Prepare to work in Cardiac Surgery with an MS in Cardiovascular
Perfusion
Join the field of cardiovascualar perfusion with your master's
from Carlow. In this one-of-a-kind program, you will gain the
knowledge and skills needed to operate the cardiopulmonary bypass
machine during open-heart surgery, coronary artery bypasses, heart
and lung transplantations, congential defect repair surgeries, and
valve replacement operations.
This program is held in cooperation with the UPMC
Presbyterian-Shadyside School of Cardiovascular Perfusion. Students
have the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science and a
Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion in only five
years.
MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion Program Highlights
Learn the required skills needed to become a cardiovascular
perfusionist. These specialized healthcare professionals are
responsible for overseeing the function of the heart and/or lungs
during medical procedures; they may administer heart-stopping
drugs, monitor the physiological and metabolic demands of the
patient, and operate equipment during open-heart surgery.
In your perfusion studies, you will take a series of courses
covering biological, chemical, and physical topics pertaining to
the cardiovascular system. You will also have the opportunity
to:
- Complete 18 months of clinical training at UPMC Shadyside;
- Study in the oldest cardiovascular perfusion program in the
United States;
- Sit for the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP)
Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE) upon graduation.
Ready to take the next step and further your education at Carlow
University? Apply for free
online.
What You'll Learn
The MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion features a rigorous science
curriculum. You will receive a thorough education on the
cardiovascular system, perfusion, hematology, surgery, pulmonary
anatomy, pathology, and more.
MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion Courses
PRT 780 Introduction to Cardiovascular
Surgery
Gain an introductory overview of the considerations in the care
of surgical patients with emphasis on cardiovascular surgical
procedure.
PRT 783 Electrophysiology
Learn the fundamentals of electrocardiography and the
electrocardiographic basis of arrhythmias.
PRT 7851/7852 Perfusion Procedures-Clinical II/Clinical
II Continued
In this course, you will learn the preparation of the
cardiopulmonary bypass and auxiliary equipment used during surgery.
Gain exposure to the principles and practices of clinical
perfusion management with an emphasis on the types of systems and
procedural applications associated with bypass surgery.
Accreditation and Professional Licensure
The American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) is the
organization that confers the professional perfusion credential of
"Certified Clinical Perfusionist" (CCP). Upon completion of the
Carlow/UPMC Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program,
students are eligible to sit for the ABCP Perfusion Basic Science
Examination (PBSE), which is the first of two exams that lead to
professional certification. Upon completion of fifty clinical
perfusion cases after graduation from perfusion school, you can
become eligible to sit for part two of the ABCP's CCP examination
process, the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Exam (CAPE). A
candidate must pass both sections of ABCP boards to practice
perfusion.
The ABCP officially recognizes perfusion schools that are
accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP
accredits programs based on the recommendation of the Accreditation
Committee-Perfusion Education (AC-PE). The UPMC School of Perfusion
is and has always been in good standing with the CAAHEP.
Carlow University and the Master of Science in Cardiovascular
Perfusion program are also accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher
Education (MSCHE).
Admissions Requirements
- Next available entry date is Summer 2021
- Applications will be due by October 1, 2020
If you have questions,
please contact our dedicated admissions counselor, Shannon Agredo,
or by phone 412.578.6383.
For entrance into the program as a Carlow biology major, you
will need a minimum of 3.5 GPA, with a 3.5 in the sciences, and
have completed the 18 month clinical training at UPMC
Shadyside.
Applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree may apply to the
MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion through the free, online
application.
Ready to take the next step? Apply now at
Carlow.