Cardiovascular Technology

Compassion, energy, physical stamina and dedication to helping others in a clinical/medical environment. These are traits that make for a good cardiovascular technician (CVT). CVT’s use technology to perform tests that help doctors diagnose heart and blood vessel diseases. The OCC Cardiovascular Technologist degree program will give you the skills you need to pass the necessary certification exams and become a well-paid electrocardiography technician. Your skill in this area could help save lives – read on to learn more about our program.

A sampling of courses for these careers

Patient Care
Human Diseases
ECG Clinical Experience

Introduction to Sonography & Imaging Physics
Cardiac Anatomy & Pathophysiology
Cerebrovascular Peripheral Ultrasound

see course catalog

Electrocardiography technician reviews patient's results while patient walks on treadmill

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Did you know?

Projected employment for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in California is expected to increase by 25 percent through 2024.

Program Details

Complete our certificate program, and you’ll be well-prepared to enter a career in cardiovascular technology, and earn an associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.

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In less than 2 years
you can earn:
Certificate of Achievement

Electrocardiography Technician

Prepare for a job as an electrocardiogram technician, stress-test technician, holter-monitor technician, pacemaker technician or monitor (telemetry) technician. View program detail in course catalog.

Build on your certificate
of achievement with a:
Certificate of Specialization

Or earn your
associate degree
in under 4 years

Echocardiography and Vascular Ultrasound

Prepare for an entry-level position as a cardiovascular technologist, echocardiographer/echocardiography technologist or cerebrovascular ultrasound technologist, performing cardiac ultrasound, echocardiography or other non-invasive tests. View program detail in course catalog.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I enroll and register for classes?

To enroll in a Career Advantage program, you must first apply for admission to Orange Coast College. To apply, go to the Admissions Application Information webpage and review the information for admissions. Select the type of student you are and follow the steps listed to get started.

How much does it cost?

Classes cost $46 per unit for residents of California. Classes vary in their unit value, but an average 3-unit class costs $138. There are additional fees required to register and additional costs associated with each program. Click here to view the estimated total costs of the program in this career cluster.

How long does it take?

View this chart for the length of the core program.

Are classes offered online, evenings and weekends?

This program offers evening courses. For details about offerings in this program, speak to a counselor or consult the class schedule. The class schedule tool searches through all Orange Coast College course offerings and includes a filter for online, evenings and weekend classes. For tips on how to navigate this tool click here.

How can I talk with a counselor?

You can make an appointment in person, online or by phone. Click here for more information about Counseling Services and how to make an appointment.

I have more questions. Where can I get more information?

For general questions about enrollment, availability of classes and other services for prospective and current OCC students, call The Answer Center at 714-432-5772. For answers to specific questions you can speak to a counselor or to the faculty member listed on this program page.

Image of a piece of cardiovascular equipment showing a heart rate on the monitor

Close-up of printed EKG report with patient blurred in background

A cardiovascular technician stands near a patient who has been prepped with electrodes for an EKG

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Did you know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a certificate as
their highest level of education earned, on average, 20 percent more than
those whose highest education level is a high school diploma.