Q: How long does it take to complete the Cardiac Catheterization AS degree?
A: The program is 21 months after acceptance into the program.
Q: How many credit hours is the program?
A: The program is 77 credit hours
Q: How much does the program cost?
A: Current tuition and fees can be found on our Tuition and Fees webpage. Additional are associated with the program and can be found here, https://www.hccfl.edu/academics/subjects/health-and-medical/health-sciences-program-costs.
Q: Is there a waiting list?
A: No. Every year admission is based on prerequisite GPA . Information Regarding the admission process can be found in the Health Sciences Admissions Handbook
Q: If I have a Bachelor/Master Degree in a different field, do I have preference for admission to this program?
A: No. Every applicant will have the same equal opportunity, according to his or her GPA in the prerequisite courses, regardless of previous degrees/titles.
Q: Can I apply to the program before completing the prerequisite courses?
A: No, because admission to the program is strictly based on the prerequisite GPA.
Q: Is there a deadline to apply?
A: The deadline to apply for the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program is September 15th of each year.
Q: If I am taking the prerequisite courses in the Fall, can I apply for the Spring semester start?
A: No, all prerequisites courses must be completed before the application date. The CVT 1001: Introduction to Invasive Cardiovascular Technology course is not a prerequisite course, but it does need to be completed before the start of the Spring Semester. This course can be taken while applying for application.
Q: Are Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists the same as Cardiac or Vascular Sonographers?
A: The term Cardiovascular Technologist is used to refer to a broad category of medical professionals who help diagnose and treat pathologies of the heart and blood vessels. Sonographers utilize ultrasound to visualize the heart and blood vessels structures in order to diagnose problems. Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists use x-rays to diagnose cardiac and vascular problems and then perform procedures to correct or cure the issue found. Sonography is diagnostic focused whereas Invasive Cardiology is interventional (repair) focused.
Q: Do Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists train to run CT Scans or MRIs?
A: Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists are multi-skilled professionals who are trained to assist in the performance of highly technical interventional procedures. One of the skill sets Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists must master is the use of fluoroscopic and digital angiographic x-ray imaging. Since the role of the profession is more interventional than diagnostic, utilization of purely diagnostic imaging systems such as CT Scanners and MRIs is outside the scope of practice.
Q: When do the classes start?
A: After admission, the program starts once a year in January.
Q: Are there any night or weekend classes for this program?
A: No. At this time, all classes are offered between the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM , Monday through Friday.
Q: What salary can a cardiovascular sonographer expect to make?
A: According to the Department of Labor and Statistics, the median salary for an Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist is $57,720 per year ($27.75 per hour). This salary is dependent on the region and type of facility the specialist works for (out-patient clinic or hospital).
Q: Are there any additional requirements once a student is accepted into the Invasive Cardiovascular program?
A: Yes, applicants are required to:
1. Attend orientation. Final acceptance in the program will be contingent upon student attending the scheduled orientation session. Students will be notified of the time and place in their acceptance email .
2. Have a negative drug screening.
3. A clear background check.
4. Completion of a physical examination. This will be submitted in the HEALTH SCIENCE DEPARTMENT PHYSICAL EXAM FORM. A licensed physician or a Licensed Nurse Practitioner must complete the form. A copy of the form will be provided during the program orientation day.
5. Have and maintain current BCLS for Healthcare Providers certification.
Q: Is Invasive Cardiovascular Technology offered on any campus other than Dale Mabry?
A: No, because of classroom and laboratory equipment availability, cardiovascular classes and laboratory practice is conducted only at the Dale Mabry campus.
Q: Is the Invasive Cardiovascular program offered online?
A: Currently, this is not an online program.
Q: Where are the clinical sites located? If I live in Fort Myers, can I do my clinical practices in Fort Myers?
A: Currently all our clinical sites are located in the Tampa Bay area (Bradenton, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties). We do not have legal affiliation agreements with clinical sites outside the Tampa Bay area. Clinical sites are assigned to the student by the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program Manager.