The Claude W. Smith M.D. School of Cardiovascular Technology

Upcoming Events

Open House

Dates: October 20, 2026 from 5-7 p.m., February 11, 2027 5-7 p.m., June 17, 2027 5-7 p.m.

Are you ready to turn your passion for science and helping others into a rewarding, high-demand career? Join us for the Claude W. Smith School of Cardiovascular Technology Open House! Discover how our specialized training programs can prepare you for a dynamic, life-saving role in healthcare.

Here is what you can look forward to:

• Explore Our Programs: Learn about our cutting-edge invasive, non-invasive, and electrophysiology cardiovascular pathways.
• Meet the Experts: Connect with our dedicated faculty, clinical instructors, and current students to get first-hand insights into the program and the profession.
• See the Tech in Action: Tour our state-of-the-art training facilities and get a look at the advanced diagnostic equipment you will use in class and clinical rotations.
• Map Your Future: Get answers to all your questions about admissions, clinical placements, and the incredible job market waiting for you after graduation.

Your future in healthcare starts here. Come see how we combine hands-on clinical experience with top-tier education to set you up for ultimate career success. Contact Us for more information.

Admissions Policy

The following criteria have been established to screen applicants for the cardiovascular program offered by MUSC Health. This policy is instituted in an attempt to offer a fair and equitable selection process that will support the mission statement of MUSC Health and ensure success of the selected students. This policy is intended to be fair, forthright, and meet the growing demands of acceptance into the Claude W Smith M.D., School of Cardiovascular Technology.

All application requirements must be received by the application deadline to include:

• Application submitted via website link. Each program requires a separate application.
• Official sealed transcripts from all institutions that showcase required prerequisites. Programs must receive transcripts directly from colleges or companies such as Parchment by mail or email. Forwarded transcripts and courses shown as transfers will not be accepted.
• Application fee per program is a fifty-dollar, non-refundable check or money order that must be made out to MUSC - Columbia Medical Center with memo line containing applicant name -app fee and mailed or brought in person, or by credit card that can be processed over the phone or in person.

Please note: Incomplete or late applications will not be processed.

Mailing address:

MUSC Laurel Street Pavilion
The Claude W. Smith MD
School of CVT
2001 Laurel St.
Columbia, SC 29204

Or by email to: doughema@musc.edu

If you have any additional questions, contact the admission coordinator, Mary Dougherty directly at 803-256-5627. All prerequisite courses must be completed before the August start date.

Course Prerequisites*

30 credit hours of post-high school education (post high school educational classes must include the following five
classes):

• (Human) Anatomy and Physiology I and lab (4 credits)
• (Human) Anatomy and Physiology II and lab (4 credits)
• Medical Terminology (3 credits)
• College Algebra or higher (3 credits)
• English Composition (3 credits)
• A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 is required for the candidate to be considered for admission to either the Echocardiography and Vascular Sonography or Invasive Cardiovascular Technology programs.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 is required for the candidate to be considered for admission to the Electrophysiology program.

All prerequisite courses must be completed before the August start date. All prerequisites must have been completed within ten years to the program start date. For example, prerequisites for the August 2027 start date must have a completion dated after August 2017 to be considered.

*Note: There will be no waivers or exceptions to any admissions requirements or prerequisite courses. 

Shadow

Qualified applicants will be scheduled for a clinical ‘shadowing’ experience for their selected program(s) of interest. This opportunity will provide first-hand insight into the fields of non-invasive, invasive, and electrophsiology cardiovascular technology. This is an opportunity to meet the instructors and staff and ask questions concerning the program.

• The admission’s coordinator will reach out to each qualified applicant after completed application and transcripts are received. Shadow days require completing a Career Exploration Application which requires up to date immunization records.
• Due to a high volume of applicants, shadow appointments are limited and are a required step for consideration to move forward to the interview phase for each program. As a school within MUSC Health our shadows appointments take place with us within our Columbia, S.C. facilities.

Once all pertinent documents are received, an application committee will review and evaluate the applications. Due to the high volume of applications, and the limited number of students that will be accepted, the committee will put forward only the candidates that will be offered an invitation to be interviewed for acceptance. These interviews will take place in April and/or May of each year, date(s) to be determined.

There is no ‘automatic’ acceptance into the program. All applications put forward by the applications committee will be considered. Final selections will be based on the application documents and candidate interview.

Tuition Policy

Please note: tuition costs and fees are subject to change without notice.

Tuition is $24,000 for the 17-month Invasive and Noninvasive Cardiovascular Technology programs, and $18,000 for the 12-month Intracardiac Electrophysiology program. These charges cover tuition only and are subject to change without notice. A non-refundable $1,000 acceptance fee is required upon acceptance, followed by a $1,000 enrollment fee due before August 1; both deposits are applied directly toward the total cost of tuition. The remaining balance may be paid in interest-free monthly installments, with the first payment due on August 15.

For more payment information, contact Mary Dougherty.

Additional Program Costs

The student is responsible for the costs of these items, as they are not included in the price of tuition. Estimated costs for these items are as follows:

• Laptop with camera - variable
• Textbooks – approximately $300-$550 (used books are acceptable)
• Online Clinical Documentation Account - $150
• Scrubs - variable
• Liability insurance – approximately $50
• Clinical site fees $200 site dependent
• Radiation Badges (Invasive and EP Programs only) - $145.80
• Lead Glasses (Invasive and EP Programs only) - $80-$200
• Registry Exam fee(s) – currently $225-$875
• Clinical travel and/or lodging - variable

Please note that as a part of the hospital system, our programs are not eligible for federal student loans, tax refund credits, or the GI Bill®. We encourage all prospective students to explore private loan options for financing their education if needed.

Refund Policy

A tuition refund will be prorated according to time of withdrawal or termination up to one year from the time of enrollment in accordance to the refund policy. After twelve months, no refund will be provided.

Transfer of Credits

We do not accept or recognize credits or course work from any other cardiovascular program toward the requirements of certification