Mission
Definition of a Perfusionist
Program Description
Accreditation

Greetings from the Program Director
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The diagnosis, surgical intervention, and medical treatment of cardiovascular diseases are costly endeavors undertaken by our overburdened health care system. The Cardiovascular Science Program of Midwestern University is committed to educating a select group of health care professionals, the perfusionists, who are responsible for the application of technical and medical devices that support or substitute the cardiopulmonary function of the patient. A challenging core curriculum will provide a solid scientific base for the perfusionist. Graduates of our program will be health care providers who are highly qualified in the operation of the heart-lung machine and in the operation of other cardiovascular-related procedures such as blood salvaging, circulatory support, artificial hearts, cardiac pacemakers, and other equipment and procedures. We know that the function of a perfusionist is constantly changing with advancing technologies. Because of that, excellence is the only acceptable standard for our Cardiovascular Science Program.

Jon W. Austin, CP
Director, Cardiovascular Science/Perfusion Program

Mission
The Cardiovascular Science Program at Midwestern University (MWU) will provide academic and clinical excellence in educating cardiovascular perfusionists for their professional careers.

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 Description
In an ever-changing field where surgical, technological, and basic sciences are rapidly changing, program graduates are provided with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the demands that will be placed upon them.

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.

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.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602.