Cardiovascular Institute

To date, the CVI has graduated 77 professionals with expertise in adult echocardiography, cardiovascular perfusion and invasive cardiovascular technology, 47 of whom (61%) have been hired within the Baylor Scott & White Health system. For the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, all seats are expected to be filled. The school has grown yet again, increasing its student body to 28 students on their path to success in these high-demand specialties.

Filling a crucial gap

Cardiovascular perfusion is one of the most in-demand, yet least accessible, specialties in allied health. Most states have just one program, if any—and many programs now require master’s degrees, further narrowing the pool of eligible applicants.

Our one-year program helps close that gap. We enroll highly qualified students with bachelor’s degrees who meet specific prerequisites and prepare them to pass the demanding national board exams.

Attracting and supporting students

We maintain high recruitment standards, requiring all students to have an associate’s (for adult echocardiography and invasive cardiovascular technology) or bachelor’s (for cardiovascular perfusion) degree.

Once students arrive, they have options for scholarships and other forms of financial aid. Thanks to the staunch support from The Heart Hospital administration and the generous largess of local donors, CVI students enjoy a turnkey, private education that entails everything they need to succeed, including meal cards that may be used at all Baylor Scott & White Health facilities. The financial assistance helps ensure financial concerns don’t prevent them from successfully completing their programs.

Continual improvement

Our instructors also focus on continual improvements in their curricula, and CVI leadership has invested in new technologies and simulators to ensure our graduates leave with an intimate knowledge of the latest advancements in their fields.