Invasive Cardiovascular Technology

The invasive cardiovascular technologist is a health care professional who, through the use of specific high-technology equipment and at the direction of a qualified physician, performs procedures on patients leading to the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease.

As a member of the cardiac catheterization team, the cardiovascular technologist is a surgical scrub assistant, monitors the patient's condition, and operates other "CATH Lab." equipment.

The most important "CATH Lab" studies are coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (where stents, balloons, plaque removal devices, and other treatments to restore blood flow are deployed), right heart catheterization (where blood flow measurements are made), electrophysiology (where irregular heartbeats are created, studied and treated) and pacemaker implantations.

Invasive cardiovascular technologists also work with physicians during critical times during heart attacks by restoring blood flow to diseased areas of the heart. They assist with percutaneous revascularization, give clot-dissolving drugs, and operate cardiac assist pumps. To learn more about what invasive cardiovascular technologists do, see our Sample Job Description.

Students must have their health science clinical files completed before they attend clinical. Students reentering the programs or entering with advanced standing, must update their files before attending clinical.

All required paperwork is to be turned in to the health science office: Building 9, Room 132.

Photocopy

(Students must bring in a copy; the office is not equipped to make copies for students.)

Medical insurance - bring in a copy of your medical insurance card or purchase medical insurance from the SCC cashier and bring in a copy of your receipt. (If you have SCC medical insurance, it must be updated each quarter and a copy of your receipt must be brought in for your file.)
American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card - bring in a copy of a current CPR card (within the last year). This must be updated annually as long as you are in the program, and a copy must be kept on file.

Originals Required

TB test - bring in documented results of two- step TB test (two separate tests within the last year). Must show results and be signed and dated by a healthcare provider. The TB test must be within the last year and updated annually in your file as long as you are in the program and a copy on file.
DT - Diphtheria/Tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years. Must be signed and dated by a healthcare provider.
MMR - Measles/Mumps/Rubella vaccination or a titer for each of the diseases showing immunity. Must be signed and dated by healthcare provider.
A photo copy of your shot card may be substituted for the above immunizations (TB, DT, MMR).
Physical - current physical - signed and dated by the physician. Use Health Science physical form.
Drug screening - mandatory drug screening through Pathology Associates - results of which will be sent to the Dean by the lab. Students need to turn in a copy of their receipt for their file.
Hepatitis B form - SCC form - completed and turned in for file.
Chicken Pox form - SCC form - completed and turned in for file.
Flu Vaccine form - SCC form - completed and turned in for file.
MultiCare Flu declination form
Clinical Agreement form - SCC form - completed and turned in for file.
National Background Check

Students are advised to keep a copy of their physical, TB test results and immunizations for their own records. Potential employers will be requesting this same documentation and the school is not responsible for providing such documentation.

Students who change programs or are reentering a program with advanced standing: previous files are not considered current and many file requirements will have to be updated.

It is the student's responsibility to maintain their own medical and personal records. You will need them again when you apply for employment in the medical field.

It is in your best interest to obtain a documented shot record from your healthcare provider and keep that record, along with updates, in a safe, accessible place in your personal file. It is also important for you to keep a copy of your CPR card and physical. The Health Science office does not provide copies.

In 2003, a partnership was developed with Spokane Community College (SCC) to develop a satellite of its Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist Program in Western Washington. Partnering organizations include:

Good Samaritan Community Healthcare
MultiCare Health System
Pierce College
Spokane Community College
Tacoma Community College
Tacoma-Pierce County Employment and Training Consortium
Franciscan Health System
Providence Everett Medical Center
Providence St. Peter Hospital

The first cohort of students began the Western Washington program in September 2004.

The classroom and learning laboratory for Westside students is located at Tacoma General Hospital, in Tacoma, Washington. Westside students participate in SCC classes via real-time, interactive videoconferencing, and complete on-line learning modules independently. The Westside Lab Instructor teaches skills in the laboratory to Westside students, and students complete almost 800 hours of clinical training at cath labs in Western Washington hospitals. Westside students are required to attend lectures and lab sessions at the Westside classroom (in Tacoma) approximately four to five days per week.

The Western Washington ICT Program accepts up to 14 new students each fall. For general application information, please visit our Westside Application Information page. For pre-requisites, visit our Prerequisites page.

Contact the Western Washington ICT Program

W. Scott Corson
Westside ICT Program Coordinator/Lab Instructor
MultiCare Health System
MS 315-O4-ICT
315 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
PO Box 5299
Tacoma, WA 98415-0299
scott.corson@multicare.org
Phone: 253-403-3438
Fax: 253-403-3491

ICT 114 — Introduction to Cardiac Care — 3.0 Credits

Introduction to the field of Cardiovascular Technology and the role of the CV Technologist. Stresses the importance of professionalism, ethical behavior, and communications. Introductory study of medical terminology as related to cardiac care. Various discussion groups and tours will be provided. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 115 — Technical Skills - CPR for Health Care Providers — 1.0 Credits

American Heart Association version of health care provider course for CPR/AED. Required for student to enter a patient care clinical environment. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 116 — Acute Coronary Syndrome — 1.0 Credits

A study of the nation's number one killer in its acute phase. Pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. The stable versus the unstable patient. Vulnerable plaque types. STEMI versus NSTEMI patient presentations. The national door to balloon initiative. 12 lead EKG recognition of the signs of ischemia/infarct patterns. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 117 — Cardiovascular Pharm 1 — 1.0 Credits

Introduction to cardiovascular pharmacology. A review of control of heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output and the common drug groups employed to manipulate these parameters. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 124 — CV Diagnostic Exams — 4.0 Credits

A review of the examinations used today to screen for coronary artery disease. Case studies will be presented from the patient initial presentation through diagnostic workup. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 125 — Hemodynamics — 2.0 Credits

Introduction to various forms of invasive monitoring. Emphasis is placed on the basics of hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation. Normal and pathologic examples are introduced. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 126 — Technical Skills/Reading Hemodynamics — 1.0 Credits

Introduction to various forms of invasive monitoring. Emphasis is placed on the basics of hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation. Normal and pathologic examples are introduced. Supports concepts taught in ICT 125. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 127 — Cardiovascular Pharm 2/Intravenous Therapy — 1.0 Credits

Continuation of ICT 117 Intro to CV Pharm. Advanced Cardiac Life Support drugs are introduced. Pharmacy math is introduced. Pharmacy law is studied. Principles of IV therapy are introduced. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 128 — Technical Skills/Pharmacology/Intravenous Therapy — 1.0 Credits

Supports ICT 127 concepts. Case studies of patients during cardiac emergencies will be evaluated for appropriate drug selection. Pharmacy math calculations will be taught. IV therapy techniques will be taught. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 129 — Basic Life Support Instructor Course — 2.0 Credits

This course develops the instructional and technical skills required by the American Heart Association to become a Basic Life Support Instructor and to become a member of the campus CPR club. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 134 — Cath Lab Procedures — 3.0 Credits

This course is an overview of cardiovascular invasive diagnosis and intervention. Includes an introduction to the cardiac catheterization lab through the study of: Catheterization protocols and equipment. Angiographic anatomy of the cardiovascular system, and invasive cardiac measurements and calculations. Labs and tours will be provided. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 135 — Technical Skills Cath Lab Procedures — 1.0 Credits

This is the lab supporting ICT 134. Skills taught will be procedural tables and equipment used in cardiac catheterization. Simulations of vascular access techniques and cannulation of model vascular systems will be utilized. Computer analysis of recorded hemodynamic parameters will be introduced by use of a physiologic monitor. Injector system parameters will be taught. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 138 — Cardiovascular Physiology — 4.0 Credits

This course is an advanced study of normal cardiovascular physiology presented in a series of physician lectures and lab demonstrations with applications in invasive and noninvasive cardiology. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 139 — Radiation Safety — 2.0 Credits

A study of radiation production and safety measures for health care providers. This class will prepare the student to work in the fluoroscopic and cine imaging environment of the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Patient and staff exposure protection are emphasized. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 140 — Surgical Asepsis — 1.0 Credits

Surgical asepsis for health care providers. This class will prepare the student to create a sterile field. Gown and glove themselves and others. Procedural awareness of working in a sterile field will be developed. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 141 — Technical Skills/Surgical Asepsis — 1.0 Credits

This class supports ICT 140. The skills of surgical asepsis and infection control are taught. Working in a sterile field and gowning and gloving are taught. Develop a surgical conscience. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 144 — Patient Care and Assessment — 4.0 Credits

Develop patient care skills specific to patients with cardiovascular disease. Read a medical chart to identify risks for invasive procedures. Understand the expected response of the physician to various patient presentations. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 145 — Technical Skills/Cath Lab Boot Camp/Patient Care — 4.0 Credits

This class prepares the student to enter the clinical environment of the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Patient care skills and procedural steps will be practiced. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 146 — Cath Lab Clinical I — 6.0 Credits

Initial clinical experience of 160 clock hours. Focus on diagnostic cardiac catheterization procedural participation. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 203 — Advanced Cardiac Life Support Course — 2.0 Credits

This course develops the cognitive skills required for advanced cardiac life support required by the American Heart Association. Combined with another lab portion and mega code allows the student to hold an ACLS card. Prerequisite: Completion of previous quarter.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 204 — Advanced Cardiac Life Support Technical Skills Lab — 1.0 Credits

This course develops the technical skills required by the American Heart Association, when combined with the lecture course to hold an ACLS card. Prerequisite: Completion of previous quarter.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 212 — Electrocardiography Lab — 1.0 Credits

Introduction to the field of cardiovascular technology, basic cardiac anatomy, physiology and electrophysiology with emphasis on the performance and interpretation of the electrocardiogram. Laboratory experiences will support these concepts and provide simulated clinical situations and effective performance on the modality. Prerequisite: Admission to program.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 213 — Electrocardiography — 3.0 Credits

Students are introduced to the field of cardiovascular technology, basic cardiac anatomy; physiology and electrophysiology with emphasis on the performance and interpretation of the electrocardiogram. Laboratory experiences to support these concepts also are included. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 214 — Cardiac Interventions/PCI — 3.0 Credits

This course will focus on the percutaneous interventions performed in today's cardiac cath lab. Including, but not limited to: Stenting, balloon angioplasty, intravascular ultrasound, atherectomy, thrombectomy, ocular coherence tomography, and other techniques. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 215 — Interventional Radiology — 2.0 Credits

This class will explore the cardiovascular diagnostic and interventions in non-cardiac vascular beds. This field is known as "Special Procedures" or Interventional Radiology. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 216 — Electrophysiology 1 Introduction to Devices — 2.0 Credits

This class will introduce the sub-specialty of electrophysiology (EP), this is the first of 2 classes. In this class we will investigate the role of EP in cardiology. A study of diagnostic protocols and implantable devices like pacers and defibrillators will be introduced. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 217 — Technical Skills/PCI/EP/Special Equipment — 2.0 Credits

This skills lab supports the ICT 214, 215 and 216 didactic content. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 218 — Cath Lab Clinical II — 5.0 Credits

This course continues to develop the skills from Cath Lab Clinical I. Students move into more complex procedures, such as percutaneous coronary interventions. Including, but not limited to: Stents, balloon angioplasty, intracoronary ultrasound. Monitor, scrub and circulator roles should be practiced. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 219 — Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology — 1.0 Credits

This course describes the pathophysiology of pulmonary diseases, their diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite: Completion of previous quarter.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 224 — Advanced Practices/Management — 5.0 Credits

This class will focus on advanced practices such as left ventricular assist devices and support of cardiovascular surgery. Another aspect of this class will be to define the operational structure of the health care facility. For-profit/not-for-profit hospitals will be studied. Private physician laboratory management models will be defined. Hospital chain of command will be defined. The emphasis will be for the student to understand and excel in multiple working environments. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 225 — Pediatric Cath — 1.0 Credits

The role of the cath lab in caring for patients with cardiac congenital anomalies will be explored. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 226 — Statistics and Research — 1.0 Credits

Introduction to the medical research protocols and the FDA approval process for drugs and devices. A review of statistics as utilized in medical research. Evaluation of the meaning of scientific reports. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 227 — Electrophysiology 2 Interventions — 2.0 Credits

This class is a continuation of ICT 216 Introduction to EP. EP lab interventions for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias are discussed. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 228 — Technical Skills/Peds/Special Procedures/EP — 2.0 Credits

This class supports the didactic content of ICT 224, 225, 226 and 227. Technical skills in the areas of cardiac assist devices, pediatric interventional devices, EP interventional devices. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 229 — Cath Lab Clinical III — 5.0 Credits

This course continues to develop the skills from Cath Lab Clinical II. Students move into more complex procedures and coronary interventions. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 234 — Board Registry (RCIS) Prep Blackboard — 4.0 Credits

This class will prepare the student to sit for the national registry appropriate for work in the cardiac cath lab. This being the RCIS (Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist) registry offered by CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International). Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ICT 235 — Cath Lab Clinical IV — 12.0 Credits

This course continues to develop the skills from Cath Lab Clinical III. Students move into more complex procedures and coronary interventions. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ICT program or permission of instructor.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

The Cardiovascular Technology Programs (Invasive and Noninvasive) are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee for Cardiovascular Technology. The accredited agencies can be contacted at:

CAAHEP
www.caahep.org

JRC-CVT
6 Pine Knoll Dr
Beverly, MA 01915-1425
www.jrccvt.org

These charts reflect the accreditation report for the program. You can use it to compare programs for their strength. We at SCC are above threshold for all of our quality standards. There are currently 56 accredited ICT programs in the USA. See caahep.org for more information.

Demonstrate collaboration and effective communication among all health care team members in the delivery of cardiac care in all patient settings.
Analyze information and research and apply it in the health care setting.
Apply the principles of cultural awareness formulating appropriate modification to health care plans to accommodate cultural differences.
Design and implement appropriate treatment plans in all healthcare settings where cardiac care is delivered.
Apply advanced cardiac care competencies in all health care settings.

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Photocopy

Originals Required

Contact the Western Washington ICT Program