Invasive Cardiovascular Technology

Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program

Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists are key players within cardiac catheterization labs. These technologists work alongside doctors, cardiologists, and nurses. They not only assist in specialized procedures for the heart and arteries, but also ensure the optimal setup and operation of sophisticated equipment. Working in sterile environments, these technologists are trained in patient imaging, equipment troubleshooting, and maintaining radiation safety. Their expertise encompasses a deep understanding of human anatomy, the nuances of interventional supplies, and the intricacies of equipment operation. Beyond routine procedures, they are also trained to handle emergent situations, often necessitating flexible schedules or on-call responsibilities.

START DATE

7/6/26

Application window

TBA 1/30/26

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Program Hours: 1580 Hours
Program Length: 72 Weeks
Credits Awarded: 97 Quarter
Delivery Method: Blended
Credential: Associate of Applied Science Degree

TUTION & FEES

Scrubs $200.00
Books $1,330.00
Supply Kit $950.00
Tuition $48,500.00
Total Program Cost $50,980.00

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE

Our new program has launched in 2023 and our graduates have successfully began their professional medical careers at local hospitals. We are committed to providing high-quality outcomes. The SUI faculty will closely monitor the invasive cardiac program to exceed expectations and performance metrics. These results be available soon, please reach out with any questions or concerns.

WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Lee Ann Johnson, M.Ed, RCIS

Dear Aspiring Technologists,
I’m Lee Ann Johnson, honored to serve as the Program Director for the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program at SUI. As you embark on this transformative journey into the intricate world of cardiovascular care, I warmly welcome you to our community of dedicated learners and medical professionals. Invasive Cardiovascular Technology is not just about mastering equipment and techniques, it is about understanding the hearts’ profound intricacies, and playing a pivotal role in patient care. I invite you to join us in this endeavor. Every heartbeat you monitor, every procedure you assist with will make a profound difference. Together, let us illuminate the path to excellence in invasive cardiovascular care.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The student receives seven hundred seventy (770) hours of didactic training and eight hundred ten (810) hours of clinical education allowing them to apply the lecture topics to practical use. The curriculum provides students with the technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in this field. In addition, the program prepares students to take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) certification offered by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Upon completion of the program, an Associate of Applied Science is awarded. Normal completion time for this program is 72 weeks.

PROGRAM MISSION

The program’s mission is to nurture and cultivate the next generation of skilled cardiovascular technologists. We strive to provide a supportive and engaging hybrid learning environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. Our program is built on the foundations of ethical practice, technological proficiency, and compassionate patient care. We ensure our graduates will be prepared to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare industry.

TOPICS COVERED

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • English
  • Cardiovascular A&P
  • Principles of Radiation
  • Pharmacology and Medication Administration
  • Patient Care and Assessment
  • Rhythm Analysis
  • Aseptic Technique
  • Aseptic Technique Lab
  • Mathematics
  • Career Readiness
  • Invasive Procedures I
  • Invasive Procedures Lab
  • Invasive Clinical Rotation I
  • Invasive Procedures II
  • Invasive Clinical Rotation II
  • Invasive Procedures III
  • Invasive Clinical Procedures III
  • Capstone

CLINICAL TRAINING

Clinical training is an integral part of the Cardiovascular Technology program. Students will gain hands-on experience in clinical settings under the guidance of experienced professionals. This training will enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge into medical settings. They will develop proficiency in operating ultrasound equipment and refine their patient care skills. The clinical training component plays a crucial role in preparing students for a successful career in Cardiovascular Technology.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

General Admissions Requirements

  • Must currently reside in California and possess a Government-issued I.D.
  • Be at least 18 years of age (Age will be verified with Individual’s I.D.)
  • Provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States.
  • Provide documentation of completion for educational requirements such as:
    • Copy of high school diploma or GED or
    • Copy of high school transcript showing graduation date.


Please Note:

Documentation of proof of completion of high school diploma or any secondary education from a foreign country, must be officially translated into English and it must possess equal standards of education in the United States. All high school diplomas, associate or bachelor’s degrees apply. A member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) must complete the evaluation of foreign transcripts. Information regarding this organization and its members can be accessed here.

Students must notify the institution if they plan to relocate out of state. SUI is permitted to operate only in the state of California. Relocation may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete their program. Students must submit the ‘Change of Address’ Form via the student portal, prior to relocation.

TRANSFER CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES ​

To determine if your course meets our transfer credit requirements, please click here to review our Transfer Credit Guidelines. For program start dates and application windows, visit our Admissions page. To begin your application process, you can watch a recorded webinar or register for a live info session. 

FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Click here for more information about Financial Assistance. For details please call: 916-877-7977.

FINANCIAL AID

Sacramento Ultrasound Institute's Cardiac Sonography program is programmatically accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology Sonography (JRC-CVT). JRC-CVT contact information:
Email: [email protected],
Phone: 413-628-5228

Licensure and Certification

Graduates of Sacramento Ultrasound Institute’s Invasive Cardiovascular Technology (ICVT) program are eligible to pursue the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) credential through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Eligibility for RCIS Certification

The RCIS exam is designed for professionals working in cardiac catheterization labs and other invasive cardiovascular settings.

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Fulfill one of the recognized qualification pathways, such as:
    • Graduating from a programmatically accredited invasive cardiovascular technology program (RCIS4 pathway)
    • Graduating from a health-science certificate or degree program plus one year of full-time work experience in invasive cardiovascular technology and documentation of 600 cardiac diagnostic/interventional procedures (RCIS235 pathway)


For more information about the RCIS Registry, visit https://cci-online.org/

JOB OUTLOOK

Career opportunities for cardiovascular technologists and technicians are projected to grow by 3% from 2024 to 2034, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Currently, there are an average of 3,800 job openings for cardiovascular technologists and technicians each year. Many of these openings are expected to result from experienced medical professionals retiring or leaving the workforce, creating steady opportunities for new graduates.

The median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $67,260 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned around $40,990, while the highest 10% earned more than $104,210.

For more information, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.

CAREER SERVICES

Your journey with us doesn’t end with graduation. Our career services team is committed to supporting your transition from student to medical professional. SUI will host resume-building opportunities and assist with interview preparation. We will provide guidance and resources to help you embark on a successful career path.

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