Special Imaging: Cardiac & Vascular Imaging, Cert

Are you looking for an in-demand specialty to grow your expertise beyond radiography?
Are you seeking a role that makes a significant impact on patient recovery? 
Do you want a Bachelor's degree education that provides options for the future?

About the Interventional Radiology Profession

Cardiac Interventional (CI) and Vascular Interventional (VI) technologists work in a highly specialized field operating sophisticated imaging equipment. This technology provides detailed fluoroscopic images of the human body, assisting physicians with quality patient diagnosis and treatment.

The Cardiac and Vascular Imaging area of emphasis within the BS in Radiation Sciences (BSRS) program is a full-time, eighteen-month program that requires 6 quarters beginning in the summer. During the program, students take formal coursework along with clinical instruction. There are no arrangements for part-time or evening status. Clinical sites are available in a variety of regions in Southern California. However, LLU cannot guarantee that the student will be placed close to his/her residence.

How to Begin

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

Step 2: Attend a free online information session.

Step 3: Start the application process 

• Apply Online 
• Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA.ed.gov)
• Request to have high school and college transcripts sent to Loma Linda University

Step 4: Contact Christine Wetmore at (909-558-4931) (cwetmore@llu.edu) with general registration and prerequisite questions

Program Resources

• Apply Now
• CVI Program Brochure (PDF)
• CVI Observation Form (PDF)
• Transfer Patterns to LLU
• University Catalog - Radiation Technology Programs
• Take Your GE at LLU
• Financial Information
• Request Contact​

About The Cardiac and Vascular Imaging (CVI) Program at LLU

The Cardiac and Vascular Imaging (CV) program at Loma Linda University is an emphasis in the Bachelor of Science in Radiation Sciences. The program’s load requires 40 hours per week, which includes didactic and clinical experiences. Clinical experience involves up to four eight-hour days per week. Didactic courses are online.

Students will be required to submit current immunization records and undergo a background check during the registration process. For information regarding immunizations, contact student health services at http://www.llu.edu/central/ssweb/index.page, Students will be responsible for paying any fees associated with immunizations and background checks.

Loma Linda University and the Department of Radiation Technology cannot guarantee employment.

The applicant should submit meaningful recommendations from prior teachers, work supervisors, or health professionals who are knowledgeable about their qualification. An applicant who is completing a program may apply as long as she/he has completed ARRT, CRT, and BLS requirements by the program start date.

School certificates in Cardiac Interventional or Vascular Interventional are available. Please discuss these options with the program director.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the graduate should be qualified to:

• Demonstrate clinical competence in cardiac interventional
• Radiology and vascular interventional radiology.
• Demonstrate competence in Advanced Clinical Life Support (ACLS)
• Demonstrate effective communication in the health sciences.

Program Requirements

• Current ARRT registry in radiologic technology (R.T.(R)(ARRT))
• Current California (CRT) license
• Current BLS card with the American Heart Association
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 maintained in all didactic and clinical coursework
• Venipuncture in highly recommended
• 1 year of professional experience in imaging is recommended
• An associate degree (or a minimum of 72-96 degree transferable units per program director approval.)

Career Observation

A minimum of 12 hours career observation in cardiac and/or vascular imaging is required. The career observation form is available as a download from the forms page on the web site.

Application Procedure

1. Applications are accepted year round for the BSRS program
2. Applications should include a statement of purpose, application fee, three recommendations and transcripts. Official transcripts must come directly from other schools to the School of Allied Health Professions admissions department
3. There are limited clinical slots available.

Interviews

Interviews are conducted in February and March. All applicants will be interviewed by the program director and representatives of the School of Allied Health Professions. Applicants residing in southern California should plan for a personal interview on campus at Loma Linda. Applicants will be notified by phone and/or e-mail of their interview schedule. Interviews are rated in the following four areas:

1. Work experience or training background
2. Recommendations
3. Academic record
4. Communication skills, knowledge, motivation, etc.

Qualities of an Ideal Applicant

The applicant should submit meaningful recommendations from prior teachers, work supervisors, or health professionals who are knowledgeable about their qualifications. An applicant who is completing a program in radiologic technology prior to the start of the program may apply as long as s/he has completed ARRT, CRT, and BLS requirements by the program start date. Additionally, applicants should be enthusiastic and interested in maintaining high standards of academics, clinical performance, and patient care; possesses a broad knowledge of human anatomy and computer skills; demonstrates strong academic performance in science and related courses; and be  detail oriented and able to work under pressure while demonstrating critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Special Imaging Curriculum (CVI)

*Repeated registrations required to complete total units.  Students are only charged 2 units per quarter.

Autumn Quarter     

• CEPT 251 CEPT & Rhythm Recognition I – 2 units
• CEPT 245 Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology – 3 units
• RTSI 345 Cardiac & Interventional Procedures – 3 units
• RTCH 456 CI Clinical Affiliation – 3 units

Winter Quarter     

• CEPT 252 CEPT & Rhythm Recognition II – 2 units
• AHCJ 402 Pathology – 4 units
• RTSI 351 Vascular & Interventional Procedures I – 3 units
• RTCH 456/7 CI Clinical Affiliation OR VI Clinical Affiliation – 3 units

Spring Quarter     

• RTSI 356 Vascular Anatomy & Physiology – 3 units
• RTSI 344 Interventional Pharmacology – 4 units
• RTSI 360 CI Review – 1 unit
• RTCH 456/7 CI Clinical Affiliation OR VI Clinical Affiliation – 3 units

Summer Quarter     

• RTSI 352 Angio & Interventional Procedures II – 3 units
• RTSI 359 VI Review – 1 unit
• RTCH 457 VI Clinical Affiliation – 3 units

**RTSI 974 is an additional quarter of clinic available to students who have not met program requirements. This additional time will be at the discretion of the school or at the request of the student.