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Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, AAS Degree
The Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist is part of a team, consisting of a physician, other technologists and nurses. Their duties include performing invasive cardiac and peripheral vascular diagnostic and interventional (treatment) procedures. To aid the technologists in their duties, they work with highly sophisticated imaging, monitoring and recording equipment. They assist the physician directly during the catheterization procedure to advance a small catheter (tube) through the patient’s blood vessels that supply the heart and other organs, so that an appropriate diagnosis and treatment may be determined. They also assist during the procedure by monitoring and recording the data as it is acquired.
Clinical Affiliation: Students will be placed in a clinical affiliation for 7 months in medical centers throughout the United States. If a student does not complete specialty Cardiovascular classes in three consecutive semesters, faculty and administration will determine whether courses must be repeated before enrolling in clinical. Clinical placement is determined only after the student has been observed safely and consistently performing all required procedures in specified time frames.
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Semester |
Course Title |
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Program Prerequisite
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College Algebra |
3 |
This is a first year, one semester College Algebra course. It begins with a review of the fundamental concepts of the real number system, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and complex numbers. It continues with linear equations and inequalities, graphs of functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential functions and logarithmic functions. Systems of equations, matrices and determinants, and probability will be covered as time allows. Throughout the course there is extensive use of the graphing calculator. Prerequisite: Placement Assessment |
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Summer/First Semester
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Chemistry Survey |
4 |
Students who have had some chemistry and those who have had no chemistry background will acquire a basic understanding of the makeup of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Going from simple elements to complex compounds, this course will be concentrating on some observational facts and theoretical concepts involving problem solving, scientific reasoning, thinking and "wondering why". |
| CHEM 106L |
Chemistry Survey Lab |
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Intro to Invasive Cardiovascular |
1 |
An introduction into the Invasive Cardiovascular field. It will include but isn't limited to; the history, various procedures, the make-up of the team with various responsibilities and an introduction to angiography. |
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Composition |
3 |
English Composition will help develop proficiency in writing concise, coherent essays, and in using correct English. Several modes of discourse will be explored and good grammar skills are required. This course will improve the student's critical thinking skills as it provides students with practice in all stages of the writing process: planning, supporting, rewriting, analyzing, proofreading, and editing. This course will also require critical reading and writing. Prerequisite: Placement Assessment |
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HC 119
HC 119 |
Anatomy/Physiology |
5 |
The study of the structure and function of the human body forms the foundation for course work in health-related professions. Students will be prepared to recognize normal anatomy and physiology while noting anatomical as well as physiologic deviations in patients. This course includes a rigorous study of medical terms/abbreviations, correlating with each body system, thus assisting the development of a vocabulary which is necessary for a successful career in allied health. |
| HC 119L |
Anatomy/Physiology Lab |
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| HC 117 |
Medical Terminology |
1 |
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Patient Care Techniques I |
3 |
Designed to assist students in developing the necessary skills to directly deal with patients. Skills acquired will help protect themselves, as well as the patient, and includes infection control, body mechanics, vital signs, CPR/First Aid, dealing with tubes and equipment, safety and security as well as other topics. |
| HC121L |
Patient Care Techniques I Lab |
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| CVI 200 |
Asepsis & Cardiac Cath Related Surgical Procedures |
2 |
| CVI 200L |
Asepsis & Cardiac Cath Related Surgical Procedures Lab |
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Applied Physics |
3 |
A foundation to understanding physical processes in technical applications. A thorough overview of measurement systems, practices, and notations is presented. Energy transformation and transfer processes are developed using a "systems model." Physical processes are then described using the systems approach in a "micro-to-macro" sequence, including atomic/nuclear, molecular, electrical/magnetic, mechanical, thermal, fluid, wave/radiating, and optional astronomic/cosmic effects. Definitions and descriptions of the mass/energy interactions involved are given for each type of system, leading toward diagnosis and troubleshooting methods in technical applications. |
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Second Semester
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CV 125
CV 125 |
EKG Analysis and Interpretation I (8 weeks) |
2 |
| CV 135 |
EKG Analysis and Interpretation (8 weeks) |
2 |
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Radiation Physics and Safety |
2 |
The fundamentals of x-rays and their imaging from the basics of how they occur to the more sophisticated imaging chain are focused on. Students will also study the specifications and physical characteristics of an x-ray beam, the different imaging modalities and receptors, the controlling factors of x-ray exposures and the effects they have on the beam as well as the resultant image. The different methods of storing that image and the role the computer plays in generating it will be covered. The importance of radiation safety and protection for the patient and the operator will also be addressed. Prerequisite: PHYS 100 |
| CVI 133L |
Radiation Physics and Safety Lab |
1 |
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Invasive Cardiovascular I |
3 |
A comprehensive study of the role of the Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist . An introduction to the catheterization laboratory that will include: an indication to procedures, contraindications, complications and risks, catheterization laboratory data and special preparations. Students will have an introduction to arterial and venous access via: the percutaneous radial, femoral and brachial approaches, the brachial cut-down approach and problems of vascular access.There will be an introduction to the various supplies needed for diagnostic procedure cardiac angiography and x-rays images. They shall become more familiar with the cardiac anatomy as it relates to the recorded image. Skill methods of interpretation and calculation of left ventricular function will be aslo developed. The student shall perform, within the lab in simulated situations, the various positions for which the CV technologist is responsible. Prerequisites: Completion of Health Core |
| CVI 134L |
Invasive Cardiovascular I Lab |
1 |
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Math for Medications |
1 |
This one credit course is designed to teach students the calculation skills needed to safely practice in the healthcare profession. |
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Health Care/Human Relations |
3 |
Discussions and activities will center around the topic of respect. This course introduces students to health care issues and assists them in developing personal and employability success skills. Topics include, but are not limited to: accountability, professionalism, communication, confidentiality, patient rights, cultural bias and discrimination, effective interpersonal skills, dealing with difficult patients of all ages, and death and dying issues. |
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Basic Pharmacology |
2 |
Observing, testing, treating and administering to the countless requirements and demands that constitute effective and responsible patient care; this course introduces pharmaceuticals according to their therapeutic applications and pertinent physiology, and related diseases. Emphasis is placed on pharmaceutical classification concentrating on the mechanism of action, main therapeutic effects, and the adverse reactions produced. Prerequisite: HC 111 |
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Summer
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Invasive Special Procedures |
1 |
Covers the study of the peripheral anatomy and related angiographic procedures. It will expand into special techniques including but not limited to: pericardiocentesis, transseptal catheterization, foreign body extraction and direct LV puncture. Prerequisites: CVI 133, CVI 134 |
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Emergency Cardiac Care |
2 |
Designed to prepare students for taking an ACLS certification course as well as help them anticipate what is needed and what might happen in an emergency situation in the cath lab environment. Topics covered will be, but are not limited to: airway management and access, IV procedures, and cardioversion, as well as an introduction to pharmacology in relation to the more utilized drugs in the cath lab and a continuation of arrhythmia recognition coupled with treatments. The lab will consist of practicing skills and applying them in simulated emergencies in a cath lab environment. Prerequisites: CVI 133, CVI 134, CV 122 |
| CVI 210L |
Emergency Cardiac Care Lab |
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General Psychology |
3 |
Provides the student with an introduction to the basic psychological processes underlying human behavior. Topics include the functions of the brain amd nervous system, the characteristics of sensation, perception and altered states of consciousness, learning and memory, the nature of thinking skills and intelligence, theories of motivation, emotion and personality, a survey of psychological disorders and approaches to therapy, social/interpersonal relations, and practical applications. |
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Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
Based on the study of communication theory as applied to public speaking. The goals are to improve the student's public speaking and listening skills. Experiences in the class range from developing speech outlines, researching topics, and practicing delivery techniques for an informative, persuasive, interviewing techniques and panel discussion assignment. |
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Third Semester
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| CVI 214 |
Electrophysiology |
1 |
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Computer Essentials |
2 |
Designed to enable students with little or no computer experience to acquire a basic understanding of the personal computer. This course involves the study of computer basics such as hardware, operating systems, and file management, using the Internet for research, word processing, and spreadsheets. |
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Cardiovascular Physiology |
3 |
Provides the core of information and concepts necessary to develop a firm understanding of how the cardiovascular system operates. Emphasis is placed on cardiac structure, cardiac electrical activity, cardiac pumping action and the clinical indices of ventricular function. Students will be introduced to coronary blood flow, fetal circulation, and pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease states. Prerequisites: CV 122, CVP 124 , CVN 124 or CVI 210 |
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Cardiac Pathologies |
3 |
An introduction to pathological, clinical and investigative aspects of heart disease. Students will be introduced to the following topics; heart sounds, diagnostic imaging and invasive procedures, electrocardiogram, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, acute MI, valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, hypertension, pericardial disease, peripheral vascular disease, congenital heart disease, and cardiovascular drugs. Prerequisites: CV 122, CVP 124, CVN 124 or CVI 210 |
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Invasive Cardiovascular II |
6 |
A continuation of Invasive Cardiovascular I. Special emphasis on hemodynamic and EGG data. Protocola for left and right heart catheterizations, computations used with hemodynamic measurements for resistances, valve studies and shunts. Blood gasses, their uses and normal values, and different methods of measuring cardiac output will also be explored along with understanding, recording, monitoring, and measuring equipment. There will be an introduction to quality assurance programs in the cath lab. The students shall perform, within the lab in simulated situations, the various positions for which the CV tech is responsible. There will be pharmacology in relation to the more utilized drugs in the cath lab. There will be time spent on professional development; resume, ethics, communication skills, and interviewing skills. There will be an introduction into interventional procedures. Prerequisite: CVI 134 |
| CVI 212L |
Invasive Cardiovascular II Lab |
1 |
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Social Science Elective |
3 |
Social Science Electives Include: ECON 201T - Economics; SOC 150T - Social Problems; or SOC 250T - Marriage and the Family |
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Fourth Semester
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| CVI 255 |
Invasive Registry Review |
2 |
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Invasive Cardio Clinical I |
14 |
A full-time clinical internship completed at an affiliated local or out-of-town hospital. Students will broaden and perfect their cardiac cath lab skills. Emphasis of this course is placed in the clinical skills necessary to perform circulating, recording and scrubbing positions as well as intensive training in many of the various procedures. These include, but are not limited to: coronary angiography, coronary angioplasty, pacemakers, Swan Ganz, intra-aortic balloon pumping, and thrombolytic therapy. Written reports, review of current professional literature, and attendance at conferences are required. Prerequisites: CVI 212, CVI 200, CV 131, CV 202, Permission of Program Chair |
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Summer
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Invasive Cardio II Clinical |
12 |
A full-time clinical internship completed at an affiliated local or out-of-town hospital. Emphasis of this course is placed in the clinical skills necessary to perform circulating, recording, and scrubbing positions in the cardiac cath lab. These will include, but not be limited to: coronary angiography, coronary angioplasty, pacemakers, Swan Ganz, intra-aortic balloon pumping, and thrombolytic therapy. Written reports, review of current professional literature, and attendance at conferences are required. Prerequisites: CVI 233, Permission of Program Chair |
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