INVASIVE CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGY (CATH LAB TECH)
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
The Invasive Cardiovascular Technology (ICT) program at Central Florida Institute in Palm Harbor is accredited by the Commission Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT)
Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists assist physicians with cardiac catheterization procedures. Catheterization involves inserting a small tube, known as a catheter, into a patient’s blood vessel and then into the heart. The procedure is done to determine whether the patient has a blockage or heart disease. The procedure may also involve balloon angioplasty, which can be used to treat blockages of blood vessels or heart valves without the need for heart surgery.
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Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists prepare patients
for invasive heart procedures, such as cardiac catheterization and balloon angioplasty, by correctly positioning the patient and helping with the administration of anesthesia to the area where the catheter will enter the body. During the procedures, the Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists monitors the patient's blood pressure and heart rate with EKG equipment, and must notify the cardiac surgeon immediately of any changes in the patient's condition as well as assist the cardiologist during the cardiac procedure. Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists also may prepare and monitor patients during open-heart surgery and the implantation of pacemakers.Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist students at Central Florida Institute are provided training in the classroom and lab located at the school. The students also receive an extensive clinical rotation at several hospitals that specialize in cardiovascular procedures. The students are provided with a great deal of hands-on experience while working with prominent cardiovascular surgeons.
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Career opportunities for graduates of the Invasive program include:
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- Hemodynamic Monitor Technologist
- Cardiac Catheterization Technologist
- Cardiology Technologist
- Cardiopulmonary Technologist
Graduates of Invasive CVT (ICT) are employable in facilities such as:
- Hospital Cardiac Departments
- Catheter Labs
- Outpatient Cardiology Practices
- Clinics
- Diagnostic Centers
According to the United States Department of Labor, employment of Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. The fast growth for employment as a Invasive Cardiovascular Technician is directly related to the fact that as the population ages, older people have a higher incidence of heart problems. 2012.
The Department of Labor points out that healthcare employers prefer trained personnel, therefore, the job prospects should be best for Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists with formal training such as that offered at Central Florida Institute. Healthcare employers are particularly interested in Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists with certification.
* indicates preferred/recognized exam in that specialty, otherwise all credentials are equal
