Are you interested in helping people with heart problems?

Are you looking for a profession that combines technology with patient care?

Are you seeking an in-demand career that can be started in about one year? 

START HERE: Attend a free online information session to gain information about Electrophysiology. 

  • Application Window: January 1 to June 30 with a March 31 priority deadline.

About the Cardiac Electrophysiology Technology (CEPT) Profession

Electrophysiology (EP) is an emerging healthcare science and therapy. EP is a subspecialty of cardiology that focuses on diagnosing and treating cardiac arrhythmias. The Cardiac Electrophysiology Technologist can be trained with no prior medical experience, or may come from a variety of allied health professionals (RT, RN, CVT, EMS, RCIS, and PA). EP technologists assist an EP Cardiologist (Electrophysiologist) during diagnostic and invasive procedures including programmed electrical stimulation, sterile scrub technique, electro-anatomical 3D mapping, catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias, and device implantation for cardiac rhythm management such as pacemakers and other advanced implantable devices. 

How to Begin

Step 1:  Review the website and brochure in detail first, then contact the program director for answers to individual questions:

Step 2: Attend a free online information session

Step 3: Start the application process 

Step 4: Email studyradsci@llu.edu with general admissions, prerequisite, and registration questions.

About the CEPT Program at LLU

Students in the Cardiac Electrophysiology Technology program will learn EP theory, principles, and various techniques, and will be educated to utilize the latest advancements in EP equipment technology and cardiac rhythm management. Students will obtain 800 clinical hours by rotating to several Southern California clinical sites while in the online program.  The Associate of Science is 12 months long, and clinical sites are assigned by the Program Director. The pre-requisites for the program could take up to one year to complete.

The A.S. degree is an online program. Please refer to the LLU STATE AUTHORIZATION webpage to ensure you reside in a state that authorizes Loma Linda University online students. 

Graduates of the CEPT program will be qualified for employment with not just acute care hospital CCL/EP labs, but also hospital or physician rhythm management clinics, clinical support, and sales positions with various bio-technology companies.  

The development of this program is in direct response to the needs expressed by hospitals, physicians, and bio-technology companies to address the current demand for qualified EP allied health professionals to meet emerging challenges of the healthcare science and therapy of electrophysiology. Currently only 8-10% of patients in the US are being properly diagnosed and treated for atrial fibrillation, which is just one segment of EP patients.

Clinical Training and Essential Job Functions

Students will complete online didactic coursework (61.5 quarter units) and at least 800 hours of clinical education in a cardiac catheterization lab/EP lab.  

Physical demands include lifting; carrying; bending; manipulation of equipment; patient assistance; walking and prolonged standing; the ability to read written orders, advanced computer systems screens, patient records, and equipment controls; and the ability to communicate with patients, physicians, and coworkers. 

Mental and emotional demands include critical decision making, interaction with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintaining patient confidentiality, and being able to work under pressure in stressful conditions.

Program Certifications

The program is accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Joint Review Committee on Education
in Cardiovascular Technology
1449 Hill Street
Whitinsville, MA  01588-1032
978-456-5594 Phone

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709 
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354

The successful graduate is eligible to apply for the international board exam from the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE). The IBHRE boards yields the certification of Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) in the Cardiac EP Specialty and/or a Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS).The IBHRE is recognized as the global leader in heart rhythm certification. IBHRE was the first testing organization founded to raise the level of professionalism and academic credibility in cardiac pacing and electrophysiology.  IBHRE certified specialists include more than 9,500 distinguished physicians and allied professionals around the world who have been tested on the scientific foundation, clinical skills, and technical knowledge required to provide and facilitate safe quality patient care in the management of arrhythmias.  IBHRE certification serves as a validation to your cardiac pacing and electrophysiology qualifications, recognizes your achievement of an international standard that goes beyond the scope of licensure & successfully measures your knowledge based on predetermined standards in heart rhythm management. International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners: IBHRE.org.

Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is a credentialing organization for Cardiovascular Technology and emerging medical professionals.  Earning a CCI credential demonstrates not only fundamental knowledge, but also dedication to your professional development.  Becoming certified allows you to become part of a group of more than 17,000 certified cardiovascular professionals worldwide.  CCI's credentials are internationally recognized by physicians, employers, contractors of Medicare and Medicaid services, administrators, accreditation bodies and patients.  CCI yields the certification of RCES in the Cardiac EP Specialty.  For more information, visit their site: http://www.cci-online.org/

Program Outcomes

YEAR ACCEPTED COMPLETED PASSED JOBS
2014-15 6 6 5 5
2015-16 8 7 5 7
2016-17 temp closure      
2017-18 4 4 4 4
2018-19 2 2 1 1
2019-20 13 12* 5* 5*

*the remaining 1 student is completing their clinical hours due to COVID-19. 

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for admission, the applicant must complete: 

  • A minimum of 39 quarter units (26 semester units) of prerequisites with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (3.0 GPA is preferred)
  • Submission of official transcripts
  • Three personal references
  • Admissions essay
  • Observation experience- Submission of completed form
  • Personal interview with program faculty
  • To remain in the program, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and adhere to the University and program's professional code of conduct
  • Applicants are also required to complete a background check as part of the application process
  • Students are required to have a current Health Care Provider CPR card offered by the American Heart Association upon admission into the program and maintain it for the entire length of the program 
  • Students must show proof of required immunizations upon entrance into the program
  • Official high school transcripts will need to be requested and sent directly from your high school  to LLU if you will be using HS courses to meet the requirements
  • Official college transcripts will need to be sent in the same manner from each accredited college you have attended

Program Prerequisites

The following prerequisite courses must be transferred from an accredited institution:

  •  Psychology, Sociology, or Cultural Anthropology
  •  Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab
  •  College English Sequence
  •  Medical Terminology
  •  Undergraduate-level electives to reach the minimum total of 39 quarter (26 semester) units required
  •  Observation in an EP lab (to be scheduled by the prospective student)

Application Window

Applications are accepted from January 1 to June 30. To be scheduled for the first round of interviews, please complete your application by March 31.

Before You Apply

Please contact the Program Director for advisement before you submit your application.