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Cardiovascular Technology Leadership Program

Cardiovascular Technology Leadership Program

The Cardiovascular Technology Leadership program has been developing knowledgeable, highly skilled sonography professionals and leaders since the first graduating class in 2014.

CVT history and future

The Cardiovascular Technology Leadership (CVT) program began as a joint venture with the Health Science Center at Prisma Health (HSCPH) and Clemson University’s College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences in 2011. This program transitioned in June 2022 to a unique undergraduate collaboration between Prisma Health and multiple academic universities within South Carolina to provide students the opportunity to obtain a certificate in cardiovascular sonography, which completes a Bachelor of Science degree in Cardiovascular Technology/Imaging or compliments an already earned Associate or Bachelor degree. This provides more opportunities for students to be a part of this highly successful program. 

The CVT program has a proven track record of training knowledgeable and technically advanced cardiovascular sonographers. The Prisma Health CVT Leadership Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAEHP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) in adult echocardiography and noninvasive vascular testing through January of 2029. It is also licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (SCCHE). Students receive quality didactic and practical instruction with our CVT educators in conjunction with immersive clinical experience under the supervision of highly trained preceptors at various sites within the Prisma Health network. By graduation, students take both the Vascular Technology and Adult Echocardiography board exams through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
(ARDMS) and emerge ready to make an immediate impact on quality patient care.

CVT program goal

Develop the next generation of dually credentialed sonographers capable of offering cutting-edge technologies for cardiovascular patients and the vascular surgeons and cardiologists who treat their diseases.

The CVT program produces graduates who demonstrate the capacity to function as statewide and national leaders within this rapidly growing healthcare field.

CVT Program Class of 2022

CVT Leadership Class of 2024

Students accepted into this competitive program complete 18 months of immersive didactic and clinical instruction.

CVT Program Pass Rates

CVT Program Pass Rates

CVT-specific courses

  • Ultrasound Physics
  • Echocardiography Principles
  • Echocardiography Methods
  • Vascular Sonography Principles
  • Vascular Sonography Methods
  • Three semesters of fieldwork experience

The CVT courses are taught by registered CVT educators in the Health Sciences Center at Prisma Health. The CVT fieldwork courses are directed by registered cardiovascular sonographers within multiple inpatient and outpatient locations in the Prisma Health network. Graduates of this concentration are prepared to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exams in adult echocardiography (RDCS) and vascular technology (RVT).

Once credentialed, they are eligible to begin work as entry-level cardiovascular sonographers or apply to graduate-level programs including medical school or physician assistant programs.

Video: CVT Program at Prisma Health