FAQ

 

What is the length of the Cardiovascular Technology Program?

Two years following acceptance into the program.   The Cardiovascular Technology Program begins in the fall semester and consists of four regular semesters and requires a six-week summer session between the first and second years of study (course sequence).

 

What are the prerequisite courses?

  • All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better .
  • High School graduation or equivalent.
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry, (CHEM 115, 4 Units), or equivalent. 
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs (BIO 144 & 145, 8 units; or BIO 140, 141 and 141L, 9 units) or equivalent. 

Prerequisites must be completed in order for your name to be placed on the waitlist for entry into the Program in the Fall Semester. 

 

Is there a waitlist?  How does it work? 

Yes, there is a waitlist.  Students with complete applications including official transcripts and course descriptions go on the waitlist in order of receipt.  In early Spring semester, students on the waitlist are invited to attend the program beginning in the Fall semester.  Upon invitation students can accept, decline or postpone  their seat only one time.  The open seats are then offered to each successive applicant on the list until the class is full.  It is not uncommon to go through the entire waitlist to fill a class.  Being at the "end" of the waitlist does not necessarily mean an applicant will wait long.  Applicants at the top of the list often do not accept their seat.  However, there are no guarantees of when an applicant will be invited into the Program.  It is best to plan on a one year wait - two years at the very most

 

Do I need to complete the pre-requisites before applying to the program?

Yes, the Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher before you can submit your application to the program.  The final grade must be posted to your official transcript.

 

When does the program begin?

The program begins every Fall semester.  Although the date varies from year to year, it is usually between the middle and end of August.  The Academic Calendar for Grossmont College can be found online.

 

May prerequisite courses be taken concurrent with the program?

No. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to beginning the CVT Program.

 

Can prerequisites be completed at a school other than Grossmont College?

Yes. Prerequisites may be completed at any accredited college or university. The course numbers for comparable courses at other schools in the San Diego area can be obtained from the CVT Program Office or from the Equivalencies Web page For schools outside of the San Diego area, check with the Counseling department for their equivalent courses and obtain a copy of the course description before submitting.

 

When may I apply for admission to the CVT Program?

Applications are accepted on a continuing basis, there is not a deadline. Acceptance into the program is "First-Come, First-Served" ;after prerequisite courses are completed.  Applications are available on-line to print, complete and submit with official sealed transcripts. If pre-requisite classes have been taken at a school other than Grossmont College or Cuyamaca College, please include the official course descriptions from the appropriate corresponding College Catalog. 

 

What are the required immunizations I need to submit at time of application?

Please refer to the Immunization and Statement of Health form on the Student Forms page for complete details.


-MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)- 2 vaccinations or seropositivity
-HepB (Hepatitis B)- 3 vaccinations and seropositivity
-TDAP (Tetanus/Diphtheria Acellular Pertussis)- 1 vaccination as of 2005
-Varicella (Chickenpox)- 2 vaccinations or seropositivity

 

Is a degree earned upon completion of the program?

Yes, students that successfully complete the CVTE Program are awarded an Associates in Science Degree in Cardiovascular Technology.

 

Can the program be completed during evening hours or on a part-time basis?

NO.  The program is a full-time, integrated curriculum and requires attendance for both day-time and some evening classes. Currently the CVT Program is structured for morning classes M-Th during the first year of the program, with the second year class schedule dependent upon Track specialty (Echo, Invasive, Vascular).  See the Official Class Schedule for detailed information regarding scheduling.

 

What is the structure of the program?

The full-time curriculum covers four regular semesters and requires a six-week summer session between the first and second years of study.  The first year of the program is composed of on-campus lecture and laboratory classes, offered primarily in the morning and early afternoon.  The second year of the program is a series of on-campus lecture and laboratory courses combined with clinical experience in local hospitals.   Students must provide their own transportation to the clinical sites.  Some late afternoon and evening classes are required.  See the Official Class Schedule for detailed information regarding scheduling).

 

I have a degree from another country. Will the credits earned count toward the prerequisite requirements for the Associate Science degree or the CVT Program prerequisites?

For a student to use international work for graduation or even to clear a prerequisite into the program they must provide an official "Evaluation Service Detailed Report" from the IERF or ACEI which are the only two services accepted by Grossmont College.

 

Are there many jobs available?

Historically some graduates are hired from their clinical assignment, noting that nearly all CVT positions in the San Diego area are filled with Grossmont College graduates.  Due to the small number of CVT programs in the country, other opportunities may exist outside of the San Diego area.  

 

What are the current salary levels?

Starting salaries vary from $55,000 - $65,000 per year. This may vary in different areas of the nation.

 

What other schools in the area offer this program?

No other schools in the San Diego area. There are only a small number of accredited Cardiovascular schools in the country; with only a few being located on the west coast.  If you are looking for an accredited school elsewhere in the country, visit the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) website.

 

Is there an examination or registration process after graduation?

As a CAAHEP accredited CVT Program, the students of the Grossmont College CVT Program are eligible to sit for National Registry exams administered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) up to 60 days prior to graduation, as well as after they graduate. 

 

What is the approximate cost of the program?

The total cost to complete the full two years of the program is approximately $5,000.  This includes tuition (presently $46.00 unit), textbooks, scrubs, immunizations, malpractice insurance, background check and drug screen, materials, etc.

 

Check the current class schedule for other costs (Health Fee, Student Benefit Card, Parking Fee, etc.) that may be incurred each semester as fees are subject to change from semester to semester depending on State Legislature.

 

Is financial aid available?

Apply or renew your financial aid on line at the Financial Aid site or visit the Financial Aid Office located in the Modular Village for an application.  Apply early. 

 

 

 

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