Cardiovascular Technology Programs

The Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute - School of Cardiovascular Technology, located at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford CT, is a hospital-based school that provides programs and training in noninvasive and invasive cardiovascular technology.

    • Applications for October enrollments (Adult Cardiac Ultrasound, Vascular Utrasound, and Invasive Cardiovascular Technology) are accepted Feb 1st through May 1st with a July selection date.
    • Applications for April enrollments (Vascular Ultrasound and Pediatric Cardiac Ultrasound) are accepted October 1st through January 1st with a February selection date.

The Cardiovascular Technology Programs are designed to prepare the graduate to be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills necessary to perform as an entry-level technologist. Upon completion of the program, the graduate should have didactic knowledge and practical experience in his or her respective field of study. The student should have developed the minimum competencies to sit for national registry exams in his or her respective field of study. In addition, the student will have the opportunity to learn to work effectively with other allied healthcare professionals, patients, and families to promote patient safety, diagnosis, and recovery.


    Program Goals and Objectives

    These nationally recognized programs have been incredibly successful due to the small class size, renowned faculty and clinical site education. The adult cardiac ultrasound, pediatric cardiac ultrasound, and invasive cardiovascular technology programs attained accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

    In addition to the 100% graduation rates, registry exam pass rates, and placement rates. The physician, academic and clinical instructors create the triad of "best practices" in CVT education resulting in student educational experience that is second to none! 

    Find out more about each of the programs offered at Hoffman Heart below!

    The Cardiovascular Technology Programs are designed to prepare the graduate to be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills necessary to perform as an entry-level technologist. Upon completion of the program, the graduate should have didactic knowledge and practical experience in his or her respective field of study. The student should have developed the minimum competencies to sit for national registry exams in his or her respective field of study. In addition, the student will have the opportunity to learn to work effectively with other allied healthcare professionals, patients, and families to promote patient safety, diagnosis, and recovery.

    Outcomes and History

    The Cardiovascular Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRCCVT) and CAAHEP recognizes the program’s substantial compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards. As a result of meeting accreditation standards, the program continues to produce outstanding sonographers and is recognized as one of the most successful cardiac ultrasound programs in the country. Since becoming programmatically accredited in 2003, the adult cardiac ultrasound school has had a 100% pass rate with our students consistently scoring above average on the national credentialing exams. In addition, graduates of the Cardiac Ultrasound program have a 100% placement rate upon completion of the program. The Pediatric Cardiac Ultrasound School received national accreditation in 2015. It became the second program of its kind in the country. It has been recognized as the best in the country with a 100% Pass rate on the national exam and a 100% placement rate after graduation. The School of Invasive Cardiovascular Technology was the first school of its kind in New England when it was founded in 2015.  The school has had a 100% job placement for all of those who graduated. 

    Mission | Goals and Objectives

    • Mission: The Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute's School of Cardiovascular Technology is a provider of quality, competency-based educational programs. The school is committed to the education of the total professional, using hands-on curriculum in a student-centered environment to prepare students to become successful in a competitive world. The school upholds and maintains the vision and goals of Saint Francis Hospital.
    • Goals and Objectives: The Cardiovascular Technology Programs are designed to prepare the graduate to be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills necessary to perform as an entry-level technologist. Upon completion of the program, the graduate should have didactic knowledge and practical experience in his or her respective field of study. The student should have developed the minimum competencies to sit for national registry exams in his or her respective field of study. In addition, the student will have the opportunity to learn to work effectively with other allied healthcare professionals, patients, and families to promote patient safety, diagnosis, and recovery.

    Financial Assistance

    The Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute School of Cardiovascular Technology does not offer conventional Financial Aid as a hospital-based certificate program. The students are required to secure finances on their own. Below is a list of a few financial loan lenders partnered with the school. The students are free to use any lender they choose.


    Meritize student loans can be applied for at any time, regardless of if a student has been accepted into a program or not.  Meritize also offers loan deferment. See more information on Meritize loans here:

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