The Sarasota Memorial Cardiovascular Training Program offers two cardiovascular academic training programs, one in Adult Cardiac Sonography and one in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology. Students may enter only one of the programs as they run concurrently. Both programs are approximately 13 months in duration, beginning and ending in the early fall. The programs include a didactic, hands-on laboratory, and clinical sequence. Both programs are non-degree-granting and provide certificate-level education. The programs are based on clock hours.

The Cardiovascular Training Program’s goals and objectives are to prepare competent entry-level cardiac sonographers and invasive cardiovascular professionals. We focus on the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for the cardiac sonography or invasive cardiovascular technology professions. Students will have the minimum skills, knowledge, and competencies to sit for registry exams in their field of study. Additionally, our students play a crucial role in promoting patient safety, diagnosis, and recovery by working effectively with other allied healthcare professionals, medical staff, patients, and families.

Sonographers use ultrasound machines to create images of the body using sound (at a level above what can be heard). There are specialties in sonography based on what an individual will be scanning, including (but not limited to):

·         Abdomen
·         Breast
·         Cardiac (Adult, Fetal, or Pediatric)
·         Vascular
·         OB/GYN
·         Pediatrics
·         Musculoskeletal

The SMCTP offers training in the adult cardiac sonography specialty. For more information about this profession, see the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer here: https://www.sdms.org/about/who-we-are/scope-of-practice

The Adult Cardiac Sonography Program is affiliated with the Cardiovascular Diagnostic Services (CVD) department at Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Sarasota Campus. Their Echocardiography and Vascular labs led SMH to be one of only four hospitals in Florida to achieve accreditation in Adult Echo, Adult TEE, Pediatric Echo, and Vascular Ultrasound from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). The CVD department also houses the system’s Cardio-Oncology Program, which received a Center of Excellence Silver Designation from the International Cardio-Oncology Society from 2022-2025. Cardiac sonographers in this department can specialize in structural heart procedures, cardio-oncology, and pediatric/congenital echocardiography. There are plans to expand the Adult Cardiac Sonography Program to SMH-Venice in the future.

Cardiovascular Technologists assist physicians with invasive cardiac procedures such as heart catheterizations, electrophysiology studies, valve replacements, device placements, and more! These are performed by inserting a small tube (catheter) through the patient's blood vessels in the arm or leg, and then travels to the heart. These procedures can:

·         Identify and treat blockages in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle.
·         Identify and treat electrical abnormalities of the cardiovascular system.
·         Replace cardiac valves without requiring open heart surgery.
·         Place lifesaving cardiac devices such as pacemakers, left atrial appendage occluders, and more.

The SMCTP offers training in the adult cardiac catheterization laboratory. For more information about this profession, see the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professional’s Scope of Practice for the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist here: https://acp-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-RCIS-Scope-of-Practice-Rev-2018.pdf

The Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program is affiliated with the Invasive Cardiology departments at both the Sarasota and Venice campuses.

The Invasive Cardiology department at SMH-Sarasota houses four cardiac catheterization suites, four electrophysiology suites, two cardioversion/TEE suites, a large patient preparation and recovery area, and a shared hybrid operating room. This department performs a variety of procedures, including diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterizations, structural heart procedures (TAVR, TMVR, TTVR, mitral and tricuspid TEER, LAA occluder placement, interatrial/interventricular occluder placement), electrophysiology procedures (pulse field ablation, cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, pacemaker implantation, ICD implantation, cardiac contractility modulation device placement, neuromodulation device placement), and more.

The Invasive Cardiology department at SMH-Venice houses two cardiac catheterization suites, one primarily used for electrophysiology. This department performs a variety of procedures, including diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterizations and electrophysiology procedures (radiofrequency ablations, pacemaker implantations, ICD implantations, and leadless pacemaker implantations). Support is also available for the implantation of loop recorder devices and the performance of TEEs and cardioversions.

Sarasota Memorial Cardiovascular Training Program

1.       How long is the program?

The SMCTP is an accelerated honors program. Students are accepted into a cohort once a year, with classes taking place from the fall of one year to the fall of the next. The program is divided into four quarters. Including holidays and short breaks between the quarters, the program lasts approximately 13 months. 

 2.       How many students are accepted annually?

This number varies based on the space available at our clinical sites. For the 2024-2026 inaugural cohort, there were three students in the invasive cardiovascular technology specialty and two students in the adult cardiac sonography specialty. The number of applicants will exceed the number of spaces in the Cardiovascular Training Program. Therefore, in addition to the academic prerequisites below, well-qualified candidates will be scheduled for interviews with the admissions committee, typically including the Program Director, Director of Cardiovascular Services, Instructor(s), and Clinical Site leadership. Interviews will cover academic achievement, interpersonal skills, and applicable prior experiences.

 3.       Who is eligible to apply?

Admission to the Cardiovascular Training Program is open to applicants ≥ 18 years of age or older. Applicants must identify an applicable prerequisite pathway below.

• Pathway A: Any 2-year/associate-level allied health degree, including but not limited to Radiologic Technology, Physical Therapy Assistant, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Respiratory Therapy, Paramedical Sciences, Cardiopulmonary Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Registered Nursing.

• Pathway B: Any bachelor’s degree in health sciences.

• Pathway C: Any non-health sciences associate or bachelor's degree and the following courses:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (Minimum of two 4-credit courses)

  • Medical Terminology (Minimum of a 2-credit course)

  • General Physics (Minimum of a 2-credit course)

• Note: Although not required for individuals using A or B pathway, preference will be given to applicants who have completed these courses:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (Minimum of two 4-credit courses)

  • Medical Terminology (Minimum of a 2-credit course)

  • General Physics (Minimum of a 2-credit course).

All prerequisite coursework requires a letter grade of “C” or higher. Supporting documentation, including official educational transcripts and verification of applicable licenses/credentials, is also required.

• Applicants of the Adult Cardiac Sonography Program must shadow in the Echocardiography Laboratory at Sarasota Memorial Hospital before acceptance into the program. Applicants to the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program must shadow in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Sarasota Memorial Hospital before acceptance into the program.

• International transcripts are required to be verified by a credentialing company endorsed by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. A full list of approved agencies can be found at https://www.naces.org/members.

  • Those who are using international transcripts to apply that were not delivered in English will need to provide proof of English language proficiency by TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT results of 61 or higher. Retired versions of TOEFL will also be accepted with the following scores: Paper-Based Test with results of 500 or higher or Computer-Based Test results of 173 or higher. This requirement will be waived for those who have successfully completed (i.e. grade of “PASS” or “C” or better) college coursework taught in English from an accredited institution OR successful completion (i.e. grade of “PASS” or “C” or better) of high school coursework taught in English from an accredited institution.

 4.       Why do I need a degree?

The minimum education level for these cardiovascular professions is an associate degree. The SMCTP is required to ensure that students have at least this level of educational attainment. Since we are a hospital-based program and not associated with a formal academic institution, we require students to obtain this education elsewhere.

 5.       What is the program cost?

SMHCS/SMH is providing the cost of the program and a paid internship to remove common barriers to higher education and professional development. To participate in the training and compensation, students must complete the SMHCS “Student Employee Training, Internship, Residency and Reimbursement Agreement” prior to the program’s start date. Part of the agreement does contain an associated work commitment. For questions regarding this agreement, see the Director of Cardiovascular Services.

• Since the Sarasota Memorial Cardiovascular Training Program and its associated internship do not provide full-time hours, student interns may work part-time or PRN in another role within SMHCS as long as they remain in good standing.
  Note: Program interns are not substituted for credentialed staff members in the clinical environment.

• Due to generous support from the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, currently, there is no tuition for the Cardiovascular Training Program. However, there are supplies that the student will need to pay, including but not limited to:

  • Scrubs (white top and maroon bottom): cost varies

  • ACLS card fee for Invasive Cardiovascular Technology students only: $10

  • Payment for the specialty’s credentialing exam(s) taken in the last quarter of the program: Varies

    • Adult Cardiac Sonography credentialing exam: $365.00 – $525.00

    • Invasive Cardiovascular Technology credentialing exam: $365.00

• There is no refund policy for the Cardiovascular Training Program.

6.       Do you accept financial aid?

The Adult Cardiac Sonography Program and Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program award a professional certificate and do not award college credits. These programs also do not currently charge tuition. Because of these reasons, no financial aid is offered or accepted. This includes but is not limited to federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

7.       When can I apply?

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are expected to open in March 2025 and remain open through April 2025.

 8.       How can I apply?

Applications for the program will be available on the SMHCS Careers Website (https://careers.smh.com/) under the Cardiovascular Services Intern job posting.

• No mail-in applications will be accepted.

• Incomplete applications will not be processed.

• Highly qualified applicants will be selected to participate in face-to-face interviews that will occur at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and run for approximately one hour.

• Applicants will be notified in writing if they have been accepted into the program.

• If accepted, the applicant must confirm or decline by the date stated in their acceptance letter.

• Accepted applicants not wishing to attend should notify the Program Director immediately.

 9.   Do program graduates obtain a degree when completed?

The SMCTP is a non-degree-granting, certificate-level program. Upon successful completion, graduates will obtain a certificate of completion.

 10.   Do students get a license when they graduate?

Like many states, Florida does not offer sonographers or invasive cardiovascular technologists licenses. Instead, individuals demonstrate competency in these professions through a specialty credential. Students will be qualified to sit for the national credentialing examination through Cardiovascular Credentialing International. For info on licensing and regulation in the state of Florida: https://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/index.html

 11.   What are the program outcomes for graduates?

We look forward to posting our graduation rate, registry success, and job placement rate following the completion of our inaugural cohort.

 12.   Is the program accredited?

Institutional Accreditation: Sarasota Memorial Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.
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Outside the US: +1 630-268-2990 (GMT-5)
Main Office: 630-268-7400
https://www.jointcommission.org/

Programmatic Accreditation: Programmatic accreditation is a voluntary process that allied health education programs may undertake to demonstrate compliance with standards designed to indicate a minimum level of education competency. The Adult Cardiac Sonography Program and Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program are not currently programmatically accredited.

• Programmatic accreditation is granted upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, a national accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. You may visit the websites below to learn more about the accreditation process.

  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
    9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
    Seminole, FL 33775
    Phone: (772) 210-2350
    Email: mail@caahep.org
    Website: www.caahep.org

  • Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT)
    1449 Hill Street
    Whitinsville, MA  01588-1032
    Phone: (978) 456-5594
    E-mail: office@jrccvt.org
    Website: https://www.jrccvt.org/

  • Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
    One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 510
    Washington, DC 20036
    Phone: (202) 955-6126
    Email: chea@chea.org
    Website: https://www.chea.org/

 13.   How can I learn more information?

Email CardiovascularTraining@smh.com to obtain a copy of the Program Catalog and Student Handbook. This 40+ page document has more detailed program information including complete admissions policies and practices, technical standards, policies on advanced placement, transfer of credits, credits for experiential learning, number of hours required for program completion, and more.

This program is targeted for employees who are self-directed learners able to succeed in a fast-paced, accelerated learning environment.  The employee will be expected to complete the online didactic curriculum at home with check-in times set up throughout the week and will receive skills training in-person in the simulation lab and clinical experience on specific units within the hospital.  Class start dates vary throughout the year and run for four consecutive weeks.

The schedule for the SMH accelerated CNA program is detailed below:

Week 1 & 2 – Participating employees will be expected to complete 16 hours of online CNA curriculum/coursework, 8 hours of Skills training in the Sim Lab, and will be available to work 12 hours in their current role.

Week 3 – Participating employees will be expected to complete 3 hours of online CNA curriculum/coursework, 9 hours of Skills training in the Sim Lab, and will be available to work 24 hours in their current role.

Week 4 – Participating employees will be scheduled for 40 hours of Clinicals and will not be available to work at all this week in their current role.

This training is 24-hours per week of classroom training at Suncoast Technical College (STC) with clinical experience provided during the last two weeks of the training program.  The class schedule is Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. This opportunity at STC is only available to employees who would be eligible for promotion into a Patient Care Technician position (not for employees who are currently in positions with the same or higher pay grade) and for employees who have resided in the state of Florida for at least one year (in order to qualify for the in-state tuition rate).  This training is offered four times per year, in January, March, August, and October.

We will also hold a mandatory unpaid orientation session at Suncoast Technical College several weeks prior to the start of this training program.  Details will be sent out about this mandatory orientation session once it has been scheduled.

·         You must be at least 18 years old.

·         You must have a High School diploma or GED.

·         In order to enter into the program, you must be an employee of SMH. We have many entry-level employment opportunities that you would be qualified for if you meet our employment requirements.

·         These training options require ZERO out of pocket cost to the employee. 

·         Eligible employees must be in good standing, with no corrective actions/action plans on file for a minimum of 6 months from the start of training.

·         Employees are paid their regular hourly rate of pay for time spent in training out.  The cost is charged to the Nursing Orientation cost center. 

·         Employees must have supervisor/manager approval to participate in CNA training.  The hours that participating employees are available to work in their regular position are reduced during the duration of the CNA training program and the department has a responsibility to maintain adequate staffing and scheduling.

·         Department Obligation:  Flexible scheduling for approved employees to attend this (approved employees will have limited availability to work during the CNA training program)

·         Eligible employees need to submit their high school diploma or GED to Human Resources prior to being approved for training.

·         Once an employee is approved for CNA training, HR and/or the Education Department meets with the employee to determine fit.

·         Employees who participate in CNA training can promote to positions outside of their current area if there are no open Patient Care Technician/Multi Skilled Technician/CNA positions available for them in their current department at the end of the program.

·         Funding also covers uniform costs, program fees, certification exam fees, and required background check.

·         Sarasota Memorial Hospital pays employee wages throughout the duration of the four-week CNA training program supplemented with hours in the home department.

·         Employee will be promoted to Patient Care Technician (PCT) upon successful completion of the CNA training program.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact:

Tiffany Mitsven, Talent Acquisition Advisor II
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Email - Tiffany-Mitsven@smh.com