BHSC 1119 is a general survey of basic human structure and function. It may serve as an overview for those wishing some fundamental insights into anatomy and physiology, or as the foundation on which further study can build. The course initially establishes the basics of cells and tissues, and then goes on to survey the body’s major organ systems.

The goals of this course are to introduce students to basic electricity, simple circuit analysis, electrical safety, operation principles, and basic building blocks of biomedical instrumentation. Some biomedical devices relating to Cardiology Technology practice are discussed. Prerequisites: Principles of Math 12, Physics 11 (C+ or better).

This course introduces the student to the medical speciality of cardiology. The course begins with a review of the normal cardiac anatomy and physiology, then introduces the various non-invasive and invasive diagnostic studies currently performed. Students are also exposed to a variety of common abnormal cardiovascular conditions, syndromes, and treatment strategies.

Designed to familiarize the cardiology technology student with Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes commonly used in that discipline. Supported by a text workbook, user guide, CD-ROM and online courseware which promote a highly visual approach to demonstrating the terms. Also provides a built-in audio pronunciation guide. Challenge course available.

Allied Health Professionals can spend a considerable part of their working day writing: documenting patient care, writing letters and memos, preparing written information for clients, writing policies and procedures, completing reports and preparing oral presentations. This course will be an introduction to communicating effectively and maintaining professional relationships in the allied health workplace. Students may also research and write about topics related to their field, for possible publication in professional journals or for delivery at conferences. This course teaches the skills needed to perform these tasks efficiently and effectively.

This ONLINE course is designed for students of allied health training programs or allied health practitioners who have not yet received training in venipuncture. Provides the basic theory and procedure for performing simple venipuncture by syringe and needle, evacuated system and butterfly needle for the purpose of either blood collection or injection of a substance into the bloodstream. This ONLINE course includes graphics and video clips demonstrating equipment and procedures. A six hour, one-day laboratory workshop component is associated with and follows successful completion of the online course. For students able to attend the BCIT Campus, the laboratory workshop is strongly recommended; register for the section (CRN) including BOTH the ONLINE course AND Laboratory workshop. For students at a distance, register for the online course only and gain venipuncture skills in your clinical practicum.

This course is designed to assist the student to handle common events encountered in health care settings in a responsive and professional manner. Students will learn how to effectively manage stress, diffuse conflict, and negotiate mutually beneficial solutions in interactions with patients and colleagues.

BHSC 2219 is a Human Anatomy and Physiology course designed specifically for allied health professionals in the field of Cardiology. As such, its major focus is structure and function of the heart. Anatomy of the heart and the relation of the heart to thoracic structures are covered. The structure of the heart muscle cell or myocyte is related to its electrical and mechanical properties. A discussion of the electrical events of the cardiac cycle serves to provide the electrophysiological basis of the ECG. Mechanical events of the cycle are related to electrical events and to the pressure and volume changes in the heart chambers. Structure and function of the blood vessels as components of the circulatory system are covered. A unit on circulatory physiology serves to integrate functions of the heart, blood, and vessels. Discussions of the respiratory and urinary systems as they influence, and are influenced by, the circulation are included. Prerequisites: 60% in BHSC 1119

Course content introduces the student to the various health and safety measures to be considered when working with patients in a hospital or private laboratory setting. The student will learn how to carry out a variety of basic health care procedures and become familiar with equipment commonly found in the patient care environment. Prerequisites: 60% in CARD 1103

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge essential to interpreting cardiac tests and procedures. This course introduces the student to ECG interpretation by discussion of the basis of ECG, principles of 12-lead interpretation, electrical axis, conduction delays, hypertrophy, ischemia, infarction, and miscellaneous effects on ECG. There is also a brief introduction to artificial pacemakers. Prerequisites: 60% in BHSC 1119 and 60% in BMET 1107 and 60% in CARD 1101

This course introduces the learner to the methodology of non-invasive cardiology diagnostic testing. This will include the Electrocardiogram, Ambulatory Monitoring Exercise Tolerance testing, and Pacemaker theory. Prerequisites: 60% in CARD 1101

This workshop course takes place within the academic learning environment and will introduce students to the skills/knowledge and equipment to be used in the clinical practicum portion of the program. Students will receive introductory skills in the areas of electrocardiograms; ambulatory ECG hook-up, analysis, and exercise tolerance testing. Students will also develop basic skills in patient care techniques, communication, and professional practice. Throughout, students will be exposed to simulation technology (patient simulators and virtual patients) as it applies to Cardiology Technology. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Term 1 and 2 courses.

This course will rotate students through the cardiology department of various hospital professional labs and doctor’s offices to obtain clinical experience in electrocardiograms, ambulatory ECG hookup, and patient care skills. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Term 1 and 2 courses and CARD 3251 Workshop.

Studies cardiovascular disorders emphasizing the concept of disease as a disturbance of normal structure and function. The course begins with a discussion of functional cardiac anatomy, followed by a detailed examination of cardiac pathologies commonly encountered by the cardiovascular technologist. Systemic diseases and malfunction of organ systems which initiate or are a consequence of cardiac failure will also be discussed, particularly those of the respiratory and renal systems. Prerequisites: 60% in BHSC 2219

This course introduces students to the use of statistics as a tool for research in the health sciences. Topics covered include descriptive statistics (organization and presentation of data), probability (discrete/continuous), estimation (confidence intervals and sample size), hypothesis testing (involving means and proportions), and linear regression (least squares fit and associated confidence/prediction intervals).

Through readings, assignments, telephone tutoring, and D2L computer-based activities, this course will deal with the fundamental principles and concepts of radiation protection for Cardiac Imaging. First, the biological effects of radiation will be presented, followed by a description of the general framework for radiation protection. Factors affecting dose in Cardiac Imaging will be outlined as well as radiation dose studies in Interventional Fluoroscopy. The course concludes with the Canadian guidelines and recommendations for radiation protection of patients, personnel, and members of the public, as stated in Health Canada, Radiation Safety Code 35 (SC-35). Prerequisite: Cardiology - Level 1 or tutor approval.

Students in this course will advance their knowledge in ECG recognition and evaluation, 12-lead electrocardiogram and pacemaker ECG evaluation. A detailed examination of cellular mechanisms, conduction, pathology and the disease processes responsible for irregularities of the heart rate are presented. Special attention is directed to methods of determining axis, rate, rhythm, myocardial damage, and conduction disturbances, as well as understanding pacemaker behavior. Prerequisites: CARD 2201

Students in this course will examine various drug classifications. As well, the student is shown how current medical therapies are employed in the electrophysiological study during both diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization. Prerequisites: BHSC 3302

Through readings and assignments, this course will provide a systematic overview of the first principles and concepts of healthcare informatics for cardiology technologists. First, a brief history of healthcare informatics is given, followed by an outline of computer, information, and healthcare informatics literacy needed for an understanding of healthcare informatics, the second major topic of this course. This section will highlight the essential elements, such as the purpose, structure, and function of healthcare informatics departments, applications, standards, electronic medical records, information security and confidentially, and system integration. The course concludes with a discussion of specialty applications in cardiology, radiology, education, research, and telehealth.

This course provides an overview of cardiac rehabilitation, emphasizing the concept of cardiac illness as a chronic disease and the importance of risk actor modification. Over the next twelve weeks, issues related to teaching patients safe and effective cardiac rehabilitation will be presented and discussed. Cardiac rehabilitation program standards and case studies are presented. Prerequisites: CARD 3252

This course provides the student with information on concepts of ambulatory ECG that is essential to the practicing cardiology technologist. Ambulatory ECG topics covered include: principles of operation of scanners/recorders, indications/diary/findings, conduction disturbances, ischemia drugs and miscellaneous, implantable devices and reporting. Prerequisites: CARD 3330

This course provides the student with information on concepts of exercise tolerance testing and exercise prescription that are essential to the practicing cardiology technologist. Exercise testing and exercise prescription topics covered include: general principles; importance of general factors such as age, gender, and environment; and various diseases and heath states. Theoretical basis and clinical application of exercise tolerance testing and exercise prescription to special cases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, spinal disorders and low back pain, diabetes, obesity, asthma, chronic obstructive respiratory disorders, cystic fibrosis, coronary artery disease, hypertension, children with heart disease, valvular and congenital heart diseases in adults, low functional capacity, end-stage renal disease, and pregnancy are discussed. Prerequisites: 60% in CARD 3330 and 60% in CARD 2202 and 60% in CARD 3360

Includes indications, technology, electrophysiology, programmability, modes, hemodynamics, rate-modulated implantable cardioverter defibrillator and anticardia devices, implantation and patient followup. Prerequisites: 60% in CARD 3330 and 60% in CARD 3360

This course will rotate students through the cardiology department of various hospital professional labs and doctor’s offices to obtain clinical experience in electrocardiogram review, ambulatory ECG analysis, exercise tolerance testing, and continued patient care skills. Prerequisite: All Cardiology Technology diploma courses.