BayCare gives Polk State Cardiovascular Technology students firsthand look at careers

Representatives with BayCare recently visited Polk State College Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) students at Polk State Airside Center West to share the benefits of working for the healthcare system and what to expect if employed within a BayCare facility.

A leading nonprofit healthcare system with hospitals and outpatient centers across Central Florida, BayCare is a strong partner of the College, specifically its Health Sciences and Nursing programs.

“We were talking to your fantastic students about potential careers with BayCare as well as some insight into the career they are about to embark in,” said Brian Frazier, Interventional Services Manager for St. Joseph’s Hospital – South. “It gives them the opportunity to get some one-on-one discussions with experts in the field.”

Polk State’s Cardiovascular Technology students expressed their appreciation for BayCare’s time as well as the College’s effort connecting them to employers for not only future career opportunities, but also real-world insight into the field from those who are living and breathing it each day – some for decades.

“It’s beneficial for organizations like BayCare to come out and speak with us because I would have no idea what your organizations would offer,” student Anna Gilay explained. “I would not even know where to begin as far as research or who to talk to about the perks of working there.”

“Also, to hear from people who have experience working for that organization is a big deal as well.”

Frazier and his colleagues fielded questions from the students regarding a typical workday, what it means to be “on call” at the hospital, and what opportunities are available for promoting and continuing education while working for the organization.

“It gives you a real feel for what it is like to be in the working world, an idea of what it would be like to work with the team, and [a view of] what kinds of opportunities are out there,” student David Mehl said.

“It’s important for students to see people who are in practice and who are graduates from Polk [who] can show them that what they learn here really is applicable to what they will be doing when they enter their career fields. As far as health sciences goes, Polk State has one of the most well-rounded, total program offerings.”

In addition to employment opportunities, Structural Heart Supervisor for BayCare – Winter Haven Hospital Julia Beswick also provided a presentation on technology and structural heart procedures. Beswick is a three-time graduate of Polk State and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an Associate in Science in Nursing, and an Associate in Science in Radiologic Technology from the College. She holds the Registered Radiological Technologist credential and is also a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist with years of catheterization lab experience. She serves as an adjunct professor in the Nursing Program.

“It’s important for students to see people who are in practice and who are graduates from Polk [who] can show them that what they learn here really is applicable to what they will be doing when they enter their career fields,” Beswick said. “As far as health sciences goes, Polk State has one of the most well-rounded, total program offerings.”

Polk State Cardiovascular Technology Program graduates boast a 95% pass rate on the licensure exam, exceeding national and state averages.

Gilay shared that she chose Polk State Cardiovascular Technology because it is the local, affordable option, as well as a quality program in which the program director and instructor truly care about the students. She added that it is the “extra” opportunities such as BayCare’s visit that takes Polk State’s CVT Program to the next level.

“I would recommend the CVT Program because it is a fast-growing industry,” Gilay added. “Being able to help people [is] going to be the biggest reward I will find in this career.”

Cardiovascular technologist and technician jobs are expected to grow 10% by 2032, much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Find your why,” Frazier said. “You want to know why you are doing this. You want to make sure this is something you want to pursue in the future. You want to make sure this is something that will fulfill you and drive you to the next stage of your career, whatever that may be. So find your why.”

The application period for Polk State’s Cardiovascular Technology Program typically runs from April 15 through June 30. Those who are interested should visit and monitor polk.edu/cvt.