News Release 

Singapore, 24 July 2025 – Setting a new benchmark in specialised cardiac nursing education, the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) introduced a Graduate Certificate in Cardiac Interventional Radiology Nursing programme. As the first formal graduate programme with procedure-based teaching specifically developed for cardiac interventional nurses, it represents a significant step forward in cardiovascular care. This initiative aims to equip nurses with specialised skills to combat cardiovascular disease, which remains Singapore’s leading cause of death.

The comprehensive 4.5-month curriculum, organised by NHCS and SingHealth’s College of Clinical Nursing combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical training in NHCS's Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab), where thousands of patients receive treatments annually.

ADDRESSING A CRITICAL HEALTHCARE NEED

With cardiovascular disease claiming nearly one-third of lives in Singapore¹, the demand for sophisticated cardiac care continues to rise. At NHCS's Cardiac Cath Lab, one of Southeast Asia's busiest angioplasty centres, skilled nurses work alongside a multidisciplinary team of doctors and radiographers daily to perform life-saving procedures such as opening blocked heart arteries and fixing damaged heart valves. Each procedure requires specialised and exceptional knowledge and skills which are unique to the Cardiac Cath Lab environment, and where nurses play a key role from preparation through to recovery.

“In a high-volume cardiac catheterisation laboratory, every member of the team plays a critical role. Highly skilled nurses are not just support staff - they are integral to the success of each procedure. This graduate programme presents a major stride forward in professionalising and deepening the capabilities of our Cardiac Cath Lab nurses. By empowering them with specialised knowledge and procedural proficiency, we strengthen collaboration across the care team, enhance precision and safety, and ultimately advance cardiac care.” said Assoc Prof Aaron Wong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, NHCS. Assoc Prof Wong is also the Director of Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory.

"This accredited programme represents a significant milestone in advancing cardiac nursing education in Singapore," said Ms Amy Tay, Chief Nurse, NHCS. "As heart procedures are becoming increasingly complex, it is crucial that our nurses maintain not only strong critical thinking and technical skills, but also remain confident and compassionate in patient care. Through investing in nurses’ professional development, we ensure patients receive the highest quality care from professionals who possess both advanced expertise and a deep understanding of patients’ needs."

Currently, nurses who wish to work in the Cardiac Cath Lab undergo a two-step preparation: completing postgraduate critical care nursing qualification at a polytechnic, followed by on-the-job training. Whilst this foundation is valuable, it lacks specialised, structured training for actual procedural scenarios. The new Graduate Certificate in Cardiac Interventional Radiology Nursing addresses this gap by providing comprehensive, structured training – from procedural to recovery care. This programme equips them with advanced competencies to handle complex cases such as high-risk procedures requiring mechanical circulatory support and emergency management.

"Every minute counts when we are in the Cardiac Cath Lab treating heart patients,” said Ms Tina Teo, Senior Nurse Manager, and lead nurse for Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory, NHCS. "Our nurses need to be ready for any situation – from routine procedures to emergency cases. This programme develops their expertise in reading complex heart scans, understanding detailed cardiac measurements (including cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics), and making rapid decisions in complex cases. It’s like giving our nurses a new set of eyes and hands – they learn to see potential complications before they happen and respond with precision when every second matters; providing vital support to the medical team.” 

COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE 

The curriculum comprises three main components: (1) theoretical learning with simulated practice, (2) supervised clinical attachment at NHCS’s Cardiac Cath Lab, and (3) institution-based practical training. 

Through this comprehensive approach, participants master advanced diagnostic and interventional radiology techniques, complex patient assessment skills, and emergency response protocols while adhering to international best practices. This enhanced skillset directly improves patient safety, clinical outcomes, and care delivery.

"This training has significantly enhanced my expertise in interventional procedures," shared Ms Cheng Pei Rui, Staff Nurse, Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory, NHCS. "Prior to this programme, I learnt through observation and hands-on experience from my seniors. Now, after undergoing the training sessions which are tailored to my existing skills, I have gained greater confidence and capability to provide advanced patient care."

"The combination of hands-on practice at NHCS's advanced facility and the thorough theoretical training has improved my clinical capabilities," shared Ms Xiong Hongfang, Nurse Clinician, Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH). "The comprehensive training has expanded my expertise in cardiac interventional procedures and advanced imaging techniques beyond the paediatric setting. It gives me an overall picture of cardiac catheterisation procedures and has broadened my understanding of cardiac care across age groups. This knowledge exchange between institutions strengthens our capability to provide better care for patients requiring interventional procedures."

STRENGTHENING CARDIOVASCULAR CARE IN SINGAPORE 

The programme welcomes registered nurses with a valid practicing certificate, with at least one year’s experience in interventional radiology or diagnostic imaging departments. The first cohort includes nurses from NHCS, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), with plans to extend the programme to other public healthcare institutions. 

References:

1. HealthHub – Principle causes of death