrollment due to the rigorous clinical education requirements for the program. Acceptance to Florida SouthWestern State College does not imply acceptance into the Cardiovascular Technology program. Each applicant must meet specific criteria which are listed in the admission policies. The Criteria for Admission Policies are available through the program office or through the School of Health Professions office at (239) 489-9255. Admission applications are located at www.fsw.edu/academics/programs/ascardiotech.
Admission to the program is determined by admissions points, academic transcript evaluation, and affective skills demonstration. Admissions points are awarded for the completion of General Education coursework and prospective students are encouraged to complete as many courses as possible prior to enrolling in Cardiovascular Technology Requirements. Pre-admission requirements include satisfactory completion of the following:
- Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Examination
- Panel Interview
- College-approved criminal records check and drug testing at the applicant’s expense.
- Proof of personal health insurance throughout enrollment in the program, naming the student and dates of coverage.
- 11 college credit hours, including a minimum of 6 credits of program specific Mathematics and/or Natural Sciences courses. Successful completion is defined as earning a grade of “C” or better.
- BSC 1085C or BSC 1093C - Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits) with a grade of “C” or better.
- HSC 1531 Medical Terminology (3 credits) with a grade of “C” or better.
After acceptance, students must complete the following:
- Immunizations and health report
- TB Skin Test
- Certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals (CPR and AED) will be scheduled during the first year of the program
Baccalaureate Degree Opportunity
Florida SouthWestern State College also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cardiopulmonary Sciences. Graduates of the Cardiovascular Technology, AS degree program with the RCIS credential may enroll in the Cardiopulmonary Sciences, BS program and complete remaining courses to earn the bachelor’s degree. For more information, please contact the School of Health Professions (239) 489-9255.
Course Prerequisites
Many courses require prerequisites. Check the description of each course in the list below for prerequisites, minimum grade requirements, and other restrictions. Students must complete all prerequisites for a course prior to registering for it.
Graduation Requirements
All General Education, Program Prerequisite, and Program Requirements must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Students must fulfill all requirements of their program to be eligible for graduation. Students must indicate their intention to attend commencement ceremony by completing the Commencement Form by the published deadline.
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