Cardiovascular Technology at Algonquin College

Using hands-on learning, explore a career that supports cardiac care.

The two-year Cardiovascular Technology Ontario College Diploma program provides you with the essential knowledge and technical skills required to perform electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests and ambulatory monitoring in the role of a cardiovascular technologist. Professionals in this field work closely with patients to diagnose cardiac conditions.

Emphasizing a hands-on approach through in-class clinical simulation and clinical practice, this program is aligned with the competencies outlined by the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT) National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP). Areas of focus include performing various non-invasive cardiac testing such as:

• electrocardiography
• stress testing
• ambulatory monitoring
• pacemaker follow-up

You develop critical thinking by integrating knowledge of cardiac anatomy, pharmacology and various pathophysiology to provide accurate diagnostic information to members of the health care team.

Graduates of this program are eligible to write the CSCT national certification exam. Upon successful completion of this exam, graduates become Registered Cardiology Technologists (RCT). This provides employment opportunities across Canada in:

• hospitals
• private cardiac clinics
• physicians`offices
• Cardiac rehabilitation centres
• pacemaker clinics
• ambulatory monitoring health services
• medical sales or research

Graduates may pursue post-graduate studies in such areas as diagnostic cardiac sonography, pacemaker technology or cardiac electrophysiology technology.

The College is currently seeking accreditation with Accreditation Canada.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are able to work effectively under stressful situations.
• Are compassionate and caring.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enjoy physical and hands-on work.
• Find value in problem solving and critical thinking.
• Are attentive to detail.
• Enjoy working as a member of a team.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as cardiology technologists, cardiovascular technologists, ECG technicians, pacemaker/cardiac device technologists, electrophysiology technologists or clinical applications specialists. Upon successful completion of the program, a student must write the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologist (CSCT) certification exam to become credentialed. With this credential, students may also consider international opportunities. For example, students may write the Cardiac Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) certification exam to open up employment opportunities in the United States of America.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Perform cardiac procedures by integrating knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology.
2. Perform all clinical duties in accordance with legal and ethical requirements, as well as institutional directives.
3. Provide patient-centred care to ensure quality healthcare service.
4. Perform appropriate and relevant test procedures as required by the patient`s cardiac status.
5. Assist physicians during emergency life support by utilizing proper patient care techniques and identifying cardiovascular agents.
6. Operate cardiac-related medical equipment and perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure quality diagnostic testing.
7. Perform, analyze and document results of electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests and ambulatory monitoring.
8. Assess implantable cardiac devices through programming and device interrogation.
9. Observe routine practices, standard precautions and follow sterile field and operating room protocols.
10. Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development to enhance competence in Cardiovascular Technology.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 60% or higher.

• Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent) with a grade of 60% or higher.
• Biology, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 60% or higher.
• Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 60% or higher.
• Physics, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 60% or higher.
• All applicants must complete an assessment of their knowledge and skills through the Test Centre, and pay an exam fee. Results from the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT) will be utilized to establish minimum eligibility and applicant ranking. The AC-HPAT can only be written once per academic cycle. For further information on the HPAT and how to book your assessment, please visit Algonquin`s Test Centre.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.
• International Applicants: International applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4-months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.