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 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.

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
• State-of-the-Art Simulation Technology for cardiopulmonary bypass and ECMO

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.

For more information on the specific curriculum browse our online catalog.

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 goals of the program are to:

• 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

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 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, phone number 727/210-2350.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

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

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. Competitive test scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) no more than three years prior to planned enrollment year
4. Completion of the online application for admission
5. Two letters of recommendation
6. 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
7. Completion of the Program's interview process (by invitation only)
8. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check
9. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Priority Application Deadline - October 1

Applicants who submit their completed materials on or before October 1 will be given first consideration for admissions and will be notified of the admissions decision on or before January 31. Those who are not accepted in the program at this time will be rolled over into the Standard Application Deadline.

Standard Application Deadline - March 1

Applicants who submit their completed application materials on or before March 1 will be considered for admissions and will be notified of the admissions decision on or before May 31. Students are encouraged to apply during the Priority or Standard Application Deadlines. Applications received between March 1 and May 31 will be considered on a rolling basis for seats that may be available or placement on the alternate list.