Cardiovascular Technology (CVT)

The mission and purpose of the EPiC Cardiovascular Technologist Program is to provide for both the personal and professional career development of each Cardiovascular Technologist student.

The general goals of the program are:

1. Graduates will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for competency as an entry-level Cardiovascular Technologist.
2. Graduates will exhibit professional growth and development through the values, attitudes and behaviors necessary of an entry-level Cardiovascular Technologist.
3. To prepare entry-level cardiovascular technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
4. To prepare graduate to communicate effectively and professionally.
5. Graduates will complete the program within the scheduled timeframe with the ability to earn Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) credentials to successfully work in the field of Cardiovascular Technology.

Graduates of the EPiC Cardiovascular Technology program will be able to function as competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains within the procedural room environment. After completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the RCIS exam.

Upon completion of the required courses within the Cardiovascular Technology program curriculum, the student will be able to:

1. Apply the principles of aseptic technique, sterile technique, and infection precautions. (Psychomotor) (Cognitive)
2. Interact professionally within the procedural room environment, concerning all parties. (Affective)
3. Function in the role of the cardiovascular technologist within the procedural team and the catheterization lab environment. (Psychomotor) (Cognitive)
4. Identify the structures and functions of the human heart and vasculature and commonly found pathologies. (Cognitive)
5. Identify and prepare for the specific uses of the essential furnishings, equipment, and supplies used for procedures within the cardiac catheterization lab. (Psychomotor) (Cognitive)
6. 6. Protect and respect the patient’s right to privacy and safety. (Psychomotor)(Cognitive)(Affective)
7. Prepare all sterile areas, instruments, and equipment required for a catheterization laboratory procedure. (Psychomotor)
8. Assist with the sterile draping, gowning, gloving, case management, and other preparations essential to cardiovascular procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab. (Psychomotor)
9. Assist with the procedure including: patient pre-procedure preparation, preparing equipment and procedure room, passing of instruments and equipment, correctly handling all sterile equipment and supplies, monitoring patient vitals and hemodynamics, proper documentation of procedure and vitals, provide patient education related to cardiovascular catheterization, and quality assurance of equipment. (Psychomotor) (Affective) (Cognitive)
10. Recognize changes in hemodynamics, patient vitals, and cardiac rhythms and respond accordingly while conscientiously adhering to required precautions in patient care. (Cognitive) (Psychomotor)
11. Dismantle a procedural room set-up following a procedure including: preparation of specimens for delivery to the laboratory, disconnecting equipment, separation of disposable and non-disposable items, and caring for instruments according to hospital policy and procedure. (Psychomotor)(Cognitive)

• Corewell Health West (Formerly Spectrum Health)- Grand Rapids
• Trinity Health- Grand Rapids
• U of M West- Grand Rapids
• Trinity Health- Muskegon
• Ascension Borgess- Kalamazoo
• Bronson Methodist- Kalamazoo
• Corewell Health Southwest (Formerly Spectrum Health Lakeland/St. Joseph)
• McLaren- Lansing
• Sparrow- Lansing
• McLaren- Flint
• Hurley- Flint
• MyMichigan Health- Midland
• Henry Ford Hospital- Detroit 

*The off-site locations are located within a 153 mile radius of the GRCC’s main Grand Rapids campus. Students are responsible for transportation to the off site locations and any other costs associated with attending the off-campus location.

Students should be aware some vaccinations require a series of injections. In these instances, the entire series must be completed by the end of the first semester of the program in order to attend surgical clinical rotations.

Students are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider before starting the program to ensure they can meet these immunization requirements:

• Tuberculosis (Two skin tests or one blood test)
• Measles
• Rubeola
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella
• Influenza
• COVID
• other immunizations as required.