Core Course Descriptions

This course introduces students to the general principles of drug action, drug dynamics and kinetics, toxicities, and therapeutic uses as related to humans. Students learn about common drugs affecting major organ systems of the body, namely: the autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, cardiovascular and renal systems. Specific drugs for the treatment of arrhythmias, angina, congestive heart failure, hypertension and hyperlipidemias will be discussed.

Credits: 3

The Interdisciplinary Healthcare course involves the Colleges of Dental Medicine, Health Sciences, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine, and Pharmacy. The course is designed to teach all clinically-based students about each other's clinical programs and how they interact together as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team: cardiovascular sciences, clinical psychology, dental medicine, nurse anesthesia, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy and podiatry students learn about the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. The class consists primarily of online presentations that are delivered by interdisciplinary team members from each of the clinical programs. Associated quizzes will also be completed online. Occasional lectures will also be given in the classroom in a seminar format or in conjunction with panel presentations.

Credits: 0.5 credits each course

This course introduces a variety of research and professional issues pertinent to the cardiovascular perfusionist as a researcher. Fundamentals of the scientific and analytical methods will be discussed along with the limitations of each. The various types of research, research design, sampling techniques, hypothesis generation, information gathering skills and literature critiques will also be discussed.

Credits: 1

This course takes the theory and principles presented in CVSP 532 Research Methodology for Cardiovascular Science and applies them to a research project. Students will conduct a research project from the design phase through presentation of the study and the results.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites

CVSP 532 Research Methodology for Cardiovascular Sciences

This course provides an introduction to the operating room and its environment including sterile technique, instruments associated with cardiopulmonary bypass, blood-borne pathogens, personal protection equipment, overview of pharmacology associated with cardiopulmonary bypass, emergency preparedness, and professionalism.

Credits: 1

This course examines cardiac, vascular, renal, and respiratory anatomy as they are applied to cardiovascular science and perfusion technology in particular. Emphasis is placed on normal structure and function and the current techniques used to visualize and analyze each of the structures.

Credits: 2

This course is the first in the series of two courses that take an in-depth look at the physiology and pathophysiology of the major organ systems of the human body. Emphasis is on the interaction of cardiopulmonary bypass with the systems' normal physiology and how the systems' pathophysiology affects the conduct of bypass. This course covers blood, the heart, and the vascular system.

Credits: 3

This course prepares students for participation in their pediatric rotations by providing an in-depth study of the cardiac congenital defects, the surgical procedures used to palliate and/or correct each defect, and a general overview of pediatric perfusion techniques. Emphasis is also placed on the physiological differences between adult and pediatric patients, device selection, volume management, cannulation techniques, temperature management, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, and cerebral protection.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

CVSP 555, 556 Applied Physiology & Pathophysiology for Cardiovascular Sciences I, II; CVSP 558 Applied Pharmacology I; CVSP 561, 562 Cardiovascular Perfusion Technology I, II

This is the second in the series of three courses that explore the technology, techniques, and issues associated with cardiovascular perfusion and how the extracorporeal circuit is used in today's healthcare setting. This course looks at the technology and techniques associated with the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass. This includes hemodilution, hypothermia, anticoagulation, myocardial protection, the interaction of blood with a foreign surface, and the pathophysiology associated with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

CVSP 553 Monitoring for the Cardiovascular Patient; CVSP 561 Cardiovascular Perfusion Technology I; CVSP 591 Cardiovascular Perfusion Hands-on Laboratory I

These courses present procedures and topics in cardiovascular medicine through direct clinical observation, seminar presentations, or by independent study. Students are assigned to observation sessions in the cardiac operating room or catheterization lab at local affiliate hospitals. Students not involved in observation participate in a cardiac conference or independent study. All students participate in weekly seminars which present a technology, technique, or device currently in clinical use.

Credits: 2 credits each course

This is the second in the series of three laboratory courses that provide hands-on experience with the extracorporeal circuit and related perfusion technologies. This course continues the hands-on experience circuit setup and introduces conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass via weekly hands-on simulations. Emphasis is on preparation of patient information, initiation and termination of bypass, anticoagulation management, patient management during cardiopulmonary bypass, and effective communication.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites

CVSP 561 Cardiovascular Perfusion Technology I; CVSP 591 Cardiovascular Perfusion Hands-on Laboratory I

The curriculum for Year Two features four quarters of clinical rotations including a one-week Orientation and a one-week Summative Evaluation. During these rotations, students are expected to achieve specific competencies in cardiovascular perfusion and related technologies of open-heart surgery, including proficiency in managing patient problems, handling issues of quality assurance, utilization review, continuity of care and appropriate treatment plans. At least one clinical rotation will be pediatrics. Text reading assignments, journal review, and other online activities are required for each clinical rotation.

Credits: 6

Prerequisites

Completion of all first year courses through Spring quarter first year and successful completion of the Orientation to the Clinical Rotations program

This course consists of a series of three (3) learning modules designed to: (1) allow the student to review and correct physiological parameters for the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass; (2) introduce/review characteristics of various mechanical circulatory assist devices; (3) appreciate input of multiple disciplines allowing the perfusion student to make a number of choices based on the appropriateness, available capital equipment and disposables. A resource library is also provided to support the learning process.

Credits: 1