Cardiovascular Technology
Now is the time to pursue a career in healthcare. To get started, enroll at the college, then complete a program application using the instructions on this page. Program applications are currently being accepted by email only. Admissions Specialists are available to help you by phone or by email. Call 704.330.6284 or 704.330.6958 to schedule your personal phone appointment.
What You Will Learn
If you’re interested in cardiovascular technology, it’s likely that you have a knack for problem-solving — such as identifying an underlying issue or problem — and that you are skilled at interpreting complex data. You are interested in the inner-workings of the heart and have compassion for others. You are also very tech-savvy, great at multi-tasking, and communicate well with teammates. Become a cardiovascular technologist by earning an Associate of Applied Science in Cardiovascular Technology from Central Piedmont.
A cardiovascular technologist is an allied health professional who performs highly specialized procedures leading to the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart disease. The cardiovascular technologist possesses technical and cognitive skills necessary to provide quality care practices for the evaluation of varied pathophysiologic states. The Central Piedmont cardiovascular technology program offers two learning tracks — cardiac catheterization technologist/cardiovascular specialist (the invasive track) or cardiac sonographer/echocardiography technologist (the non-invasive track). Your curriculum will depend on your selected learning track; we provide you with opportunities to observe and interview experts of each specialization to better guide your decision on which track you choose. All cardiovascular technology students will study human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, safety and legal customs, operation of technology (such as EKG and oxygen monitors and ultrasound machines) for procedures, and best practices within the industry. You will study heart activity, become familiar with identifying and diagnosing cardiac abnormalities, learn how to develop a patient treatment plan, and learn how to deliver optimal patient care. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
- exercise critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities in the performance of cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic services as an entry-level non-invasive or invasive cardiovascular technologist
- perform all cardiovascular procedures, appropriate to subspecialty, which are assigned by a supervising cardiovascular technologist with a high degree of technical skill, effectiveness, efficiency, and safety as an entry-level invasive or non-invasive cardiovascular technologist
- effectively communicate with patients, their families, and all members of the healthcare team to assume optimal understanding and to facilitate the delivery of quality patient care
After completing our cardiovascular technology program, you will be immediately eligible to take the cardiovascular technology registry through Cardiovascular Credentialing International or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. You will find employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and cardiology offices.
Why Choose Central Piedmont
Our program is the only program in North Carolina that is dedicated to a comprehensive cardiac focus, in which you will receive training and a clinical internship in echocardiography and cardiac catheterization within the first year of your studies. With Central Piedmont’s location in the heart of the city of Charlotte, there are many major hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities in which you may complete trainings and clinical rotations — translating to more opportunities for employment upon program completion for you. Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) at the associate degree level in the Non-Invasive Cardiology (Adult Echocardiography) concentration and the Invasive Cardiology (Invasive Cardiovascular Technology) concentration. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the Cardiovascular Technology Student Association.
Real World Education
At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.