Cardiovascular Technology–Invasive Technologist - A.A.S. Degree (Career)
APPLICATION CODE 114
For curriculum information, contact the Division of Health, Science, and Technology—Room SET-430—443-518-1600.
This area of study prepares students to enter the allied health career field of Cardiovascular Technology to gather data and perform various cardiac and/or vascular procedures under the direction of a physician. The Invasive Technologist may seek employment in the Cardiac Catheterization and Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratories. While working in these cardiac laboratories, the technologist utilizes x-ray and monitoring equipment in performing invasive diagnostic tests to determine the condition of the patient’s heart. New therapeutic steps may be taken to treat an existing condition during the catheterization procedure. The Howard Community College Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education on Education in Cardiovascular Technology. Graduates may apply to take the national certification examination to become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS).
General Education Prerequisite Courses
Suggested Semester 1
| CARD 120 | Rhythm Analysis and 12-lead ECG | 2 |
| CARD 121 | Cardiovascular Assessment Skills Lab | 3 |
| CARD 122 | Cardiac Anatomy and Pathophysiology | 3 |
| CARD 124 | X-Ray Theory for Cardiovascular Technology | 3 |
| SOCI 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
Suggested Summer Term
Suggested Semester 3
| CARD 220 | Cardiovascular Procedures | 2 |
| CARD 221 | Diagnostic and Interventional Procedures | 5 |
| CARD 231 | Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| | OR | |
| COMM 105 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| | OR | |
| COMM 110 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
Suggested Semester 4
| CARD 222 | Advanced Intravascular Interventional Procedures | 2 |
| CARD 223 | Registry Exam Preparation | 2 |
| CARD 261 | Clinical Practicum II | 7 |
A graduate should be able to
- Provide quality care as a competent and compassionate professional in the dynamic cardiovascular environment.
- Utilize theoretical knowledge and critical thinking as the basis for professional practice.
- Practice responsibly within an ethical and legal realm as a Cardiovascular Professional.
Total Credit Hours: 65
A grade of “C” or better is required in cardiovascular, mathematics, and science courses.
Admission to this program is based upon successful completion of BIOL 101/101L or BIOL 107/107L, and BIOL 203/203L, BIOL 204/204L, PHYS 101/101L, and Mathematics Core. Anatomy and Physiology courses must be completed within five years prior to admission to the first cardiovascular course. BIOL 101/101L or BIOL 107/107L and PHYS 101/101L must be completed within ten years prior to admission. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
A minimum grade of 80% is required for the following courses: CARD 221, CARD 222 (clinical portion only), CARD 231, and CARD 261.