The cardiovascular perfusion program has graduated more than 165 clinical perfusionists since 1979. This bachelor-level program is geared toward producing perfusion leaders of the future. Students are exposed to a rigorous training program, which demands excellence in clinical skills, academic activities, research, and professionalism.

Application deadline     Prerequisites     Application checklist

The Profession
The cardiovascular perfusionist is a highly-trained member of the open heart surgery team, who is mainly responsible for the operation of the heart-lung machine. A perfusionist employs a number of highly technical, mechanical, and electronic devices, which monitor, support, or replace the functions of the patient's cardiovascular and/or pulmonary systems.

The perfusionist must command extensive knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and surgical technique. Hospitals in most moderate-to-large cities have active open heart surgery programs which require perfusion support.

Heart disease is one of the most prominent debilitating diseases in this country. With heart transplant programs and specialty techniques, as well as routine cardiac surgery procedures, the demand for well-trained perfusionists will continue. Salaries and benefits in this field are very good.

Career Options

• Hospitals which perform open-heart surgery, chemotherapy, long-term respiratory or cardiac support, dialysis, blood salvaging during surgery, and heart/lung/liver transplants
• Private perfusion groups and physician groups 

Skills Needed

• Proficiency in applied clinical mathematics, chemistry, physics, pharmacology, and physiology
• Exceptional manual dexterity and coordination; well-practiced psychomotor skills
• Lifelong self-learner and self-starter

Curriculum
Students participate in the following basic science courses which are part of the core curriculum of the College of Health Professions:

• anatomy
• physiology
• pathology
• pharmacology

Specific extracorporeal circulation technology courses incorporated into the curriculum include:

• pathophysiology
• perfusion devices
• clinical instrumentation & monitoring
• perfusion research curriculum

The curriculum is heavily focused on science, physics, perfusion technology, and research methodology with extensive classroom instruction. Students are required to complete a research project and present at a national meeting. Each student acts as the primary perfusionist on a minimum of 75 cases. In the senior year, students are required to complete two, seven-week outside clinical rotations to gain additional clinical experience. Students are responsible for any costs associated with outside rotations.

Clinical training consists of:

• operation of the heart-lung machine during open heart surgery
• management of related support devices
• hemodynamic monitoring.

>> Course descriptions

Clinical Opportunities
The diverse caseload at the Medical University Hospital, Ashley River Tower, the Charleston Veterans Administration Hospital, and clinical affiliates provides the student experience in the following:

• infant, pediatric, and adult perfusion
• heart and liver transplantation
• cardiopulmonary support
• cancer and neuro surgery treatments
• ECMO
• hemodialysis, hemoconcentration
• ventricular assist devices
• blood salvaging (autotransfusion)

New technology or new applications of existing technology are considered integral to the training program.

Admissions
Cardiovascular Perfusion
Phone: (843) 792-3326
Fax: (843) 792-0253
E-mail: chpstusv@musc.edu

Admissions Coordinator
Office of Enrollment Services
Phone: (843) 792-8712
Fax: (843) 792-6615
E-mail: stuckey@musc.edu

Application deadlines
Regular: January 1
Late: July 1
Late applications will be processed on a space-available basis

Interview dates
February

Acceptances offered
Regular: March/April
Late: August

Acceptance criteria

• A minimum of two years (60 semester hours) at an accredited college or university
• Competitive SAT or ACT scores
• A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above in all college work
• Current CPR Certification
• Have shadowed a perfusionist

How to apply
All applications must be submitted by January 1. Early application is encouraged. Classes begin in August and end in May, 21 consecutive months later. After the application process is completed, qualified applicants may be invited for a personal interview and tour of the facilities. For additional information, contact the program at (843) 792-2298.

Application checklist

1. Confirm prerequisites
2. Complete university application
3. Submit completed application and references
4. Be sure to include the following:
    - Supplemental materials
    - Application fee
    - Official transcripts of all college work

NOTE: All above information must be received before an admission decision can be made.

Accreditation: The MUSC Cardiovascular Perfusion Program is accredited by the Commission of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education (ACPE).

Commission of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP) 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, Fl 33756 (727) 210-2350

 - Visit the MUSC Cardiovascular Perfusion Web site