Majors in this field must satisfactorily complete 100 semester hours of academic work plus a clinical internship where they receive specific training in one or more areas of emphasis within cardiovascular diagnostics: invasive, noninvasive, and vascular specialties. The first year will focus on the general education requirements of the college (40-50 hours) which include courses in English, mathematics, foreign language, behavioral sciences, history and freshmen level chemistry and biology. The major courses (26 hours) are completed over the next two years and include courses in cell biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry. Students are expected to complete eight hours in entry-level physics, plus four hours in a major level biology or chemistry course plus one or two electives to bring their total credits to 100 hours. The clinical internship program replaces the cognate requirement of the College.

Progressive GPA standards are enforced for continuation in the program. Upon completion of 30 credit hours a minimum GPA of 2.50 is required; at 60 credit hours a minimum GPA of 2.75 is required. Upon completion of the specified academic requirements, only students who have gained admission into an accredited CVT school will be retained in the program.

Transfer students admitted to this degree program must complete the last 30 credit hours of academic work in residence at the University of South Carolina prior to entering the intensive CVT clinical internship.