About this program
Cardiovascular Technology
The two-year Cardiovascular Technology Ontario College Diploma program provides you with the essential knowledge and technical skills required to perform electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests and ambulatory monitoring in the role of a cardiovascular technologist. Professionals in this field work closely with patients to diagnose cardiac conditions.
Emphasizing a hands-on approach through in-class laboratory simulation and clinical practice, this program is aligned with the competencies outlined by the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT) National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP). Areas of focus include performing various non-invasive cardiac testing such as:
- electrocardiography
- stress testing
- ambulatory monitoring
- pacemaker follow-up
You develop critical thinking by integrating knowledge of cardiac anatomy, pharmacology and various pathophysiology to provide accurate diagnostic information to members of the health care team.
Admission requirements
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are able to work effectively under stressful situations.
- Are compassionate and caring.
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Enjoy physical and hands-on work.
- Find value in problem solving and critical thinking.
- Are attentive to detail.
- Enjoy working as a member of a team.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 60% or higher.
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent) with a grade of 60% or higher.
- Biology, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 60% or higher.
- Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 60% or higher.
- Physics, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 60% or higher.
- All applicants must complete an assessment of their knowledge and skills through the Test Centre, and pay an exam fee. Results from the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT) will be utilized to establish minimum eligibility and applicant ranking. The AC-HPAT can only be written once per academic cycle. For further information on the HPAT and how to book your assessment, please visit Algonquin`s Test Centre.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the college website.
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Learn moreProgram content
Level: 01
- Communications I
- Introduction to Research Methods
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Cardiovascular Technology and Equipment Maintenance
- Electrocardiography
Level: 02
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
- 12-Lead ECG Interpretation
- Ambulatory Monitoring 1
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Stress Testing
Level: 03
- Environmental Citizenship
- Ethics: What Is the Big Deal?
- Clinical Practicum 1
Level: 04
- Cardiac Devices
- Cardiac Diagnostic and Interventional Procedures
- Ambulatory Monitoring 2
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Advanced Electrocardiography
- Electrophysiology
Level: 05
- Basic Venipuncture
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Clinical Practicum 2
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the college website for more information.
Tuition
For more information about tuition fees, please visit the college website.
Qualification
Credential: Ontario College Diploma
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Perform cardiac procedures by integrating knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology.
- Perform all clinical duties in accordance with legal and ethical requirements, as well as institutional directives.
- Provide patient-centred care to ensure quality healthcare service.
- Perform appropriate and relevant test procedures as required by the patient`s cardiac status.
- Assist physicians during emergency life support by utilizing proper patient care techniques and identifying cardiovascular agents.
- Operate cardiac-related medical equipment and perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure quality diagnostic testing.
- Perform, analyze and document results of electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests and ambulatory monitoring.
- Assess implantable cardiac devices through programming and device interrogation.
- Observe routine practices, standard precautions and follow sterile field and operating room protocols.
- Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development to enhance competence in Cardiovascular Technology.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Career paths
Graduates may find employment as cardiology technologists, cardiovascular technologists, ECG technicians, pacemaker/cardiac device technologists, electrophysiology technologists or clinical applications specialists. Upon successful completion of the program, a student must write the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologist (CSCT) certification exam to become credentialed. With this credential, students may also consider international opportunities. For example, students may write the Cardiac Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) certification exam to open up employment opportunities in the United States of America.
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About this institute
Algonquin College
Consider Algonquin’s unique campuses Algonquin College, located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, offers an experience that includes personalized learning and industry-ready skills through field-work, work placement and co-op. With more than 300 programs, including degrees and graduate certificates, we have the...
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Algonquin College
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