The Cardiovascular Technology program, located on the DeSoto campus, is designed to train students through didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences for a career in invasive and non-invasive cardiology. After completion of the program, an invasive cardiovascular technologist (CVT) can work in a number of different areas in a hospital or physician’s office.
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Students will be trained to work in cardiac catheterization laboratories utilizing x-ray and monitoring equipment to perform sophisticated tests to determine the condition of a patient’s coronary arteries and heart. They will also be trained to work in a cardiology laboratory where electrodes, microphones, and ultrasound equipment are used to determine the condition of a patient’s heart without invasive procedures.
Admission to the Cardiovascular Technology Program is very competitive. Persons interested in enrolling in the Cardiovascular Technology Program must apply through the program director and will be notified by the director regarding acceptance. Applicants must submit the NWCC admissions application to the Registrar's office and the program application to the program director. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the program. Because of limited enrollment, if the number of applicants exceeds the capacity, students will be selected on a competitive basis by an admissions committee.
Admission requirements include:
Instructor: Ricky Stevens
Phone: 662-280-6154
Office location: DeSoto Center
What can I expect from a career in Cardiovascular Technology?
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians schedule appointments, review physicians' interpretations and patient files, and monitor patients' heart rates. They also operate and care for testing equipment, explain test procedures, and compare findings to a standard to identify problems. Other day-to-day activities vary significantly between specialties.
Technologists may specialize in different areas of practice: invasive cardiology, non-invasive—which includes echocardiography—or vascular technology. Technicians specialize in electrocardiograms and stress testing.
How much can I earn?
Median annual wages of cardiovascular technologists and technicians were $47,010 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,800 and $61,580. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,760. Median annual wages of cardiovascular technologists and technicians in 2008 were $48,590 in offices of physicians and $46,670 in general medical and surgical hospitals.
Reference:
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Last Updated Friday, July 29 2011 @ 10:15 AM CDT|3,060 Hits 