Cardiovascular invasive specialists assist doctors with invasive heart procedures and tests. Individuals aspiring to become registered cardiovascular invasive specialists can find education programs at community colleges, technical schools, teaching hospitals and 4-year universities.
Schools With Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Programs
Aspiring cardiovascular invasive specialists can get training at these colleges:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition and Fees (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bunker Hill Community College | Boston, MA | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $4,464 in-state; $9,408 out-of-state |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $1,696 in-state; $10,372 out-of-state |
| El Centro College | Dallas, TX | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $1,770 in-district; $3,330 in-state; $5,220 out-of-state |
| Florida SouthWestern State College | Fort Myers, FL | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Associate's | $3,401 in-state; $12,979 out-of-state |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Associate's | $2,878 in-state; $9,992 out-of-state |
| Grossmont College | El Cajon, CA | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $1,386 in-state; $7,196 out-of-state |
| Harrisburg Area Community College - Harrisburg | Harrisburg, PA | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $6,683 in-district; $7,935 in-state; $9,435 out-of-state |
| Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Associate's | $2,563 in-state; $9,189 out-of-state |
| Tulsa Community College | Tulsa, OK | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $3,349 in-state; $8,581 out-of-state |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
These are some important considerations for students looking at programs in this field:
- Most employers prefer or require candidates to earn certification. Students may want to make sure that their program provides a invasive cardiovascular technology focus and will prepare them for the RCIS certification exam.
- Associate's and bachelor's degree programs can both qualify graduates to enter directly into the field, but bachelor's degree programs typically offer more extensive clinical experiences and a broader range of coursework.
- Experience or certification in additional aspects of the field could be professionally beneficial; there are multiple opportunities for specialization through courses in fetal, pediatric and adult echocardiography or vascular technology.
- Distance education options may be available at some schools, particularly in programs designed as continuing education experiences for employed students; however, students should keep in mind that some courses and the clinical experiences typically require physical attendance.
Certificate in Cardiovascular Technology
Certificate programs in cardiovascular technology rarely offer an invasive specialization but can still qualify students for RCIS certification. These programs may take two or more years to complete, including coursework and clinical experiences.
Associate's Degree in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
Associate's degree programs in invasive cardiovascular technology include coursework and clinical experiences. Because programs require general education courses and basic science courses such as anatomy, physiology and medical terminology, students may transfer easily from associate's degree programs to bachelor's degree programs.
Bachelor's Degree in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
Bachelor's degree programs can be completed in four years. They include general education courses and clinical experiences. They also commonly require internships. A senior project may also be mandatory for completion. Courses at this level cover a broader range of topics than those at lower levels.
Individuals who want to become registered invasive cardiovascular specialists can enroll in accredited cardiovascular technology programs that allow for specialization in this subfield and prepare students for licensure and entry-level jobs in the field.