Program Overview
Cardiovascular technologists are allied health professionals who perform tests at the request of a physician to obtain information about a patient’s heart and blood vessel anatomy and function. Students learn to use a variety of monitoring devices and other equipment for electrocardiography, multi-stage stress testing, Holter and ambulatory monitor analysis, tilt table testing, pacemaker evaluation and blood pressure analysis.
The Cardiovascular Technology program has a standard uniform (scrubs) for our students. The uniform consists of Ceil Blue short-sleeve scrub top, and matching pants. This must be worn in the lab and clinical placements. Additional supplies at a minimal cost will be discussed throughout the program in more detail.
Program Highlights
- Graduates from the program are eligible to sit for the CSCT (Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists) national certification exam.
- Simulation labs and clinical placement settings exposes the student to practical learning.
- Accredited by the Canadian Medical Association.
Career Opportunities
Careers for this field will find graduates working in hospital settings and clinics such as Cardiac Stress testing and ECG Departments, operating room and emergency, community agencies, long term care agencies, medical sales and services, education institutions, patient education, rehabilitation clinics, and research. Graduates of the program must meet the requirements of the jurisdiction in which they wish to practice.
Accreditation
The Cardiovascular Technology program is accredited through the Canadian Medical Association. Graduates from the program are eligible to sit for the CSCT (Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists) national certification exam.
Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus successful completion of:
- Grade 12 English - ENG4U, ENG4C, EAE4C or EAE4U
- Grade 12 Math (C) or (U)
- Senior Level Physics (C) or (U)
- Senior Level Biology (C) or (U)
- Senior Level Chemistry (C) or (U)
OR
- Equivalent courses from the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program or the Academic and Career Entrance program.
Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.
For more information, see the Cardiovascular Technology Admission Guidelines document also found on the Admission Procedures page.
Important Information
This is an OVERSUBSCRIBED program. Important information about how applicants are ranked for entry into this program can be found on the Admission Procedures page.
Selection Procedure
A score is determined for each applicant derived from the required subjects for admission. Scores are then ranked by highest score and selection is made for the available positions and places on the waiting list.
For high school applicants, all of your Grade 11 courses and the first semester of your Grade 12 courses will be averaged and ranked in order to make the selection for acceptance into this program. When final grades are released applicants must meet the minimum requirement in mandatory courses.
Courses
The curriculum below is for incoming students:
Semester 1
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
CRD102
|
Human Anatomy And Physiology
|
4
|
|
CRD100
|
Intro To Cardiovascular Technology
|
3
|
|
CRD101
|
Intro To Electrocardiography
|
5
|
Semester 2
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
AHS201
|
Applied Health Science Statistics
|
3
|
|
CRD206
|
Introduction To Patient Care
|
3
|
|
CRD204
|
Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology
|
4
|
Semester 3
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
CRD303
|
Cardiovascular Clinic Prac. I
|
15
|
Semester 4
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
CRD203
|
Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|
3
|
|
CRD407
|
Cardiac Pathophysiology
|
4
|
|
CRD405
|
Holter & Ambulatory Monitoring
|
3
|
|
CRD409
|
Introduction To Cardiovascular Devices
|
2
|
|
CRD406
|
Cardiac Rehabilitation
|
2
|
Semester 5
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
CRD510
|
Advanced Ecg Interpretation
|
4
|
|
CRD301
|
Basic Venipuncture For Allied Health Professionals
|
2
|
Semester 6
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
CRD610
|
Cardiovascular Clinical Practicum - Final
|
25
|
Past Cohorts:
Semester 1
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| CRD102 |
Human Anatomy And Physiology |
4 |
| CRD100 |
Intro To Cardiovascular Technology |
3 |
| SON105 |
Medical Terminology |
3 |
| CRD101 |
Intro To Electrocardiography |
5 |
| ELEC1030 |
Choose 1 Elective Course |
3 |
Semester 2
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| AHS201 |
Applied Health Science Statistics |
3 |
| CRD206 |
Introduction To Patient Care |
3 |
| CRD207 |
Ecg Interpretation |
3 |
| CRD204 |
Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology |
4 |
| CRD208 |
Stress Testing |
4 |
Semester 3
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| CRD303 |
Cardiovascular Clinic Prac. I |
15 |
Semester 4
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| CRD203 |
Cardiovascular Pharmacology |
3 |
| CRD407 |
Cardiac Pathophysiology |
4 |
| ELEC1030 |
Choose 1 Elective Course |
3 |
| CRD405 |
Holter & Ambulatory Monitoring |
3 |
| CRD409 |
Introduction To Cardiovascular Devices |
2 |
| CRD406 |
Cardiac Rehabilitation |
2 |
Semester 5
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| CRD510 |
Advanced Ecg Interpretation |
4 |
| CRD509 |
Cardiac Devices II |
2 |
| CRD507 |
Cardiac Intervention |
3 |
| CRD508 |
Cardiac Diagnostics |
5 |
| CRD301 |
Basic Venipuncture For Allied Health Professionals |
2 |
| ELEC1030 |
Choose 1 Elective Course |
3 |
Semester 6
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| CRD610 |
Cardiovascular Clinical Practicum - Final |
25 |
Pre-Placement Requirements
St. Clair College has partnered with Synergy Gateway Inc to provide you access to Verified - a platform that is used by students at other post-secondary institutions across Ontario for the purpose of digitally collecting placement requirements related to placement(s). Synergy Gateway Inc will provide support and clearance to help with your required documentation. You will be required to complete an Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV) Review through the Verified platform in order to receive clearance to begin your clinical placement. You will be provided access to "Verified" via a secure username and password. You will use Verified to:
- Upload your pre-placement requirements documentation for review.
- Book your Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV) service (this is a service that reviews the documents you have uploaded and provides you a status as to your eligibility to begin placements).
- Track your ongoing requirements compliance.
Each student will receive log-in credentials to access Verified that will be sent to your St. Clair College email account. Please check your inbox, spam and junk mail folders for an email from the "Synergy Help Desk". You will be required to create a new password upon logging in. Be sure to view the video user guides and student guidebook to learn how to use the Verified platform.
Any associated fees for Synergy Gateway Inc to complete the pre-placement requirements are the sole responsibility of the students:
- Synergy Review Fee: $50.50 + tax
- Synergy Follow-Up Review Fee: $10.00 + tax
It is mandatory that students complete their ERV service through Verified to be eligible for your upcoming clinical placement.
Once your account has been set up with Verified, inquiries can be directed to Synergy Gateway Inc at www.Synergyhelps.com. You will need to submit a Help Desk ticket. Their Help Desk hours are Monday to Friday: 10 am - 3 pm, excluding holidays.
** Please note: If you are an International student completing a placement, you will require a valid COOP Work Permit.
Requirements
(Please refer to your Synergy communications for full details)
This is to make you aware that, although a COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend St. Clair College, most of our placement sites require students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be eligible to attend. Students who are not fully vaccinated cannot be provided with a placement for their program and, therefore, will not be able to complete their programs. Please be advised that COVID-19 booster shots and/or other requirements may become mandatory for placement, however, they are not currently required.
- Student placements are assigned at the discretion of the program.
- Students may be required to obtain further clearances for placement at the discretion of the placement site.
- Student personal requests for placement cannot be accommodated.
- Placements may be outside the Windsor/Chatham area (& could possibly expand throughout the province)
- Students are responsible for their own accommodation.
- Students are responsible for their own travel and all costs of placements.
- Students are responsible for the cost of scrub uniforms/footwear and equipment (such as a stethoscope, a watch with a second hand) and other incidentals as required.
- Placement schedules may include shifts on days, afternoons, weekends and holidays throughout the program based on placement needs and agency availability.
Your Investment
The standard tuition and compulsory fees for the current academic year:
2024-2025 Tuition Fees
For programs with Experiential Learning (Work Placement/Internship): Costs for accommodation, if needed, travel and related expenses are at the student's own expense. It is recommended for most programs, that students have access to a laptop or desktop computer while away from home during experiential learning periods.
Textbooks and other materials are in addition to Tuition Fees. Textbook prices may be found on the Bookstore website.
Please be aware that tuition and compulsory fees are subject to adjustment each year. The College reserves the right to change, amend or alter fees as necessary without notice or prejudice.
Smart Start Information
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Cardiovascular Technology (Ontario College Diploma) (MTCU Code 51612)
The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
- Provide competent cardiovascular testing by applying comprehensive knowledge of cardiology and related disciplines.
- Complete all work in accordance with legal and ethical requirements, legislation, workplace policies and procedures, and accepted safety practices of the field.
- Provide quality patient care, through the utilization of professional conduct and judgment through all interactions with patients, their parents and families, co-workers, and the community.
- Critically evaluate the patient’s cardiac status using the relevant test procedure and results.
- Respond competently in simulated cardiac emergency situations by identifying, selecting, and effectively utilizing emergency equipment, cardiovascular drugs, and other members of the cardiac diagnostic team.
- Operate sophisticated medical equipment to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
- Prepare accurate test reports such as Electrocardiograms, Holter Scans and Exercise tests for the interpreting cardiologist.
- Apply scientific principles in the operation and evaluation of laboratory equipment and implanted cardiac rhythm management devices, and assist with obtaining measurements and monitoring of the patient’s hemodynamic parameters.
- Assist the Cardiologist with invasive and therapeutic procedures utilizing aseptic, operating room and proper patient care techniques.
- Evaluate and monitor equipment to maintain safe and effective operation.
- Identify strategies for continual learning within the changing field of cardiovascular technology.
- Communicate professionally in the workplace using established channels and appropriate terminology specific to the occupation and the industry
Identified Physical Demands
To progress successfully through the curriculum and function as a practicing Cardiovascular Technologist after graduation, the individual must have:
- Visual Acuity with or without corrective lenses to identify cyanosis and absence of respiratory movement in a patient.
- Hearing with or without auditory aids to understand the normal speaking voice without viewing the speaker’s face (to ensure that the Cardiovascular Technologist will be able to attend a patient’s call for help)
- Physical Ability sufficient (minimal impairment of upper and lower extremities) to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation as well as move and position patients.
- Speech sufficient to communicate with staff and patients in a timely manner.