Overview
The BCIT Cardiology Technology Diploma is part of our comprehensive Cardiac Sciences department program offerings. As an accredited program, approved by the National Society of Cardiology Technologists, we offer a blended program, combining flexible online learning with a hands-on, skills-focused learning experience.
To learn more about the other study options, visit the Cardiac Sciences department webpage.
Program Goals
The BCIT Cardiology Technology program meet the competencies outlined in the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT) National Occupational Competency profile.
Program Goals for Graduates:
- Demonstrate competency in all required diagnostic cardiac procedures including ECG, ambulatory monitoring, exercise tolerance testing and operation of cardiology related equipment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of cardiac implantable devices and electrophysiology testing as it relates to the non-invasive cardiology technology profession.
- Apply knowledge of medical terminology, cardiac anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology to practice.
- Apply knowledge of cardiac pharmacology relating to diagnostic procedures
- Provide safe, respectful and quality patient care while interacting with the interprofessional team including the patient, family members and healthcare professionals.
- Maintain patient confidentiality, privacy and ethical requirements of the healthcare field.
About the program
We train students to perform non-invasive diagnostic cardiology procedures, including electrocardiograms, ambulatory monitoring, and exercise stress testing, as well as prepare them to understand advanced concepts in cardiac devices and electrophysiology.
- Blended program delivery that includes online, BCIT lab and clinical rotations
- Online theory course delivery with flexible course load from term to term
- 26 weeks of clinical experiences at hospitals across Canada
- Lab session that provides active practice and application on campus at BCIT
Study while you work, find the balance you need to be successful. See Program Details to find out more about studying cardiology technology at BCIT.
Who it’s for
This program is for:
- Students from all provinces across Canada able to complete clinical outside their home province
- Students interested in working directly with patients at the bedside in a hospital environment
- Motivated and independent learners able to complete online theory courses
- Those able to work in a fast-paced, stressful environment with long periods of standing, walking, and multi-tasking
- Those with excellent communication skills whether interacting with patients or a health care team
Thinking of applying? See Entrance Requirements to discover if this program is right for you.
What grads can do
Our grads can start their careers as soon as they graduate. Graduates also have the opportunity to move on to advanced studies in Cardiac Sciences, or to complete a Bachelor in Health Sciences. Visit Graduating and Jobs and find out more about these opportunities.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
This program has multiple application deadlines and may fill after each deadline date.
Intake | Applications open | Deadline |
---|---|---|
Fall | January 2* | May 15* |
Winter | July 15* | October 15* |
October 16* | November 14* |
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
*or next business day
Entrance requirements
Competitive Entry: Three-step process
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 1 – English Studies 12 (73%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 12 (67%) or
- Pre-Calculus 12 (50%) coupled with Calculus 12 (50%)
- Foundations of Math 12 (67%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
- Biology: one of the following (or equivalent*):
- Anatomy and Physiology 12 (67%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BHSC 0110 - Foundational Human Anatomy and Physiology or
- BHSC 0100 - Human Biology
- Chemistry 11 (67%)
- Physics: one of the following:
- Physics 11 (67%) or
- Physics 12 (67%)
- Complete the following forms for submission with your online application:
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]: This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for the program.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
* Biology: BCIT assesses, on an individual basis, the acceptability of biology prerequisites for applicants who have successfully completed human biology courses at a post-secondary level. The human biology equivalent courses must include cytology and meet the percentage required for this program.
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Step 2: Department assessment
All applications will be reviewed by the program area at the application deadline. Program applicant files are assessed and scored based on completion, academic strength of listed entrance requirements, and scoring of the mandatory questionnaire.
Short listed applicants will be required to complete the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) process virtually.
Step 3: Conditionally selected applicants
If you have been conditionally accepted to BCIT you will be notified and the following information will be required in order to be accepted into the program:
Once these and any other outstanding conditions have been met, you will receive notification of your full acceptance.
Clinical requirements
Immunization
Effective immediately, all health care workers who come into contact with patients at publicly-funded health care facilities or in the community, including at long-term-care facilities, will have to get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask during flu season. This policy affects all students who will be entering a clinical setting.
As such, you will be required to provide proof of your immunization or agree to wear a mask at all times through the flu season prior to being placed in your clinical studies.
Students will be required to provide a current immunization record prior to entrance into the clinical practicum. Necessary forms will be provided by BCIT's program area as part of the practicum application.
Travel and relocation
CARD 3250, is a two week pre-clinical lab that must be completed on-campus at BCIT prior to clinical start. Students are responsible for making travel and accommodation arrangements.
Due to the limited number of clinical sites across the country, students may be required to relocate for one or both of the clinical rotations. Local clinical rotations in a home town are not guaranteed.
Face respirator fit testing
A face piece respiratory fit test is required before students are permitted to enter the clinical practicum. Upon successful completion of the fit test, the original certificate must be presented to the program and annual re-fitting is required. Students are expected to carry their certificate with them at all times during their practicum.
Recommended for success
- Computer skills/knowledge of Windows Operating Systems, MS Word, Excel and Internet Explorer
- Ability to study independently in the online environment
- Ability to work in high stress, fast paced clinical environments
- Excellent communication skills and comfort with direct patient care
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September and January each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information.
Books & supplies
Most online courses require a textbook for reference. Bookstore fees change from term to term.
Face respirator fit testing: approx $40.00 per year (annual re-fitting required.)
Immunization review available at Health Services for $35.00 (including TB skin testing.)
CPR C required annually at approximately $50.00.
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Courses
For those not admitted to the program, taking individual course for the purpose of continuing education is available. No more than three courses may be taken without official acceptance into the program or Program Head approval. Registration for the lab (CARD 3250) and the clinical courses (CARD 3252 and CARD 4252) is not permitted without formally being admitted to the program. Please see the Entrance Requirements page for information on applying to this program.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Term 1 | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
BHSC 1119 | Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology* | 3.0 | |
BMET 1107 | Basic Cardiac Instrumentation and Electricity* | 3.0 | |
CARD 1101 | Introduction to Cardiology | 5.0 | |
CARD 1103 | Medical Terminology | 1.5 | |
CARD 1285 | Communication for Allied Health Professionals | 3.0 | |
NMED 1117 | Basic Venipuncture for Allied Health Professionals | 1.0 | |
*This course is offered in the Fall and Winter terms only | |||
Term 2 | Credits | ||
BHSC 2219 | Anatomy and Physiology for Cardiology** | 3.0 | |
CARD 1186 | Patient Care for Allied Health | 4.0 | |
CARD 1187 | Introductory Statistics for Health | 3.0 | |
CARD 2201 | ECG Interpretation | 5.0 | |
CARD 2202 | Cardiology Diagnostic Testing Methodology | 3.0 | |
**This course is offered in the Winter and Spring terms only | |||
Term 3 | Credits | ||
Note: CARD 3250 is not offered online and must be completed onsite at the Burnaby Campus. | |||
CARD 3250 | Cardiology Technology Diploma Lab | 6.0 | |
CARD 3252 | Cardiology Technology Diploma Clinical 1 | 15.0 | |
Term 4 | Credits | ||
BHSC 3302 | Cardiac Pathophysiology* | 5.0 | |
CARD 3280 | Introduction to Cardiac Rehabilitation* | 3.0 | |
CARD 3330 | Electrocardiography and Pacemakers | 4.0 | |
CARD 3360 | Cardiac Pharmacology | 3.0 | |
CARD 3365 | Interprofessional Practice for Cardiac Sciences* | 3.0 | |
*This course is offered in the Fall and Winter terms only **This course is offered in the Winter and Spring terms only |
|||
Term 5 | Credits | ||
BHSC 1146 | Human Behaviour** | 3.0 | |
CARD 4201 | Concepts in Ambulatory ECG** | 3.0 | |
CARD 4202 | Concepts in Exercise Tolerance Testing** | 3.0 | |
CARD 4203 | Concepts in Pacemakers | 3.0 | |
CARD 5301 | Concepts in Electrophysiology | 3.0 | |
**This course is offered in the Winter and Spring terms only | |||
Term 6 | Credits | ||
CARD 4252 | Cardiology Clinical 2 | 24.0 | |
Total Credits: | 112.5 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Students are responsible for following the course matrix provided, upon admission, in the Department Student Welcome Package as well as the prerequisites listed in each course description.
The Cardiology Diploma program theory courses are available for individual course registration for the purpose of continuing education credits/employment requirements (cardiology technologists, medical lab assistants, nurses and other allied health workers). To register, select the course from the matrix above.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
Clinical Information
BCIT arranges clinical training for the student. Students will be requested to provide their preferences for clinical placements, but there is no guarantee that they will be assigned to one of their preferences. Students can expect to complete a clinical practicum outside of their province.
Training sites are located all across Canada, and students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and transportation.
Note: Student learning during clinical training is supported by BCIT Learning Hub. Students will require internet access other than that at the clinical site.
Program length
Program length can vary depending on the number of theory courses taken each term:
6 to 9 credits per term: approximately three to five years to complete
12 to 18 credits per term: approximately two years to complete
Students are strongly recommended to complete all requirements within five years to be successful on the National Cardiology Technology exam.
Grading
Examinations: Information regarding exams will be provided at term start.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Health Standards Organization (HSO) and its affiliate accreditation (AC) through their new EQUAL Canada program.
Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Academic Courses
This is a blended program with the online learning portion offered in the BCIT online delivery system. It is strongly recommended that students are comfortable with computers and technology and have excellent time management skills to be successful in the program.
There are three 12-week terms of study during the academic year (September, January and April) with milestones to meet each week. Each 3.0 credit course requires approximately 36 hours of commitment over the term. There is a requirement to complete courses during those 12 week terms facilitated by course instructors.
Students may take varying course loads in the theory portion of the program.
Clinical and Lab Courses
CARD 3250 is a two week pre-clinical lab that must be completed on-campus at BCIT prior to clinical start.
There are two clinical rotations in the Cardiology Diploma program: CARD 3252 and CARD 4252 that both take place in the hospital environment. The clinical rotations must be completed full-time.
Clinical rotations are scheduled to start twice a year. CARD 3252 starts in May and September of each year. CARD 4252 starts in April and September of each year. Students are required to plan theory course loads accordingly to line up with clinical entry times.
Clinical placement is determined based on site availability and student academic course history. Placements are across Canada and students should plan on relocation for clinical courses.
Program location
Courses are offered through distance and online learning.Continue your education
Graduates of a recognized Cardiology Technology Diploma program with direct cardiac experience are eligible to apply to the Advanced Certificate in Cardiac Sciences program in the following areas:
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Graduating & Jobs
The BCIT Cardiology Technology program will provide graduates with the theoretical knowledge applicable to clinical application of Cardiology Technology. Graduates will leave with the skills to conduct the required non-invasive diagnostic cardiology procedures in electrocardiograms, ambulatory monitoring, exercise stress testing, as well as prepare them to understand advanced concepts in cardiac devices and electrophysiology.
The BCIT Cardiology Technology program will provide industry with qualified graduates, in appropriate numbers each year, who possess the required entry-level skills for practice and endorse the concept of continual learning throughout their careers.
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- interact with patients, their families, and clinical staff in a professional manner;
- communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in the clinical environment;
- perform independently and as part of a team;
- maintain a safe environment for self, co-workers, patients, and their families;
- demonstrate competency in all required diagnostic cardiac procedures and knowledge areas, as outlined by the CSCT national profile;
- integrate academic knowledge with clinical practice;
- understand related concepts in technology, information management and interprofessional care;
- endorse the concept of continual learning through their careers.
Career opportunities
Careers often start with casual employment and salaries starting at $28 an hour. Positions can be found in:
- Hospitals
- Medical labs
- Cardiac rehabilitation facilities
- Medical device companies
Keep learning
Once you have worked two years in cardiology technology, you can specialize by completing one of our department’s unique, sought-after Advanced Certificates options in Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular Technology, or Cardiac Rhythm Devices. Also explore a Bachelor in Health Sciences through our partnership with Thompson Rivers University Open Learning.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
Professional associations
Registration:
The program is associated with the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT).
Continuing Education Credits for registered CSCT members:
The CSCT has approved BCIT's Cardiology Technology Diploma theory courses for CSCT continuing education credits. Please visit the association website for updated details.
The Cardiology Diploma theory courses are available for individual course registration for the purpose of continuing education credits (technologists, nurses and other allied health areas). To register, view the program matrix and select the required course.
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Cardiology FAQ
- Can I register into individual theory courses without being admitted into the program?
- If I can sign up one course at a time, why do I have to apply?
- How can I make my application more competitive?
- What can I do to prepare myself for success in the selection process?
- I have met all prerequisites for the program. What post-secondary courses can you recommend to support my success
in the selection process and in the program? - Can I apply for transfer credit for my college/university courses?
- What are the working conditions and physical requirements of a career as a Cardiology Technician?
- Where will my clinical placements be located?
- Am I responsible for costs throughout the clinical placement?
- How long is the program?
Can I register into individual theory courses without being admitted into the program?
Registration in most of the individual theory courses is available for professional education or to satisfy employer requirements. Please note: Students must be officially admitted to the program in order to undertake clinical placements and receive a BCIT credential. Taking several individual courses does not guarantee admission to the program. Online theory courses are offered on a term-by-term basis, starting in September, January, and April each year. Continuing Education credits are available to registered CSCT members who take BCIT Cardiology Technology Diploma courses.
If I can sign up one course at a time, why do I have to apply?
Registration and completion of theory courses does not imply program admission. You cannot participate in a clinical practicum or lab work, and you cannot graduate with a BCIT credential, without first being formally admitted to the program.
How can I make my application more competitive?
Admission to the program is highly competitive. In addition to completing all of the prerequisites, successful applicants typically have the following profile:
- Post-secondary education with a focus on human anatomy and physiology and/or health
- Strong academic performance
- Job experience in a fast-paced customer, or patient care, related area
- Volunteering or work experience in a patient environment that includes hands-on physical care of elderly or ill patients/clients
- Demonstration of a clear understanding of the profession and the program
- Excellent communication skills
The questionnaire that is included with the application should exhibit thoughtful, articulate answers to all questions, as these are carefully reviewed in the selection of future students.
What can I do to prepare myself for success in the selection process?
The program looks for well-rounded individuals who will be successful as students and as future technologists. Ensure that you have researched what it means to be a Cardiology technologist and are aware of the scope of the work involved.
I have met all prerequisites for the program. What post-secondary courses can you recommend to
support my success in the selection process and in the program?
Post-secondary health-related courses in human anatomy and physiology, pathology and physics will strengthen your application and will support your overall success in the program.
Can I apply for transfer credit for my college/university courses?
Most courses in the Cardiology Technology Diploma are program-specific. If you are accepted into the program and believe that you have completed courses equivalent to BCIT courses, you may apply for individual transfer credit within the first two weeks of the program start.
What are the working conditions and physical requirements of a career as a Cardiology Technician?
Being a cardiology technician involves:
- Shift work, including work on weekends, holidays, and overtime
- Being able to work long hours standing and walking
- Direct patient contact with the sick, injured, and dying
- Confidence operating sophisticated health care technology
- Working cooperatively in an integrated health care team
Where will my clinical placements be located?
BCIT arranges clinical training for the students accepted to the program. Training sites are located all across Canada, not just in BC. Students will be asked to provide their preferences for clinical placement locations, but there is no guarantee that they will be assigned to one of their preferences.
Am I responsible for costs throughout the clinical placement?
You are responsible for all personal expenses, including food, accommodation, and transportation, throughout the clinical practicum. No stipend is available for any portion of this program.
How long is the program?
Program length varies depending on the number of online theory courses you complete successfully each term. It is possible to complete the whole program in two years; the maximum allowable time to complete is five years.
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