Cardiovascular Technology Programs of StudyThe Cardiovascular Technology Program at Howard Community College offers various options to pursue. The Cardiovascular Technology profession encompasses two major specialty areas:
1) noninvasive cardiovascular technology
2) invasive cardiovascular technology
There are different levels of expertise required within each of these specialized areas. The course of study chosen will determine the time commitment necessary for completion.
Prerequisite and co-requisite general education and science courses are offered during the day and evening. Cardiovascular course work (i.e., CARD courses) will be offered during the day exclusively, with some late afternoons, evenings and/or weekends scheduled for access to equipment. Summer classes are required for the degree and Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging and Therapies options.
It is important to emphasize that this program is demanding and involves considerable on-campus preparation time in addition to scheduled class and clinical hours.
Cardiovascular clinical classes for both the degree and certificate options always begin in the Spring. Classes are seated within specified application periods. Each program's clinical course work spans the following time periods:
| Option 1 | Associate in Applied Sciences Degree
in Cardiovascular Invasive Technology | 16 months |
| Option 2 | Certificate of Proficiency
in Cardiac Monitoring and Analysis | 6 months |
| Option 3 | Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging
and Interventional Therapies | 16 months |
| Option 4 | Certificate of Proficiency in Cardiovascular Technology
for Allied Health Professionals | 16 months |
| Option 5 | Accelerated CVT Certificate Program
for Hospital Trainees | 16 months |
The Cardiovascular Technology curriculum is science and math based. The curriculum for each option includes courses which:
- satisfy general education requirements for clinical course prerequisites such as
Science, Math and English; - cardiovascular technology courses appropriate to each option; and
- clinical instruction.
Each option's curriculum provides students with:
- knowledge of the technical skills necessary to perform appropriate diagnostic testing;
- an understanding of other diagnostic and interventional procedures as they relate to clinical evaluation and treatment of the cardiovascular system;
- the ability to obtain accurate diagnostic data pertinent to the procedures being performed;
- an understanding of pertinent pharmacological effects that affect cardiovascular and pulmonary status; and
- knowledge of the pertinent risks involved with the procedure performed.
