CARDIOVASCULAR INVASIVE SPECIALIST

Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist Training

Hybrid / Distance Education Program

The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (CVIS) certificate program at AIMS Education equips students with the specialized skills needed to assist in invasive cardiovascular procedures. Graduates will be prepared to work alongside interventional cardiologists, cardiac nurse practitioners, and cardiac nurses in diagnosing and treating heart and vascular diseases. Students will gain expertise assisting in procedures such as cardiac catheterization, stent placement, coronary angiography, coronary angioplasty, electrophysiology studies, and intracardiac device implantation. With a focus on hands-on training and real-world clinical experiences, this program prepares students to become essential members of cardiac catheterization labs.

Through the program, students will develop knowledge in key areas such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, imaging, and perioperative patient management, providing comprehensive care before, during, and after invasive procedures. Upon completion, graduates will be ready for entry-level positions in the fast-paced and evolving field of invasive cardiovascular technology.

Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist Job Duties

Cardiovascular invasive specialists (also known as invasive cardiovascular specialists and invasive cardiovascular technologists) play an essential role in assisting diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization procedures, where a catheter is inserted through the arteries to the heart. This process helps detect any blockages in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Their responsibilities encompass several critical steps, including:

• Patient Preparation: Specialists prepare patients by positioning them on the examination table, performing necessary skin preparation (shaving and cleaning), and administering anesthesia at the site near the groin.
• Monitoring Vital Signs: During the procedure, they closely monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate using EKG equipment, ensuring the patient's stability and safety.
• Assisting During Procedures: They assist physicians during the catheterization and other related procedures, such as balloon angioplasty, which treats blockages without requiring major surgery.

In addition to their role in catheterizations, these specialists may also assist in open-heart surgeries and the placement of devices like pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and temporary cardiac assist devices, highlighting their vital contribution to advanced cardiac care. Their expertise ensures that patients receive effective monitoring and support throughout their cardiovascular treatments.

Hybrid Learning

The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist program is delivered through a hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person practical training. Students will participate in lectures and discussions through our Learning Management System (LMS), allowing for synchronous, real-time instruction that mimics the traditional classroom setting.

Lab-based courses and hands-on learning experiences will take place on campus, providing students with the opportunity to practice their skills in a controlled environment before applying them in clinical settings. This blend of remote and on-site education ensures that students can balance flexibility with the need for hands-on training, giving them a comprehensive understanding of invasive cardiovascular technology.

Clinical Internship

Students in the Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist program are required to complete a clinical internship, which offers 800 hours of immersive, hands-on experience in real-world settings. Through partnerships with hospitals and cardiovascular centers, AIMS Education provides students with exposure to working in cardiac catheterization labs.

Under the supervision of experienced professionals, students will assist with procedures, manage cardiovascular equipment, and monitor patients’ hemodynamic status. Internships offer invaluable opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in clinical settings, preparing students to transition smoothly into the workforce. All clinical hours must be completed within the designated terms and are subject to the availability of clinical sites.

Program Goals

The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist program is designed to:

• prepare cardiovascular technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for entry into the profession of invasive cardiovascular technology.
• provide effective communication skills among all healthcare team members in the delivery of cardiac care during all patient procedures as they pertain to invasive cardiology.
• apply invasive cardiac care procedures and competencies in all healthcare settings.
• provide the necessary education and experiences to successfully pass the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Comprehensive Education and Training

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Cardiovascular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Imaging and Radiation Safety
• Perioperative and Patient Management
• Interventional Cardiac Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Electrophysiology
• Hemodynamics

This rigorous training ensures that students graduate with the skills needed to assist in complex cardiovascular procedures and make a positive impact on patient care.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist program will find employment opportunities in:

• Cardiac catheterization labs in hospitals
• Freestanding invasive cardiovascular clinics

With the growing demand for skilled cardiovascular technologists, graduates will enter a field where their expertise is crucial to improving patient outcomes and supporting cardiovascular health.

*The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (CVIS) program provides foundational knowledge in imaging and radiation safety. However, the program does not prepare students to operate radiology equipment. To perform any duties related to fluoroscopy and radiation in a cardiac catheterization lab, students must obtain separate certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or a state license.

Certification/Registry Exam Eligibility

Upon completion of the Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist program, graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) examination through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Earning the RCIS credential demonstrates proficiency and enhances career prospects in invasive cardiovascular technology.

Eligibility requirements for the RCIS credential are solely determined by CCI, and are subject to change at any time. CCI is an independent organization. AIMS does not guarantee certification/registry exam eligibility. 

Classroom and Clinical Training Schedule

The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist program follows a semester-based schedule and is exclusively offered in the evening. In the first semester, classes run Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The weekly class schedule will vary in subsequent semesters based on the required lecture and lab hours.

Students should be prepared to participate in morning, day, and evening clinical training, as internship schedules are based on the availability of clinical sites. The majority of clinical sites operate during standard business hours (Monday through Friday), and students must adapt their schedules accordingly to meet program requirements.

Hybrid courses include synchronous online lectures, while lab-based and clinical internship hours require on-site attendance.

Program Length and Credit Hours

The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist certificate program can be completed in 4 semesters, or approximately 16 months. Students will enroll as a cohort and progress through the program at the same pace. Each cohort will complete three semesters per academic year.

• 16 Months
• 42 Credit Hours
• 800 Clinical Hours

Minimum Admission Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum score of 250 on each of the required Accuplacer tests
  • Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic
• Additional Requirements

Selective Enrollment

The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist program has a selective application process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee you will be accepted into the program. From the pool of applicants, those who are considered most qualified for the study and practice of invasive cardiovascular technology will be admitted.

Application Deadline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we strongly recommend submitting your application as early as possible. Early acceptance may be granted to exceptional applicants. All other decisions will be made after the application deadline. If a program reaches capacity before the deadline, applications may close early.