Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Healthcare
- Program Code: 10-521-1
- Offering: In-Person
- Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
- Start Dates: January
About the Cardiovascular Technology - Invasive Degree
Description
Prepare for a rewarding career as a cardiac catheterization technologist, assisting cardiologists in cardiac catheterization labs with the care of heart patients and performing diagnostic and interventional procedures related to stent placements, pacemaker implants, and other heart or blood vessel conditions. Completing this program fulfills prerequisites to take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam given by Cardiac Credentialing International (CCI).
You can earn the EKG Technician certificate on the way to completing this degree.
This program admits students via a waiting list process.
Additional program details: The continuing demand for invasive cardiac catheterization technologists indicates strong employment opportunities. Working in cardiac catheterization labs, program graduates assist cardiologists with the care of heart patients. In addition to detailed knowledge of anatomy; heart, artery and valve function; and cath lab procedures; cardiovascular technologists demonstrate professional communication skills, act in an ethical manner and promote good health.
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Career Outlook
Related Programs
EKG Technician
Learn the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the heart, and develop the skills needed to complete and interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs). This program prepares you to take the Certified Cardiographics Technician examination, leading to a Certified Cardiographics Technician (CCT) credential as administered by Cardiac Credentialing International (CCI).
Cardiovascular Technology - Echocardiography
Learn to perform echocardiograms, a widely used diagnostic test for heart disease. Echocardiography technologists perform the tests in hospitals and outpatient facilities, utilizing ultrasound equipment to gather data about the cardiac chambers, valves and vessels leading to and from the heart. Completing this program fulfills prerequisites to take the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI) or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (ARDMS) exam.
Detailed Program Information
2025-26 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOSCI-177 | Gen Anatomy & Physiology ‡ ^ | 4 |
| ENG-195 | Written Communication ‡ (or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡ |
3 |
| PSYCH-199 | Psychology of Human Relations (or) Any 200-level PSYCH course |
3 |
| SOCSCI-172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies (or) Any 200-level SOCSCI course |
3 |
| CVTECH-102 | Introduction to CVT ‡ ^ | 2 |
| CVTECH-110 | EKG Analysis ‡ ^ | 2 |
| CVTECH-115 | Essentials of Cardiac Care 1 ‡ ^ | 4 |
| CVTECH-117 | Invasive CVT Fundamentals 1 ‡ | 4 |
| ENG-197 | Technical Reporting ‡ (or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course |
3 |
| CVTECH-120 | CVT Clinical Procedures ‡ | 2 |
| CVTECH-132 | Physics of Medicine ‡ | 3 |
| CVTECH-134 | Hemodynamics ‡ | 3 |
| CVTECH-135 | Essentials of Cardiac Care 2 ‡ | 4 |
| CVTECH-137 | Invasive CVT Fundamentals 2 ‡ | 4 |
| CVTECH-138 | Invasive CVT Clinical 1 ‡ | 4 |
| CVTECH-122 | Peripheral Vascular Essentials ‡ | 3 |
| CVTECH-133 | Cardiovascular Pharmacology ‡ | 3 |
| CVTECH-185 | Invasive CVT Clinical Seminar ‡ | 2 |
| CVTECH-188 | Invasive CVT Clinical 2 ‡ | 3 |
| CVTECH-189 | Invasive CVT Clinical 3 ‡ | 3 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
62 |
‡ Prerequisite required.
^ Counts toward earning the EKG Technician certificate.
Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.
This Associate in Applied Science program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.
Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.
Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.
Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.
2025-2026 Program Flyer
Links & Resources
Cardiovascular Technology - Invasive - Course Map (pdf)
CastleBranch Requirements and Forms (pdf)
Important Dates
Spring start: Review Window in September
Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines
Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Events Calendar
Program Outcomes
- Exhibit patient care skills
- Model professional behaviors as a CVT
- Explain diagnostic and/or interventional procedures
- Apply principles of anatomy and pathophysiology to cardiovascular care
- Adhere to universal precautions
- Monitor patients for EKG, blood pressure, etc.
- Operate major diagnostic and support equipment
- Perform ultrasound of the heart
- Assist cardiologist in performing coronary catheterizations and angioplasties
Joint Review Committee On Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) Outcomes
Admission Requirements
Waiting List
This program admits students via a waiting list process. Students must complete all academic preparedness requirements before being placed into core program courses when seats are available.
- Program capacity is 10 students once a year in Fall.
- Currently, no waiting time, but that is subject to change.
Academic Preparedness Requirements
- GPA of 2.5 or higher at MATC
- Complete BIOSCI-177 (or BIOSCI-201 and BIOSCI-202) with a C+ or higher.
- Pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a score of 70% or higher (three lifetime attempts in person).
Scholarships
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 - 113th Street N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350; caahep.org/Students/Program-Info/Cardiovascular-Technology.aspx.
Accreditation is based upon a recommendation by the Joint Review Committee (JRC-CVT).
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Use the buttons below to get more information, visit the college or apply now.
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QUESTIONS?
Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6263
262-238-2281
healthpathway@matc.edu