## Beat to the Rhythm: Polk State’s Cardiovascular Tech Program Accepting Applications
Have you ever felt a pulse quicken with excitement, not from adrenaline, but from the potential to save lives? Polk State College is offering a unique opportunity to turn that excitement into a rewarding career. Applications are now open for their Cardiovascular Technology program, a pathway to becoming a skilled professional in the heart of healthcare.
Program Overview
The Cardiovascular Technology program at Polk State College is a limited-access program that admits only one class per year. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a cardiovascular technologist, a critical member of the cardiac catheterization team who assists physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
The application window for the program runs from April 15 to May 30, with classes commencing each fall term. It is essential to note that the application deadline may be extended to the preceding Friday if May 30 falls on a weekend.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Cardiovascular Technology program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be accepted into Polk State College as a credit-seeking student with all required documents received by the Registrar’s Office.
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
- Hold current American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider CPR Certification.
- ENC 1101 English Composition
- MAC 1105 College Algebra
- BSC 2085C Anatomy & Physiology I
- BSC 2086C Anatomy & Physiology II
- HSC 1531 Medical Terminology
Additionally, students must complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better prior to admission:
Program Cost and Duration
The two-year program costs approximately $11,000, which includes course fees, books, uniforms, national registry fees, and other necessary expenses. The program is designed to be completed in six consecutive terms, with students expected to be on their feet most of the day during hands-on labs and clinical rotations.
Curriculum and Career Opportunities
Program Curriculum
The Cardiovascular Technology program includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers general education classes and core classes for the invasive cardiovascular curriculum. Students will gain hands-on experience in cardiology procedures, including angioplasty and stenting. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT).
The program curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a cardiovascular technologist. The program begins each fall term and ends upon the completion of summer term in the second year. During the first year of the program, students can expect to be in class, hands-on lab, and clinical observation Monday through Friday.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Cardiovascular Technology program can seek employment in a hospital cardiac catheterization laboratory, an outpatient cardiovascular laboratory, a traveling agency, or in another industry-related facility in Florida or the US. An entry-level technologist can expect to make approximately $59,640 annually in Florida, with the potential to increase with on-call pay and shift differential.
The program graduate is eligible to take the national boards administered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) for the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) designation.
Accreditation and Certification
The Cardiovascular Technology Program is a limited-admission health science program accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT).
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national boards administered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) for the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) designation.
Career Prospects and Salary
Graduates of the Cardiovascular Technology program at Polk State College can expect to find employment in cardiac catheterization labs in hospitals and freestanding clinics as professionally licensed Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists (RCIS). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment for cardiovascular technologists is expected to grow by approximately 10 percent through 2032.
Entry-level technologists can expect to make approximately $59,640 annually in Florida, with potential increases with on-call pay and shift differential. With career advancement and certification, earning potential can further increase, making this a lucrative and in-demand profession.
Certification and Licensure
Program graduates are eligible to take the national boards administered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) for the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) designation. Certification is essential for career advancement and increased earning potential in the field.
As a certified RCIS, professionals can demonstrate their expertise and commitment to providing high-quality patient care, making them more competitive in the job market and opening up opportunities for career growth and advancement.
Student Expectations and Requirements
Physical and Mental Demands
Students can expect to be on their feet most of the day during hands-on labs and clinical rotations. Rapid thinking and decision-making are essential skills for efficient functioning within the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
In addition to physical stamina, students must possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to succeed in this demanding profession.
Program Requirements
Students must complete a medical physical exam, submit immunization records and communicable disease screenings, and undergo a ten-panel drug screening. A valid state driver’s license is also required for admission to the program.
These requirements are in place to ensure that students are physically and mentally prepared to handle the demands of the program and the profession.
Student Performance Standards
Students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to remain in the program. Failure to meet these standards may result in program termination or dismissal.
Students must also adhere to the program’s attendance and participation policies, as well as maintain professional and ethical standards throughout their education and training.
Conclusion
As the application deadline for Polk State College’s Cardiovascular Technology program approaches on May 30, prospective students are encouraged to seize this opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in this in-demand field. The program, which has been gaining attention for its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training, offers students a chance to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this specialized field. With a strong focus on clinical rotations and industry connections, Polk State College’s program is well-positioned to provide students with the expertise and confidence needed to succeed in this competitive industry.
The significance of this program cannot be overstated, as cardiovascular technology professionals play a critical role in saving lives and improving patient outcomes. As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to grow, programs like Polk State College’s Cardiovascular Technology program are poised to meet this need. By investing in education and training, students can not only enhance their career prospects but also contribute to the betterment of their communities. With a strong education and training, cardiovascular technology professionals can make a lasting impact on the lives of patients and families.
As the application deadline approaches, prospective students are encouraged to take a moment to reflect on the potential impact of their career choice. By choosing to pursue a degree in Cardiovascular Technology, students can pave the way for a fulfilling and rewarding career, one that combines technical expertise with a passion for helping others. As the field of cardiovascular technology continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the need for skilled and compassionate professionals who can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.