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Society of Cardiopulmonary Technology (NZ) Inc.
Making a Difference in Health & Technology
Certification of
Cardiac Physiologists
A cardiac physiologist typically performs the following roles:
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Ambulatory ECG monitor analysis and reporting (Holter/event)
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Cardiac catheterisation procedures: setup, monitoring, measurements, analysis and reporting of results during coronary angiograms, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), right heart studies, interventional procedures (i.e. TAVI, ASD closure)
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Pacemaker, implantable loop recorder (ILR) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation technical support: device selection and programming, patient setup and monitoring, lead testing and documentation.
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Pacemaker, ILR and ICD patient follow-up care: outpatient clinics, remote follow-up, inpatient support
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Electrophysiology studies and ablation - technical role
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Exercise tolerance testing – supervision role
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May also perform cardiac technician duties as required by the place of employment
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Minimum of a BSc in physiology (preferred) or other relevant science major. Applicants with other qualifications may be accepted but this is at the discretion of the employer and Otago University.
Employment Requirements
The trainee is required to be employed with a job title that reflects the technical nature of the role (i.e. trainee cardiac physiologist). The employing hospital must have current accreditation as a training hospital which is issued by SCT. Where a hospital does not meet the accreditation requirements, joint accreditation may be issued with a nearby larger centre to provide support for training.
Qualifications
The Certification of Cardiac Physiologists (CCP) is a continuation of the CPM course - which
is completed in the first year of training. The second year of the CCP qualification consists of four modules which are delivered by online learning, and are completed concurrently with Otago university qualifications.
The CCP course may be started at any time throughout the year and requires a clinical
supervisor, who is employed in a technical role, is a member of SCT and is competent to
perform the practical training. The CCP course covers the following procedures:
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Ambulatory Monitor Analysis
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Cardiac Catheterisation for Coronary Artery Disease
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Pacemaker Implantation
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Pacemaker Follow-up
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Echocardiography
Pacemaker implantation and echocardiography procedures are observed during training. On completion of the CCP course the cardiac physiologist is not competent to perform these procedures, or pacemaker follow-up, independently.
Course content may require completion of a logbook, trainer checklist, and competency
assessment forms (DOPS). Theoretical assessment methods during the course include:
tests, assignments, case studies and a final exam.
The following Otago university qualifications are offered by distance learning (plus block
weekends) and courses commence at the start of the university year.
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Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Technology* – year 1
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Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Technology – year 2
*This qualification may be obtained prior to employment as a trainee cardiac physiologist.
On attainment of: CCP, the Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Technology and 2 years of
relevant work experience, the qualified cardiac physiologist is eligible to obtain an APC
(cardiac scope of practice) without conditions, with the Clinical Physiologists Registration
Board.
Forms & Documents
Refund Policy
The refund policy is detailed in the following document;