CVT Program Standards

Invasive CVT applicants should possess sufficient physical, motor, intellectual, and social/communication skills in order to perform their duties successfully. Performance standards for the program are outlined below.

Variable	Standard	Examples
Critical Thinking	Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment and decision making.	Handle multiple priorities in stressful situations. Make accurate independent decisions. Concentrate and focus attention for prolonged periods of time to attain precise testing results. Ability to work alone as well as a member of a team. Apply reasoning and evaluation skills necessary in the safe technical performance of cardiovascular procedures.
Interpersonal	Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.	Display patience, empathy, and concern for others. Deal with fear and hostility in a calm manner. Demonstrate a high degree of patience. Work with other health care providers in stressful life/death situations.
Communication	Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.	Communicate needs in a prompt, clear, and concise manner. Accurately document pertinent information. Follow verbal and/or written instructions. Interact with patients and other healthcare providers in a professional manner.
Mobility	Physical abilities sufficient to move independently from room to room and through hallways; ability to maneuver in small places.	Respond promptly to patient's needs, manipulate equipment, lift a minimum of 30lbs, exert a sustained force of 20lbs, push/pull mobile equipment weighing up to 300lbs; participate as a team member of four in moving a 150 pound incapacitated patient; ensure patient safety; stand for prolonged periods of time (sometimes wearing a 12-20 lb lead apron underneath gown); walking equivalent of 5 miles per day; sit for periods of 1 hour.
Tactile and Motor Skills	Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform cardiovascular technology skills.	Ability to grasp, hold, grip, seize, turn, or otherwise manipulate work with hands. Work with fingers to manipulate switches, dials, and other computer equipment. Input data into computer.
Hearing	Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.	Communicate verbally with patients and other healthcare providers. Detect and evaluate the sounds of cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, IV pumps, fire alarms, etc.
Visual	Visual ability sufficient for physical observation.	Observe and monitor patients. Perceive attributes of an object via touch. Palpate.