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Allied Health

Cardiovascular Technology

Learn about our two unique specialties:

Non-Invasive Vascular and ECHO!

Members of the Cardiovascular Technology profession work with physicians to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. Find out what your future could look like in this exciting career path.

ECHO students using an ultrasound machine
outline of a heart with a heartbeat overlaid 

Upcoming Cardiovascular Technology Programs Start Date:

August 17, 2026

(Application Deadline: Early Accept - March 12, 2026 Regular Accept - May 21, 2026)

Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) consists of multiple specialties within the profession: invasive cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography, pediatric echocardiography, non-invasive vascular technology and cardiac electrophysiology.

Cardiovascular Technology Associate of Science

Cardiovascular Technology applicants can choose between Cardiovascular Technology Associate of Science Degree programs in Adult Echocardiography (ECHO) or Non-Invasive Vascular specialties.

Cardiovascular Technology Non-Invasive Vascular

Students of the Cardiovascular Technology: Non-Invasive Vascular Program are trained in the performance of non-invasive ultrasound testing procedures. These vascular studies provide essential information regarding the blood supply to and from the tissues of the brain, extremities, and other vital organs and indicate the degree and character of any obstruction.

Non-invasive vascular testing and diagnostic imaging can critically diagnose cerebrocardiovascular disease, neurological disorder, peripheral arterial disease and blood clots.

The Riverside Cardiovascular Technology: Non-Invasive Vascular Program was established in 2023 and is a 2-year Associate of Science program. The program curriculum includes a thorough study of ultrasound physics, non-invasive vascular technology, skills laboratory time, and over 1,000 hours of clinical practice. 

An a associate degree and current licensure or certification in a health-related field are required in order to submit an application.

Students are required to challenge the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and the Vascular Technology (VT) exam with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) prior to graduation.

Program Goal

The Cardiovascular Technology Non-Invasive Vascular program is designed to prepare competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for noninvasive vascular study.

Cardiovascular Technology Program with Adult Echocardiography Specialty (ECHO)

The Adult Echocardiographer performs cardiac ultrasounds, exercise and pharmacologic stress testing, and assists with transesophageal, intra-cardiac and intra-operative procedures to provide physicians with the analytical information needed for diagnosis and treatment.

The Riverside Cardiovascular Technology Program was established in 2021 and is a two-year Associate of Science degree program. The program curriculum includes a thorough study of ultrasound physics, Echocardiography Technology, skills laboratory time, and over 1,000 hours of clinical practice.

Students are required to challenge the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and the Adult Echocardiography (AE) exam with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) prior to graduation.

Program Goal

Cardiovascular Technology Program with Adult Echocardiography Specialty is designed to prepare competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for adult echocardiography.

Riverside is proud to offer:

• Associate of Science degree in Cardiovascular Technology
• Two CVT Specialties – Cardiac Sonography & Non-Invasive Vascular Sonography
• Full-time Day option consisting of four 16-week semesters and one 8-week semester (72 total weeks – 2 academic years) in addition to specified College-level prerequisite preadmission general education courses
• Theoretical instruction integrated with laboratory simulations and clinical experience
• Hands-on clinical experience in our modern medical center and a variety of affiliated clinical sites
• Applicants may transfer in approved general education courses and complete only the CORE CVT Program curriculum.
• Advanced Placement Option for qualifying healthcare practitioners with healthcare credential.
• Financial aid for students who qualify
• Career Planning
• Low Instructor-Student ratio
• Online general education courses through Geneva College/Portage Learning contract agreement

Prerequisite College Courses/Credits

The following courses must be completed prior to application submission:

Anatomy and Physiology with Lab - 4 Credits*
English Composition - 3 Credits*
College Math (any 100-level or higher) - 3 Credits*

The following courses must be completed prior to the program start date:

Psychology: Gen, Intro, or Developmental - 3 Credits
Medical Terminology - 3 Credits

*Applicants must have completed the Anatomy & Physiology with Lab, English Composition, and College Math requirements before a formal application can be submitted and reviewed. Psychology and Medical Terminology must be completed prior to the program start date.

Pre- or Corequisite College Courses/Credits

The following courses must be completed prior to or during the program:

Physics - 3 Credits
Ethics - 3 Credits
Intro to Healthcare or a College Success Course - 1 Credit

Preadmission Testing Requirements

  • ATI TEAS Suggested Score: 61.4% or higher

Other Requirements

  • The applicant must be a graduate of an accredited U.S. high school with a GPA of 2.0 or higher or have earned a high school equivalency (GED) certificate.
  • Cumulative college-level GPA of 2.5 or higher is recommended.
  • Prospective students for the Cardiovascular Technology, Adult Echocardiography Specialty or Non-Invasive Vascular, with prior criminal offenses are urged to review the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) Compliance Policies and/or contact ARDMS to verify eligibility for obtaining credentials.

Class Times

Day Division

  • 72 total weeks - 2 academic years
  • Hours vary Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Occasional evening & weekend hours may be required

Cardiovascular Technology Programs

  • Pre- & Corequisite Credits —28.0 Credits
  • Core Program Credits —55.5 Credits
  • Total Program Hours — 77.5 Credits

PROGRAM ACCREDITED BY

The Cardiovascular Technology – Adult Echocardiography Specialty is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology.

The Cardiovascular Technology – Non-invasive Vascular Specialty is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology.

  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
    9355 113th St N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775
    727-210-2350
    caahep.org

CREDENTIALING
Students are required to challenge the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Examination and the Adult Echocardiography (AE) Examination with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) prior to graduation. Further information may be obtained from:

  • American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
    1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852
    800-541-9754
    FAX 301-738-0312
    www.ardms.org
  • INSTITUTIONAL CERTIFICATION:
    Certified by the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) to operate in Virginia.
    SCHEV
    101 N. 14th Street, James Monroe Building
    Richmond, VA 23219
    804-225-2600
    www.schev.edu

INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDIDATION:

  • INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION:
    Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
    6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 730
    North Bethesda, MD 20852
    703-917-9503
    www.abhes.org

Riverside College of Health Sciences is a department of Riverside Regional Medical Center.

  • RIVERSIDE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER ACCREDITED BY:
    DNV GL - Healthcare

    400 Techne Center Drive Suite 100
    Milford, OH 4515
    www.dnvglhealthcare.com

Cardiovascular Technology (ECHO & Non-Invasive Vascular Sonography) - Associate of Science Degree

Credit hour program. Cost per credit hour: $300

Total Core Program Tuition: $29,738
Total Fees
(post enrollment): $1,200

Total Program Cost: $30,938

Other associated costs:
• Application & Pre-Enrollment Fees
• External Service Provider Fees (i.e. CastleBranch, CPR)
• Book estimate $575
• Uniform & shoe estimate $150
• Supplies estimate $50
• Credentialing Exam estimate $0 - 1st attempt included in tuition

See the College Catalog for a full description of all Fees & Expenses per program.


 STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Students will be clinically competent.

  • Students will perform cardiovascular exams and accurately complete preliminary report.
  • Students will recognize normal from abnormal cardiovascular exams.
  • Students will appropriately respond to emergent situations.

2. Students will demonstrate communication skills.

  • Students will identify the diversity of patients and communicate appropriately.
  • Students will demonstrate respectful written and oral communication with patients, members of the care team, and their peers.

3. Students will implement critical thinking skills.

  • Students will integrate the individual needs of each patient based on their medical history and physician’s order into the study being performed.
  • Students will incorporate their knowledge of ultrasound and cardiac pathology by modifying study being performed as required by protocol.

4. Students will model professionalism.

  • Students will participate in the care of the patient as a member of a collaborative healthcare team.
  • Students will display professionalism in relationships with physicians, team members, and the public.
  • Students will display ethical behavior and comply with patient privacy laws.

Meet the Faculty

 


Headshot of Cheralynn Chambers

Cheralynn Chambers

Assistant Dean of Cardiovascular Technology

 


Headshot of Jennifer Clifton

Jennifer Clifton

Instructor - Vascular

 


Headshot of Dahlia Norman

Dahlia Norman

Instructor - ECHO

 


Apply Now

Visit our step-by-step application page to view program requirements and start your application TODAY!

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