Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion
Program Overview
Cardiovascular Perfusion Program
The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion is a 22-month program with 60 total credit hours. The program is designed to prepare students for a career as a cardiovascular perfusionist, a vital member of the cardiac surgical team.
Program Overview
The program is divided into two years, with the first year consisting of on-campus semesters and the second year consisting of clinical training at various locations nationwide. The curriculum includes courses in perfusion anatomy and physiology, principles and practice in perfusion technology, pharmacology, and simulation.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, or the international equivalent verified by WES, or anticipate earning a bachelor's degree prior to matriculation into the perfusion sciences program. Applicants must also have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and have completed the required prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite Courses
The prerequisite courses for the program include:
- Biochemistry I (3-4 semester hours, with or without lab)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (8 semester hours with labs)
- Microbiology (4 semester hours with lab)
- Statistics and/or Biostatistics (3 semester hours)
- Calculus (3 semester hours)
- Physics (4 semester hours with lab) (Calculus- or non-calculus-based accepted)
Admissions Process
The admissions process includes:
- Evaluating oneself to ensure all prerequisite courses have been completed and the GPA requirements have been met.
- Submitting an application electronically via the Lipscomb website.
- Participating in an interview process.
Program Technical Standards
The program has established technical standards that all students must meet to be admitted and to progress through the program. These standards include:
- Observation: The ability to critically observe demonstrations, experiments, and patients using visual, auditory, and somatic senses.
- Sensory and Motor Coordination: Use of the body associated with mental activity.
- Communication: Imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs.
- Cognitive Ability: Mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.
- Behavioral and Social Attributes: Characteristics of experience, behavior, and interaction with people in didactic and experiential settings.
Courses
The program includes the following courses:
- PA 5022 - Ethics in Health Care (2)
- PA 5042 - Biostatistics and Evidence Based Medicine (2)
- PERF 5013 - Perfusion Anatomy & Physiology (3)
- PERF 5025 - Principles and Practice in Perfusion Technology I (5)
- PERF 5103 - Pharmacology in Perfusion (3)
- PERF 5213 - Perfusion Simulation I (3)
- PERF 5403 - Perfusion Monitoring (3)
Tuition and Fees
The tuition for the program is $1,450 per credit hour, with a total of 60 credit hours. The total tuition cost is $87,000. Additional fees include a program fee of $1,000 per semester, a graduation fee of $250, and a technology fee of $100 per semester.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to students in the form of Federal Stafford Loans. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for financial aid.
Career Paths
Graduates of the program can pursue careers as perfusionists, researchers, or educators. They can work in hospitals, research institutions, or academic settings.
Faculty
The program is led by a team of experienced faculty, including:
- Chad Smith, Program Director
- Jeff Bennie, Medical Director
- Jill Getchell, Assistant Professor
- Ed Evans, Clinical Liaison
- Nicole Smith, Director of Operations, Cardiovascular Perfusion
Alumni and Student Stories
The program has a strong track record of producing successful graduates who have gone on to pursue careers in perfusion and related fields. Alumni and current students have shared their experiences and successes in the program.