Southeast Tech outlines invasive cardiology program growth and simulation investments

Southeast Technical College program director Jenna Ellerbusch told the board that the college’s invasive cardiology program combines classroom instruction, simulation and clinical rotations aimed at producing credentialed invasive cardiovascular specialists.

Ellerbusch said the program is roughly 77 credits, including four semesters of didactic coursework followed by seven months of clinical placements. Clinical partners named in the presentation included Avera and Sanford in Sioux Falls and Memorial in Rapid City. She described hands‑on clinical training that begins with angiography and extends to structural heart procedures and electrophysiology, including ablations and pacemaker care.

The program director said recent cohort numbers include seven recent graduates, 10 students currently in clinicals and 11 students who started in the fall. She said students sit for the international CCI credential and that pass rates to date have been strong. "You give me two years. It's an investment that nobody can take away from you," Ellerbusch said, summarizing the program’s value proposition.

Ellerbusch highlighted a new simulation suite that includes a VR cath lab, SymMan vascular simulators and full‑scale defibrillator and code training. She said simulation allows students to practice procedures in a controlled environment before clinical placements.

Board members asked about program capacity, licensure portability and local demand. Ellerbusch said the program can enroll up to 26 students, that demand in the region is high, and that most graduates secure jobs soon after program completion. The board moved to acknowledge the invasive cardiology update; the motion carried by voice vote.