CARDIO VASCULAR TECHNOLOGY

BSc Cardiovascular Technology is a 3-year degree program that deals with diagnosing and monitoring diseases related to the heart and the circulatory system. In this program, students will get familiar with various complex procedures such as performing stent implants, setting up cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators in the treatment of heart diseases. Bachelor of Science in Cardio-vascular technology is an undergraduate course in cardiology. These technologists assist the physicians in the diagnosis and the treatment of cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular conditions (blood vessels). The cardiovascular technologists are also responsible for preparing the patients for open-heart surgeries and pacemaker implantation surgeries. The technologists also monitor the patient’s cardiac parameters while they undergo the surgery. B. Sc. in Cardiovascular technology is a three years’ full-time undergraduate course and is an interesting and important course in medicine. The BSc Cardiovascular Technology syllabus includes subjects such as Human Anatomy, Cardiovascular System, Physiology, Pathology, Electrocardiography and Echocardiography.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to BSc Cardiovascular Technology

The minimum eligibility criteria for students who want to pursue a BSc Cardiovascular Technology course from Indian universities are given below:

• The candidate should have passed Class 12 with Biology, Chemistry and Physics as the main subjects. Those with an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution are also eligible.
• The candidate should have scored an aggregate of at least 50% marks in 10+2.
• Those who have appeared for the qualifying exam and are awaiting for the results are also eligible to apply.
• The candidate should be at least 17 years of age at the time of admission.
• Some colleges insist on having English as one of the primary subjects.
• For lateral entry, the candidate should have passed a 2-year diploma course in Cardiac Care Technology or an equivalent course.

BSc Cardiovascular Technology Entrance Exams

Some of the Top BSc Cardiovascular Technology Entrance Exams are:

• SUAT: This exam is conducted by the Sharda University for students seeking admissions to the various courses offered at the institute. It is conducted online. Students can apply online for the same.

• APEAMCET: This examination is conducted for admission to various UG and PG courses in institutes located in Andhra Pradesh. Students are required to apply online and the exam is conducted offline at the various University centres.

Required Skillset

The cardiovascular technologist is responsible for assisting the physician in invasive procedures such as cardiac catheterization. They aid in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of diseases pertaining to the heart and the blood vessels. They also have to maintain the health of the heart in terminally ill patients. They should have good knowledge in operating the different equipment used in cardiovascular technology. To efficiently perform these functions, these professionals should have the following skillsets.

• They should assess the clients for heart-related problem
• Monitor and care for those suffering from cardiovascular ailments
• Have good knowledge in medical equipment and tools used
• Learn and apply basic and advanced life support skills
• Master the emergency invasive procedures in an attempt to save people’s lives
• Learn to use and insert catheters in practical emergency settings
• Observe and understand the correct way of performing cardiac procedures before practising them.
• Be an effective team player
• Have strong communication skills

Course Curriculum

The Bachelor of cardiovascular technology course is offered as a three-degree undergraduate program in select institutions. Examinations are conducted every year as the non-semester pattern. The most important subjects that are covered under this course are human anatomy, physiology, and cardiac care technology. Year-wise split of the curriculum is as follows. Some colleges also have a compulsory internship for six months in the affiliated hospital as part of the study program

BSc Cardiovascular Technology Career Options and Job Prospects

There are a large number of job options available to BSc Cardiovascular Technology degree holders. Some of the prominent ones are given below:

• On completion of this degree, students can work in Hospitals, Universities, Health organizations etc. as a Cardiovascular Technician, Cardiovascular Technologist, Medical Sonographer etc.
• There are a large number of private and government organizations which offer jobs to BSc Cardiovascular Technology degree holders.
• The cardiovascular technologist is in high demand at tertiary care hospitals, speciality, and super-speciality hospitals. They assist the physician in a number of invasive procedures and work as part of a multi-disciplinary cardiac team. They are in high demand in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, NGO’s and medical equipment selling companies.

 Top Recruiters for Cardiovascular Technology Professionals

Cardiovascular technologist serves as cardiovascular assistants to the physicians. Apart from aiding in diagnosis and treatment of cardiac problems, they also help in scheduling the tasks of the physician, reviewing the doctor and patient’s documentation, and monitoring the overall heart health of the clients. They have extensive areas of specialization including echocardiography, vascular technology, stress tests, and electrocardiograms. Some of the top recruiters are hospitals such as Apollo Hospitals, Max health care, Fortis hospitals, lifeline hospitals, etc. NGO’s, health organization and rehabilitation units. After completing a Master’s degree in the speciality they can work in colleges as lecturers and tutors.

Future Scope After Completing a BSc Cardiovascular Technology Course

After completing the BSc Cardiovascular Technology program students can choose from a variety of options like pursuing further studies or looking for jobs in areas like teaching, laboratory work and scientific research.

• Higher Studies: Students can pursue higher studies in the subject that they have studied and are most interested in. For example, MS Cardiothoracic Surgery, MSc in Cardiovascular Technology etc.
• Research Work: Students interested in academic and scientific research can work with research teams at the institutes or prepare research projects of their own. Research grants are sanctioned for projects that show impressive progress.
• Certification/Diploma Courses: Certification or short-term diploma courses like a Medical Assistant Diploma can give one the required qualifications to start working in medical jobs.
• Jobs: After completing the course, the options include becoming a school teacher, a lab technologist or a Lab Technician.
• Internships: Some institutes give the students opportunities to pursue internships along with studying the course. Internships can help the students with learning more about their field and earn the experience that may be required at the successive job.