Are you looking for an in-demand specialty to grow your expertise beyond radiography? Dive into the world of Cardiac and/or Vascular Imaging today!

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY: Attend a free online information session to gain valuable insights and kick-start your exploration into this dynamic field!

 

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.

During the program, students engage in asynchronous online coursework and receive hands-on clinical instruction to master the skills needed in this dynamic profession. While our clinical sites are spread across various regions in Southern California, please note that specific placements near your residence cannot be guaranteed.

Embark on this thrilling educational journey with us and pave the way for a rewarding career in Interventional Radiology!​

How To Get Started

Application Process

Immerse yourself in the details! Review our website, brochure, and FAQ thoroughly.

  • Attend a free online Radiation Technology Programs Information Session.
    • Prior to applying, candidates MUST already possess licenses from ARRT and CRT, along with BLS certification. Applicants currently in the process of completing a program are encouraged to apply, with the condition that they fulfill the ARRT, CRT, and BLS requirements before the program begins.

Application Process

Step 1:  Apply to LLU Online

Step 2: Register Your Transcripts

Step 3: Personal Recommendations

Step 4: Observation and Service Hours

Step 5: Your Interview

Step 6: Admissions Decisions

Step 7: Confirmation & Deposit

Step 8: Additional Requirements 

Program Resources

Cardiac and Vascular Imaging (CVI), Cardiac Imaging (CI), and Vascular Imaging (VI) Program

Gain hands-on experience with sophisticated imaging equipment to produce detailed fluoroscopic images for precise patient diagnosis and treatment. All tracks are full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week for didactic and clinical courses. All didactic courses are offered in an asynchronous online format for optimal flexibility.

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Pathway Options

Choose from three pathways tailored to your interests and career goals:

Cardiac Interventional School Certificate Only (CI):

  • Duration: Three quarters, equivalent to 9 months
  • Application Window: January 1 - June 1
  • Application Due Date: June 1
  • Start: Fall Quarter

Vascular Interventional School Certificate Only (VI):

  • Duration: Three quarters, equivalent to 9 months
  • Application Window: January 1- March 1
  • Application Due Date: March 1
  • Start: Summer Quarter

Cardiac and Vascular Imaging University Certificate (CVI):

  • Duration: Four quarters, equivalent to 12 months
  • Application Window: January 1 - March 1
  • Application Due Date: March 1
  • Start: Summer Quarter

*Note: The CVI program can be utilized as an emphasis for the Radiation Sciences, BSRS program.

Program Overview

CI, CVI, and VI Curriculum

Summer Quarter     

RTSI 344 Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals (CVI, VI) 4 units
RTSI 356 Vascular Anatomy and Physiology (CVI, VI) 3 units
RTSI 975 CVI Affiliation (CVI, VI) 3 units
  • CVI Units: 10
  • VI Units: 10

Autumn Quarter

RELE XXX Religion TBD (VI) 2 units
RTSI 351 Angio/Interventional Procedures I (CVI, VI) 3 units
RTSI 975 CVI Affiliation (CI, CVI, VI) 3 units
CEPT 251 Cardiac EP & Rhythm Recognition I (CI, CVI) 2 units
CEPT 245 Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology  (CI, CVI) 3 units
RTSI 345 Cardiac/ Interventional Procedures I (CI, CVI) 3 units
  • CI Units: 11
  • CVI Units: 14
  • VI Units: 8

Winter Quarter

RTSI 352 Angio/Interventional Procedures II (CVI, VI) 3 units
RTSI 359 VI Review (VI) 1 units
RTSI 975 CVI Affliation (CI, CVI, VI) 3 units
AHCJ 402 Pathology (CI, CVI, VI) 4 units
CEPT 252 Cardiac EP & Rhythm Recognition II (CI, CVI) 2 units
RELE XXX Religion Course TBD (CI) 2 units
  • CI Units: 11
  • CVI Units: 12
  • VI Units: 11

Spring Quarter

RTSI 344 Pharmacology for Imaging Professionals (CI) 4 units
RTSI 360 CI Review (CI, CVI) 1 unit
RTSI 975 CVI Affliliation (CI, CVI) 3 units
RELE XXX Religion Course TBD (CVI) 2 units
  • CI Units: 8
  • CVI Units: 6

Total Units Per Pathway

  •                 CI School Certificate Pathway (Autumn through Spring): 30 Units 
  •                 CVI University Certificate Pathway (Summer through Spring): 42 Units 
  •                 VI School Certificate Pathway (Summer through Winter): 29 Unit

NOTES: 

*RTSI 975 requires multiple registrations to meet unit requirements.

*Students pursuing the CVI pathway are required to complete 12 units in RTSI 975 CVI Affiliation 

*Students pursuing the CI or VI pathways are required to complete 9 units in RTSI 975 CVI Affiliation

Clinical Experience Details

  • Clinical commitment: Up to four eight-hour days per week
  • Clinical sites: Available in various Southern California regions.

*Note: While clinical rotations are provided across different locations, it's important to note that proximity to the student's residence cannot be guaranteed by LLU.

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

Program Outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate clinical competence in cardiac and/or vascular imaging.
  • 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.

CVI Observation Form 

Prospective Student Attributes

Prospective CVI students should posses the following attributes:

  • Enthusiastic and committed to maintaining high standards in academics, clinical performance, and patient care.

  • Possesses a broad understanding of human anatomy and proficient computer skills.

  • Demonstrates strong academic performance, particularly in science and related courses.

  • Detail-oriented with the ability to work under pressure, showcasing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Contact Information

Suzette Paredes Sanchez, MS, ARRT (R)

Suzette Paredes Sanchez, MS, ARRT (R)

Assistant Professor - Special Imaging Clinical Coordinator

Email: [email protected]