The cardiovascular technology program at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, offers a two-year associate's degree with both classroom and clinical courses to prepare students to become cardiology technologists. Prerequisite courses for application to the associate of science degree program include Allied Health: Health Occupations, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and general education classes. The program begins in the fall. Twenty-four spots are available, and all students must submit to a background check. This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, prepares students to obtain American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography credentials, and delivers instruction in carotid and peripheral vascular ultrasound and EKG diagnostic testing. This college has limited enrollment. You must have taken classes in anatomy, physiology and composition, and you must attend an information session before you apply. Applicants must also take an entrance examination. It is a full-time program accredited by CAAHEP.
Located in Orlando, Florida, Valencia College began its cardiovascular program in 2002. This two-year associate's degree program prepares students to become cardiology technologists, training them in use of the latest high-technology cardiology equipment as well as cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, both normal and abnormal. Graduates are proficient in hemodynamic monitoring, sterilization techniques, radiation safety and professional patient care. The program, which has limited access, is accredited by CAAHEP.
City College of San Francisco requires that cardiology technologist candidates complete college-level anatomy and English courses. During this two-year program, you must enroll in both cardiovascular technology and echocardiography courses each semester. The program focuses on "adult cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography), cardiac anatomy and physiology, 2D and M-Mode imaging, PW, CW and color flow Doppler, cardiac pathology and methods of interpretation, advanced rhythm interpretation, exercise stress testing, cardiac pharmacology [and the] physics of ultrasound." This program is not yet accredited by CAAHEP, as of February 2011. You must attend an orientation session, and you must meet certain health requirements, such as being able to move equipment. This program does not allow candidates to finish in one year.