Invasive Cardiovascular Technology

Associate Degree Program

Make a difference in the lives of heart patients and work at the forefront of cutting-edge medical technology. The Invasive Cardiovascular Technology program at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls equips students with the skills needed for a fast-paced, high-impact role in cardiac catheterization labs (cath labs), electrophysiology and interventional cardiology.

What is Invasive Cardiology?

Invasive cardiology is a specialized field focused on diagnosing and treating heart conditions using minimally invasive procedures. As a cardiovascular technologist, you’ll assist in life-saving interventions, including:

• Angioplasty and stent placements – Restoring blood flow in blocked arteries.
• Pacemaker and defibrillator implantation – Treating heart rhythm disorders.
• Emergency cardiac procedures – Assisting in urgent interventions for heart attacks.
• Structural heart training – Supporting advanced procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR), Left Atrial Appendage Closures (LAAC), and mitral valve repairs.
• Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) – Aiding patients with advanced heart failure through mechanical heart pumps.

These state-of-the-art procedures are transforming cardiac care, offering minimally invasive solutions for complex heart conditions.

Gain Hands-On Experience in the Healthcare Simulation Center

At Southeast Technical College, you will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, including
cardiac and peripheral Interventions training, emergency response and life-saving techniques and realistic interprofessional training simulations.

Southeast Tech's Healthcare Simulation Center features:

• Surgical Science Simbionix Suites – Advanced cardiovascular procedure simulations.
• CAE Cath Lab VR Simulators – Virtual reality training for real-world cath lab scenarios.
• SimMan Vascular Simulators – Practice critical interventions in a controlled setting.

Students also participate in interprofessional scenarios, where students from other healthcare programs collaborate—just like in a real hospital setting. This prepares you to be industry-ready from day one.

What Can You Do as a Registered Invasive Cardiovascular Specialist?

As a Registered Invasive Cardiovascular Specialist (RCIS), you play a critical role in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases in cardiac catheterization labs (cath labs), electrophysiology suites, and interventional radiology settings. You work alongside cardiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to assist with life-saving procedures that help restore heart function and improve patient outcomes.