Cardiovascular Science in Glendale

Fast Facts

Degree

Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science (M.S.)

General Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
• Successful completion of prerquisite courses

Length of Program

7 continuous quarters

Class Size

20-25

2011 Class Profile

• Female: 64%
• Male: 36%
• Average Age: 25.3
• Average Overall GPA: 3.1
• Class Size: 22
• Top Home State: Arizona (21%)

Professional Career Opportunities

• Heart-related surgeries
• Blood salvaging
• Artificial hearts
• Mechanical Circulatory Assist
• Cancer Therapies

Graduation Rate

90%

Board Pass Rate (2004-2009)

First-time test-takers

• MWU graduates: 81%
• National average: 69%

MWU Outcomes (2003-2009)

100% of graduates seeking jobs were hired

Median Salary (2009)

$112,458

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Cardiovascular Science Program, applicants must submit documentation of the following:

1. Completion of a bachelor's level or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
2. Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a scale of 4.00;
3. Completion of the application for admission no later than June 1st;
4. Completion of the minimum number of prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited college or university. All prerequisites must be completed with a C or better. Grades of C- are not acceptable for any prerequisite courses
5. Completion of the Program's interview process (by invitation only);
6. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check; and
7. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.

Application Deadline

To be competitive in our rolling admissions process, students should apply as early as possible.

Additional Application Information

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Program Description

Program Description

In an ever-changing field where surgical, technological, and basic sciences are rapidly changing, students in the Midwestern University Cardiovascular Science/Perfusion program gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the demands that will be placed upon them as professionals. A challenging core curriculum provides a solid scientific base for the perfusionist. Graduates are highly qualified in the operation of  heart-lung systems and in the operation of other cardiovascular-related procedures such as blood salvaging, mechanical circulatory assist devices, artificial hearts, and other equipment and procedures.

The curriculum leading to a master's degree is a full-time professional program of seven continuous quarters with a didactic and clinical faculty consisting of perfusionists, anesthesiologists, cardiac surgeons, and professional educators. The program begins with three quarters of didactic and laboratory education at the Glendale, Arizona, campus. The student is exposed to clinical medicine during the first three quarters by clinical observation at affiliated hospitals in the Phoenix area.

The summer quarter of the student's second year begins the four-quarter clinical rotation segment held at various affiliated hospitals located across the country. Relocation during clinical rotation will be necessary. This is a rigorous and demanding program; however, graduates are rewarded with the satisfaction that comes with accomplishment and an excellent start to their professional careers.

Planned Program Improvements

The Cardiovascular Science Program continuously evaluates curriculum and processes to ensure students are receiving appropriate training to adequately prepare them for providing patient care and for certification examinations. Preceptor, alumni, and student evaluations are reviewed and appropriate changes instituted, if necessary. Program improvements for next year include the following:

• Online learning modules for second year students to enhance their knowledge of  new clinical technologies and techniques,
• First quarter physiology course altered to more adequately reflect how normal and abnormal physiology impacts cardiopulmonary bypass,
• Spring quarter will find a re-designed  course for intensifying learning experience on congenital defects and pediatric perfusion,
• Implementation of a new software program to facilitate the process of collecting, assessing and reporting data for students during clinical rotations,
• Time for first year students to interface with the High-Fidelity Simulator was significantly increased. 

Definition of a Perfusionist

A perfusionist is a skilled person, qualified by academic and clinical education, who operates extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient's circulatory or respiratory function. The perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions, and is responsible in consultation with the physician for selecting the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used.

Program Highlights

• Education in technological services and skills to support or substitute for patient cardiopulmonary function
• Largest perfusion education program in the country offering a master's degree

Mission

The Cardiovascular Science Program at Midwestern University (MWU) will provide academic and clinical excellence in educating cardiovascular perfusionists to ensure quality patient care.

Accreditation

The Cardiovascular Science Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee–Perfusion Education Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970, Chicago, IL 60601-2208; 312/553-9355.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

Related Links

Cardiovascular Science as a Career

American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion

American Heart Association (AHA)

American Lung Association

American Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology (AmSECT)