About our Cardiovascular
Technology Associate Degree
The Cardiovascular Technology program provides graduates with the skills necessary to work with medical professionals in cardiac catheterization laboratories, cardiac surgery, electrocardiography/stress laboratories, or echocardiography departments. Students complete a combination of general education and required core courses in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, medical electronics and instrumentation, and applied cardiovascular techniques in either invasive cardiology or echocardiography.
Clinical opportunities in patient care areas at various health care sites will be completed throughout their educational experience. The clinical component of the program includes more than 1,000 hours of patient care experience over four of the five semesters and is closely aligned with the cardiovascular curriculum. Graduates of the Cardiovascular Technology program are eligible to take either the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) upon graduation from Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Echocardiography students also may choose to take the two exams administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography to earn their Register Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer® (RDCS®). The growth in cardiovascular surgeries, diagnostic procedures and interventional techniques, as well as the continued advances in echocardiography and non-invasive cardiology, has increased the demand for qualified cardiovascular technologists throughout the nation.
What opportunities does this program provide?
Launch Your Career
SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:
- Registered Cardiac Sonographer
- Registered Cardiac Invasive Specialist
- Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist
- Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Technician
Continue Your Education
SMCC graduates have used our transfer agreements to continue their education at:
- Johnson & Wales University
- Maine College of Art
- Mount Holyoke College
- Saint Joseph’s College
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Thomas College
- University of Maine
- University of New England
- University of Southern Maine
- Wellesley College
To view our seamless transfer agreements, visit our Transfer webpage.
How do I complete this program?
Browse the information below to view our program requirements and how you might complete this program.
Estimated Full-Time Degree Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Interested in viewing full program and course details?
- View full program details in our academic catalog.
- View a list of current major-specific courses for this program.
- View all current courses.
Are you a current student?
Be sure to view the degree program requirements for your specific program. Log into MySMCC and click My Maine Guide, MyDegree to learn more.
Prerequisites:
- C (not C-) or better in:
- Anatomy & Physiology I w/lab
- Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab
- Technical Physics
- English Composition
- Technical Math*
- Attend a Information Session
*Please note, in lieu of Technical Math, a student can take College Algebra AND Statistics.
Related Programs
Not ready to commit to a degree program? We may have other options that work for you.
Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going, we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.
Learn More:
Accreditation, Outcome Data & Licensure Information
Accreditation
The Southern Maine Community College Cardiovascular Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) on the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th St N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.CAAHEP.org
The Southern Maine Community College Cardiovascular Technology Program is accredited for two specialty areas:
- Noninvasive Cardiovascular Technology (Adult Echocardiography)
- Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
Outcome Data
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) sets thresholds for credentialing examinations (success and participation), program retention, and job placement. Threshold data is presented in three-year averages.
SMCC Cardiovascular Technology Program Outcomes
Retention, Job Placement & Credentialing Exams
Class of 2021
| RETENTION | JOB PLACEMENT | CREDENTIALING EXAMS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPECIALTY | PERCENT | FINISH/START | PERCENT | EMPLOYED | SUCCESS | PARTICIPATION |
| Adult Echo | 88.9% | 8/9 | 100% | 7/7 | 100% | 7/7 |
| Invasive | 50% | 2/4 | 100% | 2/2 | 100% | 1/2 |
Class of 2022
| RETENTION | JOB PLACEMENT | CREDENTIALING EXAMS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPECIALTY | PERCENT | FINISH/START | PERCENT | EMPLOYED | SUCCESS | PARTICIPATION |
| Adult Echo | 100% | 8/8 | 100% | 8/8 | 83.3% | 6/8 |
| Invasive | 100% | 3/3 | 100% | 3/3 | 100% | 2/3 |
Class of 2023
| RETENTION | JOB PLACEMENT | CREDENTIALING EXAMS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPECIALTY | PERCENT | FINISH/START | PERCENT | EMPLOYED | SUCCESS | PARTICIPATION |
| Adult Echo | 80% | 8/10 | 100% | 7/7 | 87.5% | 7/7 |
| Invasive | 80% | 4/5 | 100% | 3/3 | 100% | 2/3 |
Out-of-State Licensure Information
If you are completing this program and will be seeking licensure in another state, please download our Out-of-State Licensure document.
Costs & Financial Aid
This degree program may have specific associated costs which are important to know before attending. We encourage you to apply for financial aid which provides funds in the form of grants and scholarship (free), loans (need to repay) and student employment (earned money.)
Want to learn more?
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Ready to apply?
Learn how to apply and fill out our online application when you’re ready.
Additional Admissions Requirements:
Please note that our Health Sciences programs have additional requirements.
For more information, visit our Health Science Applicants webpage.
Contact Us:
Admissions: 207-741-5800 or smccadmissions@mainecc.edu
Department Chair: Lisa Dittrich, 207-741-5594 or ldittrich@mainecc.edu