Common Questions
How long is the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) Program?
The program is a two-year, full-time program beginning every fall term, and running concurrently for 6 straight terms. The fall and spring terms consist of 16-week terms with the summer term being just 12 weeks.
How many credit hours is the CVT Program?
The credit hours required for this accredited program is set at 77 credit hours. Seventeen (17) credits for the prerequisites, nine (9) credits for general education, and fifty-one (51) credits for core CVT courses.
What are the pre-requisite courses for the CVT Program?
- All pre-requisites completed with a grade of “C” or higher
- High School graduation or equivalent
- ATI TEAS test (no minimum score)
- ENC1101 English Comp, MAC1105 College Algebra, BSC2085C Human Anatomy & Physiology I, BSC2086C Human Anatomy & Physiology II, and HSC1531 Medical Terminology
Is there a deadline to apply for the CVT Program?
Yes. The application window is open April 15 – May 30 annually. If May 30 falls on a weekend, the applications are due the Friday prior to May 30.
Does the CVT Program have a waiting list?
No. The CVT Program does not put students on a waiting list. Students must re-apply each year should they not be selected for the program or selected as an alternate.
Do I need to complete the prerequisites before applying to the program?
Yes. All prerequisites must be completed prior to completing and submitting a CVT Program application.
When does the program begin?
The program begins every fall term, which is typically around the second week of August.
How long does the CVT Program take to complete?
The core course sequence, including the required general education courses, takes 6 terms to complete or two years.
May prerequisites courses be taken concurrently with the CVT Program?
No. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to submitting a program e-application and prior to beginning the CVT Program course sequence.
Can prerequisites courses be taken at a school other than Polk State College?
Yes. Prerequisites may be completed at any accredited college or university. The comparable courses from other schools must be verified by the Polk State College Registrar.
Can the program be completed online, during evening hours, or on a part-time basis?
No. The CVT Program is a full-time, face-to-face program. The program has some hybrid-style courses with face-to-face meetings and limited online learning, no evening courses, and no part-time enrollment.
When may I apply for admission to the CVT Program?
E-applications to the CVT Program are completed and submitted via Etrieve. The application window is open from April 15 – May 30. Note, if May 30 falls on the weekend, all applications must be submitted the Friday prior to June 30, no exceptions.
Are there required immunizations I need to submit with my application?
No. There are no immunizations required when applying. However, once enrolled in the program, students are required to submit immunization verification. This includes titer levels for MMR, Tdap, Varicella, a two-step PPD, influenza, and surface antigen level for Hep B. Waivers are available for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Is a degree earned upon completion of the CVT Program?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the CVT Program are awarded an associate’s in science degree in cardiovascular technology.
How is the program structured?
The course curriculum sequence is dispersed over 6 terms. Year one includes most of the didactic instruction as well as lab hands-on training. Year two is comprised mostly of clinical affiliate rotations and the capstone review course. The majority of courses are M – F in the mornings or afternoons. Clinical rotations are 16-28 hours per week with no class, lab, or clinical in the evening or on the weekend.
Are jobs available in CVT?
Yes. Invasive cardiology is a high wage, high demand profession as heart disease continues to be the number one killer of men and women in the United States. However, jobs within Polk County may not be available since the hospitals have hired mainly Polk State graduates. Every student should be open to relocating beyond Polk County and Central Florida. There are many jobs available in other parts of Florida and throughout the United States.
What is the current entry level salary for CVT?
The annual salary for Florida is between $55,000 – $60,000 with the average hourly rate estimated at $28.67. This range does not include on-call pay, which can add significantly to one’s annual earnings.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292031.htm
Is there a license examination process after graduation?
Yes. Students are eligible to sit for the national registry exam offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) up to 60 days prior to graduation, as well as after graduation. Successful completion of this exam earns students the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) credential.
What is the estimated cost of the CVT Program?
The total cost of the CVT Program is approximately $11,500. This includes tuition, college fees, textbooks, scrubs, immunizations, physical exams, background checks, testing, and lab fees.
Are Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists the same as cardiac or vascular sonographers?
No, both professional careers are completely different. The term cardiovascular technologist is utilized for a broad category of medical professionals who assist physicians in diagnosing and treating heart and peripheral artery disease.
Our program trains Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists who use X-rays to assist physicians in the diagnosis and interventional treatments for cardiac and vascular disease. CVT’s assist the physician in fixing blockages and other issues within the heart and peripheral vessels.
Sonographers, incorrectly referred to as cardiovascular technologists, use ultrasound waves to acquire images that help physicians diagnose and plan treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Sonographers do not assist physicians with interventional procedures.
In short, Cardiology is intervention (repair) focused, while Ultrasound is diagnostic (image acquisition) focused
When do classes start for the CVT Program?
After admission to the program, CVT courses begin in the fall term, typically the second week of August.
Are there night or weekend classes for the CVT Program?
No. Currently, the majority of classes and labs are scheduled Monday – Friday between 0900 – 1600. There is an occasional late afternoon class (1630 – 1930) depending on when the adjunct is available to teach the course.
Do I need to be a student at Polk State College to apply to the CVT Program?
Yes. Students must complete the registration process at Polk State College to apply to the CVT Program. College registration provides students access to Etrieve, the CVT Program e-application gatekeeper.
Do I need to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) to apply to the CVT Program?
Yes. All students must complete the ATI TEAS exam. At this time, there is no minimum score required for the completion of the TEAS test. The program reviews the composite score, as well as specific sections of the test, and applies points to the acceptance point system. The exam fee is each student’s responsibility.
How many students does the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program accept into the program?
The CVT Program accepts 13 students beginning course work every fall term.
What is the CVT Program schedule like if I am accepted into the program?
The CVT Program is a very rigorous, full-time program. Effective time management is critical to student success in completing the program. There is ample information to cover and learn in the field of invasive cardiology. The time this program demands of students is equivalent to a full-time job. Between classes, hands-on lab, clinical rotations, and study time, students can expect to put in 20 – 30 hours a week. Students are highly encouraged not to work while in the program. If students do have to work, students must adhere to the program policies delineated in the student handbook of not working overnight and going directly to the clinic following a work shift.
