Program Preview for Cardiovascular Technology is Tuesday

January 25, 2010

The public is invited to attend the program preview for Santa Fe College's Cardiovascular Technology Program, Tuesday, Jan. 26, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Building W Annex (WA), room 113 at the Northwest campus, 3000 NW 83rd St.

The Cardiovascular Technology Program is a two-year A.S. degree program. Graduates may work in one or more specialty areas including cardiac catheterization, cardiac ultrasound, vascular ultrasound and pulmonary diagnostics. Employment opportunities are found in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, mobile laboratories, and private industry.

“This is one of the fastest growing professions in the medical field,” said Lab Manager Jennifer Weeks, CVT. “You can earn anywhere from $37,000 to $56,000 a year starting out. If you take call, or decide to become a travel tech, you have the potential to increase your earnings.”

Santa Fe's CVT program is attracting both traditional and non-traditional students, including those with established careers or a master's degree in another field.

Program prerequisites include courses in anatomy and physiology and chemistry (CHM 1030, Elements o Chemistry), among others.

Twenty-five students are admitted to the program twice a year. Students take three semesters of coursework and then complete five, six-week clinical internships in hospitals and clinics. Students work 40 hours a week during their internships.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that by 2010, there will be approximately 40 million Americans over age 65.

“And the organs they'll be having trouble with will be their hearts and lungs. We train you to perform diagnostic tests to assist the physician in treating those patients,” Weeks said.

Come learn more about this exciting career opportunity at the preview Tuesday, Jan. 26. Refreshments will be served.

For more information about the CVT program, please contact Chenoa Dixon, adjunct faculty, at 352-395-5688 or email to chenoa.dixon@sfcollege.edu. Visit the program's website at http://dept.sfcollege.edu/health/cvt/.