Cardiovascular Technology Certificate

Saint Joseph’s University’s Cardiovascular Technology Certificate will prepare you for a career in treating ailments related to the heart and blood vessels. This program also offers the preparation necessary to take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam. Offered as a hybrid program, this 46-credit certificate program can be completed in as little as two years.

If you do not have an associate degree or higher and haven’t completed a two-year, post-secondary allied health program, we invite you to explore our Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology.

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What is Cardiovascular Technology?

Cardiovascular technology encompasses a range of medical procedures and diagnostic techniques aimed at evaluating and treating cardiovascular diseases. Responsibilities of cardiovascular invasive specialists include assisting in cardiac catheterization procedures, stent placement and angiography to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. Cardiovascular invasive specialists play a key role in electrophysiology studies, patient care, operating and maintaining specialized equipment used during procedures and enhancing patient outcomes.

What Sets Our Cardiovascular Tech Certificate Program Apart

85% RCIS Exam Pass Rate
From 2015 to 2021, our students had an 85% average pass rate when taking the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam. Provided by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), the RCIS exam is taken by those who seek to become certified as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS).

Preparation to Work Alongside Cardiologists
You will receive the preparation necessary to work alongside cardiologists and perform diagnostic, invasive and therapeutic heart and vascular procedures as well as:

  • Diagnostic catheterizations
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
  • Temporary pacemaker placement
  • Electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs)
  • Atherectomy
  • Peripheral Vascular
  • Valve Replacement

Cardiovascular Technology Certificate Offered as a Hybrid Program
You will have the opportunity to pursue the Cardiovascular Technology Certificate as a hybrid program, with some classes offered in-person and others offered online.

Hands-On Learning in the First & Only Learning Space of its Kind in the Lancaster Area
You will feel like you’re on the job from day one at our Center for Excellence in Practice, Lancaster’s newest and most advanced clinical simulation lab. The first and only learning space of its kind in the Lancaster area, the Center for Excellence in Practice is a 20,000-square-foot simulation space that provides the opportunity to work with students from other programs in realistic simulations that mirror real-life healthcare settings.

Guaranteed Clinical Placements Within Your First Year
You are guaranteed clinical placements at premier locations in Pennsylvania within your first year. You will have the opportunity to experience working in clinical settings with expert faculty, helping transfer knowledge and skills from the classroom to in-person patient experiences. You will learn critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving by engaging in realistic scenarios staged in real-world medical environments.

Taught by Experienced Cardiovascular Technology Faculty
You will learn from and work alongside faculty who have a breadth of experience working in cardiovascular technology. Many faculty members are cardiovascular technologists currently or hold former positions in the field.

Why Study this Program in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is home to top-tier hospitals, operating rooms and medical/diagnostic labs seeking cardiovascular technologists, including:

  • Lancaster General Hospital
  • Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
  • Lehigh Valley Hospital
  • UPMC
  • WellSpan
  • Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania – Penn Presbyterian

Program Details

  • Explore the required courses and curriculum information for this program, which can be found in Saint Joseph's academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Saint Joseph’s University's Cardiovascular Technology Certificate 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).

  • Saint Joseph's University – Lancaster’s tuition structure includes both per-credit tuition and program-specific fees.

    PER-CREDIT TUITION:

    The cost of the Cardiovascular Technology Certificate is $683 per credit for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    PROGRAM-SPECIFIC FEES:

    In addition to the per-credit rate, there are also program-specific fees for the following courses:

    • When a student enrolls in CVT 212, they will be responsible for paying a fee totaling $4,185
    • When a student enrolls in CVT 222, they will be responsible for paying a fee totaling $4,185
    • When a student enrolls in CVT 232, they will be responsible for paying a fee totaling $4,185

    For a detailed breakdown and additional information, visit our Tuition & Fees page.

  • Year
    # of Students
    Graduated
    Took Exam
    Passed Exam
    Grad With Job
    Grad With Job within 6 mo
    Continuing Ed
    2021
    9
    6
    6
    3
    5
    5
    0
    2020
    8
    7
    7
    6
    7
    7
    1
    2019
    16
    14
    13
    11
    12
    11
    1
    2018
    15
    12
    12
    12
    12
    12
    0
    2017
    11
    11
    11
    10
    11
    11
    0
    2016
    8
    7
    7
    5
    6
    6
    1
    2015
    10
    6
    6
    6
    5
    4
    0

What is the Average Salary a Cardiovascular Technologist Can Expect to Earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a cardiovascular technologist in 2022 is $78,210.

Admission Information

  • You can enroll in this certificate with any bachelor’s degree. No medical background or related experience is required.

    The GMAT is not required for Saint Joseph’s University certificates. To learn more about the admission process and required materials or ask any questions, please email the admission office.

    1. Apply online.
    2. Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
    3. Submit a personal statement.
    4. Submit resume.
    5. Submit two letters of recommendation.


    Visit our admission information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines and how to submit your application.

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall, spring or summer semesters.

    Start Terms:

    1. Fall: August and October
    2. Spring: January and March
    3. Summer: May

  • If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:

    • Satisfy general admission requirements
    • Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey

    Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT as an option to the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.

  • Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:

    • Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
    • Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
    • Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
    • Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
    • Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
    • Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
    • Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

Explore Other Degree Programs

Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology

Saint Joseph’s University’s Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology will prepare you for a career in treating ailments related to the heart and blood vessels. This program also offers the preparation necessary to take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam which is required to become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist.

Surgical Technology Certificate

Saint Joseph’s University’s Surgical Technology Certificate will prepare you for a career assisting surgical teams throughout every step of an operation. You will receive specialized instruction, vast clinical experience and guaranteed clinical placements to ensure you have the preparation necessary to become a surgical technologist. This program is designed for students who hold a degree.

Associate Degree in Surgical Technology

Saint Joseph’s University’s Associate Degree in Surgical Technology will prepare you for a career assisting surgical teams throughout every step of an operation. You will receive specialized instruction, vast clinical experience and guaranteed clinical placements to ensure you have the preparation necessary to become a surgical technologist.

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