Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Technology

Overview

Cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary technology programs include topics such as:

• Recording patient histories
• Patient care
• Anatomy and physiology
• Medical terminology
• Examination procedures
• Equipment operation and monitoring
• Professional standards and ethics

Practicum

Most cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary technology programs require students to complete a practicum at a clinic under the supervision of experienced workers.

Schools

Many community colleges and two-year schools offer associate degree programs in cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary technology. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Some colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Anatomy
• Emergency Medical Care
• Respiratory Therapy

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Medical Assistants

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Additional program admission requirements vary, but may include the following:

• Academic assessment tests
• Clinical observation ("shadowing") in cardiovascular or cardiopulmonary technology
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interview

Also, some programs require you to take certain health career-related courses before applying. Other programs include those courses within their curriculum. They are:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Medical Terminology

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Basic Computer
• Community Health
• EKG Technology
• Emergency Medical Technology
• Food and Nutrition
• Health and Fitness
• Healthcare Occupations
• Healthcare Sciences Work Experience
• Lifetime Fitness Education
• Psychology
• Safety and First Aid

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart and Cardiovascular System
• Basic EKG Interpretation
• Blood Gas Analysis
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Cardiac Stress Testing Laboratory
• Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
• Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology
• Cardiopulmonary Procedures
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology
• Cardiovascular Assessment
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Procedures
• Clinical Disorders and Emergencies Affecting the Heart and Cardiovascular System
• Echocardiography, Holter, Pacemaker Interpretations and Administration
• Electrocardiography Procedures
• Medical Law and Ethics
• Medical Terminology
• Patient Preparation: Meeting the Physical and Psychosocial Needs of the Cardiac Patient
• Pharmacology and Electrocardiography
• Pulmonary Function Procedures
• Understanding Vital Signs
• Vascular Technology

Most associate degree programs also require you to take general education and basic science courses as part of their curriculum. These usually include the following:

• College Algebra
• College Biology
• College Chemistry
• English Composition
• General Physics
• General Psychology
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Microbiology

In addition, most programs also offer practicums or externships. These are opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary settings. You might help run echocardiographs or perform diagnostic cardiac catheterizations, depending on your interests and the availability of sites at which you can work.

Things to Know

You are expected to pay for your own uniforms and transportation during your clinical training. You also need liability insurance.

This program qualifies you to take a registry exam in cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary technology. Registration is not required in every state.

Students who complete an electrocardiograph program as part of a cardiovascular program may qualify to take the national certification exam.

In some cases, EKG programs are offered separately from cardiovascular technology programs.

Schools

King-Snohomish Area

Edmonds Community College

• Allied Health Education--Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician
• Allied Health Education--Monitor Technician

Health Professionals Institute

• ECG Technician

Spokane Area

Spokane Community College

• Echocardiography
• Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
• Vascular Technology