Cardiovascular Technology
Using hands-on learning, explore a career that supports cardiac care.
- Program has clinical placement sites across Ontario and can offer placement in other provinces as well
- Meets the requirements of the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT) National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP)
- Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologist certification exam, which, once passed graduates become a Registered Cardiology Technologist (RCT)
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
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 laboratory 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:...(read more)
Overview
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 laboratory 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 a Registered Cardiology Technologist (RCT). This provides employment opportunities across Canada in:
- hospitals
- private cardiac clinics
- physician 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.
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.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813S
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0311
Course Name:
Introduction to Research Methods
Course Description:
Generating accurate and meaningful conclusions from quantitative and qualitative research requires knowledge of research principles and meth... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0312
Course Name:
Anatomy and Physiology
Course Description:
An understanding of human biology is essential to cardiovascular technologists. Learners are introduced to the human body and its functions.... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
HLT0313
Course Name:
Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology
Course Description:
The human heart is a complex organ that functions as a pump for the movement of blood throughout the human body. Providing foundational know... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0314
Course Name:
Introduction to Cardiovascular Technology and Equipment Maintenance
Course Description:
Students are exposed to the field of Cardiovascular Technology and the role of a cardiology technologist. Learners practice with various car... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0315
Course Name:
Electrocardiography
Course Description:
Electrocardiography (ECG) is a fundamental diagnostic tool routinely used to assess the heart's electrical activity. Students integrate know... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
HLT0320
Course Name:
Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
Course Description:
Each cardiovascular disease or condition is unique requiring different diagnostic tests and treatment. Therefore, it is important for studen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0321
Course Name:
12-Lead ECG Interpretation
Course Description:
A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fundamental diagnostic tool used to analyze the heart's electrical activity. Students systematically ... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
HLT0322
Course Name:
Ambulatory Monitoring 1
Course Description:
Ambulatory monitoring allows for patients to wear devices that monitor either their blood pressure or their electrocardiogram for a specific... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0323
Course Name:
Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Course Description:
Different classes of cardiovascular drugs are used to treat conditions of the cardiac, circulatory or vascular system. Students learn about ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0324
Course Name:
Stress Testing
Course Description:
Stress testing is a non-invasive cardiac diagnostic test that aids in the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as various car... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
HLT0340
Course Name:
Basic Venipuncture
Course Description:
Specific stress tests require an intravenous line to be inserted for injection of pharmacological agents. Students review the anatomy, physi... + Read More
Hours:
14.0
Code:
ENV0002
Course Name:
Environmental Citizenship
Course Description:
Environmental citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global envir... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEN1001
Course Name:
Ethics: What Is the Big Deal?
Course Description:
In today's society there is increasingly more attention focused on questions of right or wrong, good or evil. Ethical issues relating to a w... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0325
Course Name:
Clinical Practicum 1
Course Description:
Clinical practicum provides students with an opportunity to apply their developing knowledge and skills in a health care facility. Students ... + Read More
Hours:
300.0
Code:
HLT0330
Course Name:
Cardiac Devices
Course Description:
Various malfunction of the cardiovascular conduction system may require an artificial pacemaker as treatment. Cardiovascular technologists m... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
HLT0331
Course Name:
Cardiac Diagnostic and Interventional Procedures
Course Description:
Students are introduced to both invasive and non-invasive cardiac diagnostic procedures. Students recognize and identify procedures a cardia... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
HLT0332
Course Name:
Ambulatory Monitoring 2
Course Description:
Students review and explore a variety of arrhythmias that may explain patient symptoms. Opportunities to scan pacemaker tracings and advance... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
HLT0333
Course Name:
Pediatric Cardiology
Course Description:
There is a wide spectrum of congenital heart defects. Students are introduced to a variety of congenital abnormalities and discuss their pre... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0334
Course Name:
Advanced Electrocardiography
Course Description:
Abnormal electrocardiographic (ECG) changes can be caused by a variety of genetic, inflammatory conditions and electrolyte imbalances. There... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0335
Course Name:
Electrophysiology
Course Description:
Patients with abnormal heart rhythms may be eligible for an electrophysiology (EP) study along with therapeutic ablation to treat their symp... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0341
Course Name:
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Course Description:
Cardiac rehabilitation is the process by which a person who has adverse consequences due to a cardiac event is encouraged to adopt healthy l... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0345
Course Name:
Clinical Practicum 2
Course Description:
The clinical practicum provides students with an opportunity to apply all knowledge and skills from the entire program in a health care faci... + Read More
Hours:
300.0
Code:
GED1628
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
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.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Perform cardiac procedures by integrating knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology.
- Perform all clinical duties in accordance with legal and ethical requirements, as well as institutional directives.
- Provide patient-centred care to ensure quality healthcare service.
- Perform appropriate and relevant test procedures as required by the patient`s cardiac status.
- Assist physicians during emergency life support by utilizing proper patient care techniques and identifying cardiovascular agents.
- Operate cardiac-related medical equipment and perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure quality diagnostic testing.
- Perform, analyze and document results of electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests and ambulatory monitoring.
- Assess implantable cardiac devices through programming and device interrogation.
- Observe routine practices, standard precautions and follow sterile field and operating room protocols.
- Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development to enhance competence in Cardiovascular Technology.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
The fees to write the National Certification exam are approximately $600, plus applicable taxes (subject to change). These fees are current at the time of publication and are subject to change. Further information may be obtained by browsing the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists website (www.csct.ca).
Books, supplies and clinical items (uniforms, stethoscope, name tag, etc.) cost approximately $3,500 for the program duration (subject to change).
Some clinical placements are outside of Ottawa. It is the responsibility of the student to research the cost of living and to finance all expenses related to Clinical Practicum.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
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; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
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.
Please click this link for more information: https://www.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/ICHS/.
Application Information
CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGY
Program Code 1628X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
If at any time during the program there is a break in the student`s progress of one term or more, the student is required to enroll and pass a mandatory Continuing Education course to update practicum skills. The student is responsible for the cost of the required Continuing Education course and must advise the Program Coordinator of their intensions to return to the program six weeks in advance of the start of the semester in which they would like to return. Returning status will be granted based on the availability of placement sites.