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 prerequisite courses

Length of Program

7 continuous quarters including 48 of weeks clinical rotations

Class Size

25 - 30

2014 Class Profile

• Female: 43%
• Male: 57%
• Average Age: 27
• Average Overall GPA: 3.2
• Class Size: 30
• Top Home State: Arizona

Professional Career Opportunities

• Heart-related surgeries
• Blood therapies
• Artificial hearts
• Mechanical circulatory assist
• Cancer therapies
• Heart, lung, heart-lung transplants
• Blood conservation
• Teaching & Research

Graduation Rate

92%

Board Pass Rate (2004-2012)

First-time test-takers

• MWU graduates: 88%
• National average: 78%

MWU Outcomes (2012)

96% of graduates actively seeking jobs were hired (2012 CVSP Graduate Survey. December 20, 2012.)

Average National Income-All Perfusionists (2010)

$112,458 (Huckaby, B.: 2009 Salary & Benefits Survey. August 08, 2009. www.perfusion.com)

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 GPA and science GPA of 2.75 on a scale of 4.00
3. Completion of the online application for admission
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. 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
6. Completion of the Program's interview process (by invitation only)
7. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check
8. 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 but no later than June 1st.

Additional Application Information

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Program Description

Program Description

Program graduates are provided with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the demands that will be placed upon them in an ever-changing field where surgical techniques, cardiopulmonary bypass techniques and new technologies are constantly being advanced. 

The 21-month curriculum leading to a Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science degree is a full-time professional program of seven continuous quarters. 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 through 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 rotations 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,
• Implementation of a new software program to facilitate the process of collecting, assessing and reporting data for students during clinical rotations,
• Student utilization of iPad for some didactic, laboratory and clinical evaluations,
• Time for first-year students to interface with the Simulator increased,
• Improved simulation software to provide first-year students an enhanced exposure to simulated patient care during cardiopulmonary bypass.

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 Midwestern University Cardiovascular Science Program educates students to be compassionate, competent in behavior skills, clinically proficient and professional members of the cardiac surgery team in the practice of cardiovascular perfusion.

The Tenets of the Mission:

• Maintain a high quality perfusion educational program
• Prepare students to be life-long learners, educators, researchers, and leaders
• Assess and incorporate current trends in clinical practice and technology
• Become international leaders in perfusion education
• Maintain appropriate enrollment of students to balance professional supply and demand
• Monitor governmental policies related to our business

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 (http://www.ac-pe.org/). The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is located at 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, phone number 727/210-2350.

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)