Bachelor of Science in Cardiac Technology

Cardiac technology is an allied health profession specifically focused on the diagnosis and management of patients with cardiac and vascular disease.  Cardiac technology specialists are highly skilled professionals qualified to provide patient care by using diagnostic echocardiography or by assisting with cardiac catheterization either diagnostically or through intervention or by managing cardiac perfusion in open-heart surgery.

Program tracks                          Cardiac Catheterization,  Echocardiography, Cardiac Perfusion

College

College of Applied Medical Sciences

Campus

Dammam

Track

Health

Level

Undergraduate

Degree

BSc

Gender

Female

Years of study

5 (Includes Preparatory and Internship years)

Credit hours

129

Additional requirements

Internship

Stage one

(pre-specialty stage): is three years long and is devoted to academic studies in the College and includes the Preparatory year and specialty courses.

Stage two

(specialty stage): is one academic year, where the student receives extensive practical training in different specialized hospitals’ cardiology departments that are approved by the University.

Internship

Followed by a training year (internship) to promote practical skills that were learned throughout their years of study at IAU.

Program Learning Outcomes

Track A: Echocardiography

Knowledge and understanding

• 1.1       Describe the fundamentals of cardiovascular and other related sciences. 
• 1.2       Recall the principles and procedures of Electrocardiogram, Echocardiogram, basic Cardiac catheterization, and basic Cardiac Perfusion. 
• 1.3       Recognize the concepts of research methodology, medical ethics, and legal considerations of healthcare within the spectrum of Cardiac Technology profession.

Skills

• 2.1       Demonstrate the principles of Electrocardiogram, Echocardiography, basic Cardiac Perfusion and basic Cardiac catheterization procedures to practice safely and effectively.
• 2.2       Assess accurately cardiac structure, function, and abnormal valvular findings in Echocardiography.
• 2.3       Develop skills in obtaining non-invasive and basic invasive cardiac techniques through calibrating and manipulating instruments and drugs.
• 2.4       Apply critical thinking on echocardiography-related statistical data to conceive research ideas.
• 2.5       Show effectively the use of   information technology and communication skills in professional settings.

Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility

• 3.1       Show responsibility towards teamwork and self-learning for continuous professional development.
• 3.2       Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct within the scope of Cardiac Technology profession that is consistent with the Islamic values.

Track B: Cardiac Catheterization

Knowledge and understanding

• 1.1       Describe the fundamentals of cardiovascular and other related sciences. 
• 1.2       Recall the principles and procedures of Electrocardiogram, Cardiac catheterization, basic Echocardiogram, and basic Cardiac Perfusion.
• 1.3       Recognize the concepts of research methodology, medical ethics, and legal considerations of healthcare within the spectrum of Cardiac Technology profession.

Skills

• 2.1       Demonstrate the principles of Electrocardiogram, Cardiac catheterization, basic Cardiac Perfusion, and basic Echocardiogram procedures to practice safely and effectively.
• 2.2       Interpret accurately coronary lesions and hemodynamic findings in Cardiac catheterization.
• 2.3       Develop skills in obtaining invasive and basic non-invasive cardiac techniques through calibrating and manipulating instruments and drugs.
• 2.4       Apply critical thinking on Cardiac catheterization-related statistical data to conceive research ideas.
• 2.5       Show effectively the use of   information technology and communication skills in professional settings.

Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility

• 3.1       Show responsibility towards teamwork and self-learning for continuous professional development.
• 3.2       Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct within the scope of Cardiac Technology profession that is consistent with the Islamic values.

Track C: Cardiac Perfusion

Knowledge and understanding

• 1.1 Describe the fundamentals of cardiovascular and other related sciences. 
• 1.2 Recall the principles and procedures of Electrocardiogram, Cardiac Perfusion, and basic Cardiac catheterization, and basic Echocardiogram.
• 1.3 Recognize the concepts of research methodology, medical ethics, and legal considerations of healthcare within the spectrum of Cardiac Technology profession.

Skills

• 2.1       Demonstrate the principles of Electrocardiogram, Cardiac Perfusion, basic Cardiac catheterization, and basic Echocardiogram procedures to practice safely and effectively.
• 2.2       Evaluate accurately hemodynamic findings and arterial blood gases in operation room.
• 2.3       Develop skills in obtaining invasive and basic non-invasive cardiac techniques through calibrating and manipulating instruments and drugs.
• 2.4       Apply critical thinking on Cardiac perfusion-related statistical data to conceive research ideas.
• 2.5       Show effectively the use of   information technology and communication skills in professional settings.

Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility

• 3.1       Show responsibility towards teamwork and self-learning for continuous professional development.
• 3.2       Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct within the scope of Cardiac Technology profession that is consistent with the Islamic values.

Graduate attributes

1. Deep knowledge and intellectual breadth
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Digital capabilities
7. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Key Performance Indicators 

Graduates’ employability and enrollment in postgraduate programs

• 2024-2025: 

Employability: 72%,  Post Graduate enrollment: 16%

• 2023-2024: 

Employability: 58%,  Post Graduate enrollment: 8%

• 2022-2023: 42%
• 2021-2022: 10%

Students' performance in the professional and/or national examinations 

• 2024-2025:100%
• 2023-2024:100%
• 2022-2023: 100%

Percentage of Faculty/Staff and Students Engaged in Community Service Activities

• 2024-2025:
  Faculty: 80%,  Students: 54%

• 2023-2024:
  Faculty: 90.90%,  Students: 61.86%

First year

The students will complete their Preparatory year in the Health track.

Second year

In the second year students will study the basic cardiac sciences (both theoretical as well as applied laboratory based courses) including cardiovascular anatomy, physiology and studying heart diseases.  The students will also take classes in applied physics, biochemistry and microbiology.

Third year

Students will master basic clinical skills related to heart disease such as the basics of:  echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, cardiac perfusion, ECG and other clinical skills.

Fourth year

During the fourth year three subspecialties, Echocardiography, Cardiac Catheterization and Cardiac Perfusion will be emphasized with a focus on the clinical skills associated with these subspecialties.   

Fifth year (Internship year)

The Internship year will be spent doing rotations in various specialized cardiac technology units: Non-invasive (ECG, holter, 24h BP monitor, stress test) Echocardiography, Cardiac Catheterization, and Cardiac Perfusion, with a rotation of at least three months at the university’s hospital and the remainder of the internship will be performed at other well-respected specialized hospitals.