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About the program

This unique, part-time graduate certificate program is geared to registered nurses and registered practical nurses working in, or looking to enter the field of cardiovascular or cardiac care nursing. In this program, you will focus on the care of the adult client with acute cardiovascular problems. Emphasis is placed on the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, arrhythmia interpretations, assessment skills, advanced cardiac monitoring, and client care including prevention, management and rehabilitation. All theory courses are completed online to provide flexible scheduling opportunities for the busy professional. Students will apply newly learned theory, knowledge, and skills while completing a clinical placement in the cardiovascular nursing environment. This program has been developed based on the Canadian Nurses Association exam competencies for Cardiovascular Nursing.

Program information

All courses must be completed within 4 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

  • Current College of Nurses of Ontario Certificate of Registration as an RN or RPN

Note re: admission requirements

  • Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL iBT 88; IELTS 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0; CAEL 70 with no sub-test band scores less than 60; PTE Academic 58; CELAP (Conestoga English Language Assessment and Placement), 82 or higher; or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.
  • We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. An applicant will be eligible for admission to the graduate certificate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Attach proof of Admission Requirements.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Program requirements

  • Mandatory practicum health and safety document requirements must be completed by students prior to student field/clinical placements. Clinical placements are only available to students registered in the program and must be arranged by the Placement Office. Successful placement completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for field/clinical placement learning experiences, students must present the following:
    • A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, varicella, COVID-19, and hepatitis B. Seasonal flu vaccination is required during flu season (October - March).
    • TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
    • Standard First Aid and CPR - BLS (Basic Life Support)
    • An annual Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in field placement/clinical which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of placement start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
  • Applicants are advised that a latex-free environment in the College or clinical setting is NOT guaranteed.
  • Travel within the program: Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from assigned learning settings external to the College and for covering any costs incurred. The location of these learning sites could be anywhere within a one hour's drive of the Kitchener - Doon campus.
  • Applicants should display integrity, reliability, maturity, self-direction, self-discipline, determination, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, poise and leadership attributes.

Graduate opportunities

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Differentiate normal cardiac and vascular anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to recognize signs and symptoms of cardiac and vascular disease
  • Provide relevant health education to patients and their families related to risk factors of cardiovascular disease taking into consideration individual psychosocial needs and factors
  • Plan integrated nursing care using knowledge of cardiovascular pharmacology optimize the patient outcome
  • Analyse comprehensive assessment data to inform clinical practice
  • Interpret hemodynamic data to determine when pharmacological, surgical, and/or mechanical therapy may be appropriate
  • Use core concepts related to cardiac dysrhythmias and a systematic approach of ECG interpretation to identify the significance and treatment of each arrhythmia
  • Develop and evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation plan using core concepts related to health promotion, prevention and rehabilitation
  • Provide responsible, accountable and ethical care in compliance with professional standards specific to: ischemic heart disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, vascular disease and inflammatory / infectious processes and for patients requiring surgical and percutaneous intervention
  • Respond safely to cardiac and vascular emergencies, including cardiogenic shock and vascular emergencies

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Opens November 4, 2024
Spring registration: Opens March 17, 2025