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.
Health Requirements
- Medical Requirements Form.
- A satisfactory medical exam.
- An up-to-date immunization record including tetanus and diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B (incl. Hep B titre within the last 24 months) and TB skin test.
- BLS CPR due Nov 15th of the first semester
Courses
The curriculum below is for incoming students:
Placement Requirements
This is to make you aware that, although a COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend St. Clair College, all of our clinical placement sites are requiring students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be eligible to attend. Students who are not fully vaccinated cannot be provided with a clinical 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 clinical placement, however, they are not currently required.
If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, please contact our St. Clair College Health Centre at 519-972-2727 ext. 4484 (in Windsor) or 519-354-9100 ext. 3729 (in Chatham).
Clinical placement is a mandatory part of the curriculum. Students can be placed anywhere within Ontario.
Applicants are required to have the following completed prior to clinical placement. You are responsible for the associated costs.
- Standard First Aid (online courses are NOT acceptable)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) BLS with AED (Annual renewal is required regardless of the expiry date on the card. Online courses are not acceptable)
- N95 Mask Fit Testing
- Employer requirement for up-to-date CLEAR POLICE CLEARANCE (vulnerable sector screening)
- MUST be obtained by you, the student.
- Obtain the Police Clearance by the first week of your first semester
- Clinical placements may be on day, afternoon or weekend shifts ANYWHERE within Ontario.
- You are responsible for travel and accommodation costs.
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.