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Cardiovascular Science

Combine Geneva College’s Christ-centered, ministry-focused curriculum in biology with training in one of the leading cardiovascular institutes in the country.

Geneva’s Cardiovascular Science (CVS) program is now offering a combined B.S./M.S. degree in cardiovascular sciences. Students have the opportunity to earn their B.S. in biology in three years on Geneva’s beautiful Beaver Valley campus, followed by two years of training at INOVA Heart and Vascular Institute (IHVI) in Falls Church, Va. outside Washington DC. Students can also earn a certificate in cardiovascular sciences after one year of training or enter the M.S. program after graduating with their B.S. in biology or other related disciplines (e.g., BSN).

Cardiovascular technologists (CVTs) are highly educated and skilled allied health professionals who work under the supervision of a cardiologist in the laboratory setting. CVS was recognized by the American Medical Association as a profession in the early 1970s. Over the last 30 years development of professional societies, credentialing organizations, and allied health training programs has helped to promote this profession. During this time the CVS profession has become known for its vital support role in the growing trend toward non-surgical solutions for a variety of cardiovascular diseases.

Geneva’s program trains CVTs in the area of invasive cardiovascular science. This includes those procedures which involve the insertion of a catheter into blood vessels or other devices like a pacemaker. Non-invasive cardiovascular science is limited to procedures such as echocardiography.  

Currently, this scope of practice in invasive CVS has been expanding. Many CVTs are now receiving on-the-job training to assist the cardiologist in procedures which treat abnormalities in heart rhythms. For example, this might involve the insertion of a pacemaker or laser surgery on the electrical system of the heart muscle. These procedures are part of a relatively new subfield of cardiology termed cardiac electrophysiology. The improving success rate of such procedures has caused hospital case loads to steadily grow, not only at the IHVI, but in other hospitals nationwide. Given this demand, development of more formal and accredited educational programs to train CVTs in these procedures is desired. Geneva’s program is committed to training excellent servant-leaders to meet this growing need in the medical field.

Geneva College’s program is distinctive because it intentionally integrates faith and learning. It is also the only program in the country to offer a M.S. in CVS.

Please take the time to browse through the links to learn more about this exciting new program and to explore profiles of Geneva students who have studied at INOVA.