Cardiovascular Technology

Choose from:

• Associate in Applied Science in cardiovascular Technology - cardiac catheterization technologist/cardiovascular specialist (Invasive)
• Associate in Applied Science in cardiovascular Technology - cardiac sonographer/echocardiography technologist (Non-Invasive)

The college catalog details the cardiovascular technology program options currently available at Central Piedmont as well as program eligibility and course requirements. If you would like information on opportunities to transfer associate degree credit to a four-year institution, please visit the Transfer Resource Center.

Cardiac Catheterization Technologist/Cardiovascular Specialist (Invasive)

The invasive cardiovascular technologist is a healthcare professional who assists cardiologists in the field of interventional cardiology and electrophysiology (EP) using specialized, high-tech equipment, devices and computers. Invasive specialists assist with locating and opening blockages in arteries in the heart and throughout the body, preventing or stopping heart attacks, and improving quality of life by restoring normal blood flow. Invasive specialists also work in electrophysiology (EP) labs, where problems associated with the heart’s electrical system are analyzed and treated using a variety of methods including ablation therapy, pacemaker, and defibrillator implants. As a member of the cardiac catheterization team, the invasive cardiovascular technologist performs in any one of several roles, such as a surgical scrub assistant, monitoring the patient's condition, or operating specialized equipment and administering medications within the cardiac cath lab. The invasive cardiovascular technologist also works with physicians in the field of interventional cardiology, which attempts to prevent or treat heart attacks by restoring blood flow to diseased areas of the heart. Procedures routinely performed in cardiac catheterization labs include coronary and cardiac angiography, coronary and peripheral angioplasty (using tiny balloons and stents to open clogged arteries), right heart catheterization (measuring the flow of blood and performing cardiac calculations), electrophysiology procedures (where irregular heartbeats are studied and treated), and implanting permanent pacemakers and defibrillators to correct dangerous arrhythmias of the heart. Invasive cardiovascular technician also administer clot dissolving drugs, operate cardiac assist pumps, and assist in other cardiac emergency procedures.

The invasive cardiovascular technology program incorporates simulation technology into the curriculum in order to immerse students into “real life” situations. A Simbionix ANGIO Mentor® simulator provides hands-on practice of endovascular procedures performed under fluoroscopy in the cath lab in an extensive and complete virtual reality simulated environment. The technology enables realistic visualization of the anatomy and instrument activity. This technology is combined with a high-end haptic system for visual and tactile feedback, which realistically mimics the look and feel of actual endovascular interventions. An advanced, computerized SimMan® 3G manikin is utilized to provide simulation-based education to challenge and test students' clinical and decision-making skills during realistic patient care scenarios. Students can perform bag mask ventilations, resuscitation procedures and administer medications. SimMan® 3G can be remotely controlled to enact planned scenarios replicating various clinical events. The simulation experiences can also be video-recorded for later review by instructor and students. Using Central Piedmont's advanced simulators, Cardiovascular technology students are able to develop high level of professional skills and improve their decision-making abilities through an interactive environment. Through repeated skills and scenario training, students are better prepared to work safely with patients.

Cardiac Sonographer/Echocardiography Technologist (Non-Invasive)

The cardiac sonographer is an allied health professional who utilizes ultrasound images of the heart for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases and to assess cardiovascular anatomy and associated disease abnormalities. The cardiac sonographer, often referred to as an echocardiographer or echo technologist, performs an ultrasonic examination for specific disease states ordered by a referring physician. Strong communication skills and critical thinking skills are required to analyze procedural findings to the cardiologist. The echocardiographer will systemically assess the anatomical and physiological data with evaluation of the pathology during the exam, resulting in a diagnostic echocardiogram for the interpreting physician. The major role of a non-invasive technologist is to apply a strong knowledge base of cardiovascular hemodynamics with a combined ability to obtain high quality ultrasound images of the heart and related structures for a diagnostic examination. The echocardiogram is a technologist-dependent exam and requires a highly skilled operator to obtain imaging data adjusting proper instrumentation of the ultrasound equipment. An echocardiogram is an interactive procedure involving the patient, the ultrasound system, the instrumentation (production of images with applied knowledge) and the interpreting cardiologist. Non-invasive technologists will adapt or perform specific protocols to obtain all the images/data based on the pathology to provide a comprehensive and diagnostic echocardiogram. 

Several modalities of echocardiography are performed by the technologist such as two-Dimensional and Doppler echocardiograms. Additionally, three-dimensional echocardiography is an emerging imaging modality that is changing the non-invasive field. Other procedures performed in the echocardiography lab are stress or Dobutamine echocardiograms and trans-esophageal echocardiograms. These procedures may also be performed in the cardiac catheterization lab, electrophysiology lab, or the cardiac operating room. Echocardiographers performing 2-D and/or 3-D echocardiograms with advanced Doppler quantitative calculations utilizing specialized high-tech imaging equipment to acquire detailed information to evaluate the heart structure, function and size, blood flow patterns and valvular issues. They also assist with stress echocardiography and cardiovascular intra-operative transesophageal echocardiography. Echocardiographers are the healthcare professionals who are able to work independently in direct contact with the patient. Echocardiographers and physicians work as a team to accurately evaluate and assess for optimal diagnoses and management of care.

Choosing a Cardiovascular Technology Track

Pay scales for the two roles are essentially the same. The decision as to which track to choose is a personal decision and one not to be taken lightly. It is recommended that you take the opportunity to observe both fields and talk to people who work in the fields to find out what your desire is. We encourage all prospective applicants to utilize all resources available to them such as this website, professional organizations, program faculty, or any other resource that offers an opportunity to learn more about the field. Another opportunity to aid in making your decision is to take advantage of the "shadow program" at CMC-Main in Charlotte, in which you will be able to talk to cardiovascular technologists about the field and see the procedures to assist with obtaining a clear understanding of the profession prior to admission into the program. While shadwoing, you can go into both a cardiac catheterization lab and an echocardiography lab for several hours and observe the type of work being performed. If you are interested in taking part in this unique opportunity, please contact the “Volunteer Services” department of CMC-Main at 704.355.6188. It is highly recommended that you shadow both departments (non-invasive echocardiography and invasive cardiac cath lab) on separate days and attend both departments in the morning hours (e.g. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.) so as to see the widest variety of procedures. The Volunteer Services department will be able to provide additional information, answer your questions and provide you with the necessary application.

Visiting Students

If you wish to transfer cardiovascular technology course credit back to your home institution, explore how to enroll at Central Piedmont as a visiting student.

Corporate and Continuing Education

Central Piedmont's Corporate and Continuing Education provides non-credit, non-degree courses and programs, including job skills, industry-focused career training, certificates, certifications, professional licensure, and personal enrichment. Day, evening, weekend, and online opportunities are available.

College and Career Readiness

If you are looking for programs to gain the knowledge or skills necessary to finish a high school degree or to get a job, visit Central Piedmont's College and Career Readiness.

College Credit for High School Students

Visit Career and College Promise to learn about opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at Central Piedmont.

The cardiovascular technology requires the completion of 76 credit hours completed full-time in five consecutive semesters (two years). The curriculum includes general studies courses as well as program-specific courses. General studies courses can be taken at any time. The first year of the program, you will observe in the echocardiography and cardiac catheterization departments at surrounding hospitals or clinics. In the second year of study during the fall term, you will be assigned to a clinical site for two full days of hands-on skill development in your chosen track. During the spring term of the second year, you are assigned to a clinical site for four full days a week, again, in your chosen track. These clinical rotations assist in preparing you for obtaining the needed skills in order to obtain employment after graduation. For detailed information on cardiovascular technology course and program requirements, visit the Central Piedmont Community College catalog. While awaiting your admissions decision, you are encouraged — but not required — to complete general education courses.

Please note that students in this field are at a higher risk than the general population for Hepatitis B. If admitted into the program, is to your advantage to start the vaccination process for Hepatitis B as soon as you learn of your acceptance. Medical history and documentation forms will be distributed at the orientation following acceptance. Any applicant who is aware that they are carriers of Hepatitis B or C or are HIV positive are required to advise the State Department of Human Resources regarding ability to have patient contact. Students accepted into this program will be required to read and sign a bloodborne pathogen Form and OSHA's hazard communication form at the mandatory orientation session for new students.

All applicants are required to undergo a criminal background check (PDF) and drug screen per clinical agency and healthcare system requirements. More information on how to complete these requirements will be provided upon acceptance. If you are refused access to clinical experiences because of a positive criminal background check or drug screen, you will be unable to complete the clinical component of the course. Inability to complete the clinical requirements will result in a failure to progress in the program. Under North Carolina law some people with criminal backgrounds may be eligible for an expunction to remove charges or convictions from their record. If you would like to know whether or not you are eligible, contact Central Piedmont's Single Stop at 704.330.2722, ext. 6435 or email singlestop@cpcc.edu to schedule a legal consultation. To learn more about expunctions, explore the NC Justice Center’s guide.

Cardiovascular Technology Program Application

• complete the process to enroll at Central Piedmont
• take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) - ATI TEAS test
• submit the cardiovascular technology program application (PDF)
  • suggestions for enhancing your application ("pre-map;" PDF)
• meet with a program admissions specialist if you have any questions

You are advised to apply to the college one to two semesters prior to the indicated cardiovascular technology program application deadline. This will allow your transcripts to be transferred into the Central Piedmont system and meet with the counselors and take related general education courses. The program selects 18 students each fall – 9 non-invasive and 9 invasive students. The selection is made from the applicant pool that year and is based on the TEAS exam results, with those scoring highest on the exam being ranked highest among applicants for that specialty track. The typical combined applicant pool is normally between 35 and 50 people annually.

• Central Campus

Please note that course offerings and availability are subject to change from semester to semester. Always confirm which courses are required to complete this program in the college catalog and confirm where courses are available using Schedule Builder.

• Classroom/Lab/Clinical
• Combined (Classroom/Lab/Clinical and Online)

Please note that course offerings and availability are subject to change from semester to semester. Always confirm which courses are required to complete this program in the college catalog and confirm course delivery methods using Schedule Builder.

Nationally, cardiovascular technology is a rapidly advancing specialty in high demand. Within a very technically-focused and satisfying scope of practice, cardiovascular technologists are in demand across the nation with the future employment outlook being very good. There are also opportunities to advance into management, medical applications, medical sales, consulting, and to roles requiring travel to medical centers and hospitals around the country. Most of all, it is a career that is extremely rewarding. The opportunity to work one on one with a patient and converse with a cardiologist about the care of the patient is rewarding. You see immediate results of steps taken to better their every day life and can take pride in the fact that you are part of the relationship that makes people's lives better. The camaraderie between the staff and the cardiologists make you an integral part of a patient’s quality well being. Visit Central Piedmont’s Career Coach or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for detailed cardiovascular technology career requirements and opportunities, salary information, and job openings.

Central Piedmont provides real-world, affordable, hands-on education and career training. Learn how much it costs to attend Central Piedmont . Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Cardiovascular Technology Program Costs

In addition to regular tuition and fees, there are laboratory fees assigned to courses with a lab/clinical component. Additional costs include textbooks, workbooks, medical fees for a physical exam, and drug screening and immunizations.

• total estimated costs (PDF)

Upcoming sessions TBD.

Students at Central Piedmont have a faculty advisor for each program of study offered. Find your faculty advisor based on your last name:

• Sabrina Black: last names A — I
• Christopher Jolly: last names J — R
• Adrienne P. White: last names S — Z

• Biomedical Equipment Technology
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