Graduates of the Cardiovascular Technology 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 technologist performs examinations at the request or direction of a physician. The technologist is proficient in the use of analytical equipment and sundry apparatus including placing such equipment on or into the patient, or placing the patient on the equipment, acquisition of diagnostic images, cognitive skills involving data measurement, professionalism for patient interactions, and knowledge of cardiac and vascular anatomy and pathophysiology.
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.
The Florida SouthWestern State College Cardiovascular Technology Program is accredited in the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology (cardiovascular catheterization) area of diagnostic evaluation. The Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist works in cardiovascular catheterization laboratories (cath labs). Working with a cardiologist, they perform sophisticated tests to diagnose heart and blood vessel disease. They also assist the cardiologist during interventional repair procedures.
The Cardiovascular Technology Program admits students once per year and starts each Fall semester. 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 core courses are only offered on the Lee Campus. Clinical education occurs at affiliated hospitals throughout Southwest Florida.
ACCREDITATION:
The Florida SouthWestern State College Cardiovascular Technology program is nationally accredited by the:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
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 starting the Cardiovascular Technology Core coursework. 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.
After acceptance, students must complete the following:
- Immunization and health report
- TB Skin Test
- Certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (CPR and AED) obtained during the months of June-August, prior to Fall Year 2 semester start.
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE OPPORTUNITY:
Florida SouthWestern State College also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cardiopulmonary Sciences. Graduates of the AS Degree Program in Cardiovascular Technology with the RCIS credential may enroll in this degree program and complete remaining courses to earn the bachelor’s degree. For more information, please contact the School of Health Professions (239) 489-9255.
BAS CURRICULUM SEQUENCE NOTES: Students who plan to advance to the BAS degree should consider completing the following coursework:
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