Cardiac Electrophysiology

About the Program

Specialize in diagnosing and treating abnormal heart rhythms that can be either too fast or too slow.

Associate of Applied Science in Cardiovascular Technology
Specialty: Cardiac Electrophysiology

As a Cardiac Electrophysiology Technologist, you will work in a hospital as a member of the Electrophysiology Lab (EP Lab). There you’ll provide highly specialized assistance to an electrophysiologist, who is a cardiologist with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm problems.

You’ll learn electrophysiology (EP) procedures that diagnose heart rhythm disorders, as well as procedures that treat these disorders. Your EP studies will make it possible to diagnose the source of heart rhythm disorders, evaluate the effectiveness of certain medications in controlling these disorders, predict the risk of a future cardiac episode, and assess the need for an implantable device, such as a pacemaker, or a therapeutic procedure like radio frequency catheter ablation.

As a Cardiac Electrophysiology Technologist (EP Lab Tech) you will work with highly sophisticated imaging, monitoring, mapping, and recording systems in EP labs, cardiac catheterization labs, and operating rooms. You will also serve as a first assistant to the physician and are responsible for reviewing and compiling data collected during EP procedures and device implants. EP Techs perform direct patient care and are an integral part of the EP team.

This Program is for students who aspire to work in the EP Lab. If you are already working in a cardiac Cath or EP Lab and wish to obtain an academic certificate and professional certification, our Certificate in Cardiac Electrophysiology (CEP) Academic Certificate is for you.

Your Educational Experience

As a student, you’ll learn in classrooms, skills labs, clinical settings, and online, thanks to the College’s emphasis on hybrid learning. You’ll learn material when it’s convenient for you, then come together in class to discuss what you’ve learned; or in skills labs, where you’ll apply that knowledge in a safe environment that can simulate nearly any medical condition you might encounter. You’ll gain more than 1,500 hours of hands-on experience in the classroom, skills lab, and clinical rotation – surpassing the requirements for licensure or of other programs. So you’ll graduate from Sentara College uniquely prepared for one of the most challenging and rewarding careers anywhere. This approach to education is what makes Sentara College of Health Sciences one of the top healthcare schools in the region, and will set you apart from all others.

Cardiac Electrophysiology at a Glance

• Classes are held daytime, full-time Monday through Friday
• The Program is offered every August
• Graduate with your Associate of Applied Science degree in Cardiovascular Technology and be eligible to apply to sit for the registry examinations prior to graduation
• The CVT Program has a lab, complete with equipment and supplies, for practicing invasive and hemodynamic monitoring, and cardiac or vascular ultrasound
• More than 1,500 hours of hands-on experience in skills labs, simulation, and clinicals
• Small clinical and class sizes with a ratio of 5 students to 1 faculty member
• Gain clinical experience in renowned Sentara facilities
• Now accepting applications for August 2025
• 2024-2025 tuition, fees, and total cost of attendance

The Sentara College Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) Program admitted its first class in 1982 in response to the need for qualified individuals to work in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s cardiac catheterization, cardiac ultrasound, and vascular ultrasound labs. Today, Cardiovascular Technologists in all specialties work throughout Sentara.

Career Opportunities in CVT

As a Cardiovascular Technologist, you will enjoy many employment opportunities across the country in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, imaging centers, operating rooms, clinical research laboratories, and the biomedical industry. Cardiovascular Technologists assist physicians and surgeons in performing many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures both in the hospital and in the outpatient setting. The highly specialized fields of Cardiovascular Technology are in high demand. 

To learn about this program's state authorizations and compliance disclosures, please click here.

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