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Cardiovascular Perfusion

Master of Science

Home » All Programs » Cardiovascular Perfusion
Perfusionists are trained to operate extracorporeal circulation equipment such as heart-lung machines during open-heart surgery.

» Program Overview

Powering Hearts, Saving Lives

Michigan’s only accredited Master of Science degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion is a 21-month program that prepares you to operate extracorporeal circulation equipment, such as heart-lung machines, during open-heart surgery and other procedures that temporarily support a patient’s circulatory or respiratory functions.

Through specialized training and practical experience, you’ll be ready to make a direct impact on patient outcomes in critical cardiovascular care.

Why Cardiovascular Perfusion?
  • A Growing Field: The demand for skilled perfusionists continues to rise, creating strong job security and career opportunities.
  • Financial Reward: With high earning potential, perfusionists often rank among the best-paid professionals in health care.
  • Life-Saving Work: By operating equipment that sustains life, perfusionists play an indispensable role in high-stakes medical environments.
Why LTU?

LTU’s MSCVP program was developed in partnership with Comprehensive Care Services Inc. (CCS), a leader in perfusion and autotransfusion services across North America and is the only program of its in the state. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive education that combines academic excellence with hands-on experience.

  • State-of-the-Art Simulation Lab: Train with advanced equipment, including robotic surgery and ultrasound simulators and VR, in CCS-operated labs designed to refine your skills in a professional, controlled environment.
  • Unmatched Clinical Rotations: Gain hands-on experience at premier healthcare facilities across the country, fully arranged through LTU and CCS.
  • Expert Mentorship: Learn from CCS staff who serve as adjunct professors, blending academic knowledge with real-world expertise to prepare you for the demands of the field.

Contact

Kristen Fanelli, MS, BScN, CCP, RN

perfusion@ltu.edu

248.204.2592

The MSCVP program learning outcomes are:

  • Develop cardiovascular perfusion competence (skills, knowledge, behaviors) that are portable across national and international healthcare and professional and professional environments.
  • Facilitate a positive outcome for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.
  • Gain expertise in medical, biological, and physical sciences in relation to cardiovascular perfusion.
  • Facilitate adequate circulatory support with the use of ancillary devices.
  • Develop circuit designs and adaptations.
  • Cultivate a commitment to the enhancement of the cardiovascular perfusion profession.
Program Outcomes as of 2024:
Retention: 100%
Placement: 100%
ABCP Examinations-
PBSE: 92%
CAPE: 83%

» Curriculum

The MSCVP program has a total of 90 credits over five consecutive semesters. The curriculum aligns with the Master’s degree level standard of Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the ABCP Qualifications   Framework. It also provides the appropriate depth and breadth of knowledge, applied, specialized preparation in critical thinking and scholarly research, problem-solving and analysis, communications, leadership, professional capacity, and autonomy in the field of cardiovascular perfusion.

Semester 1

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology

This course introduces the basic principles of anatomy and examines cardiac, vascular, renal, and respiratory anatomy as they are applied to cardiovascular science and perfusion technology in particular. Emphasis is placed on normal structure and function and the current techniques used to visualize and analyze each of the structures. This course also introduces foundational knowledge in respiratory physiology, human anatomy, and acid/base balance. Topics include organic chemistry/biochemistry, cellular, and tissue organization, metabolism, nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, renal system, fluids/electrolytes and endocrine system. It will also cover hematology, hemostasis (including coagulation and fibrinolysis), and transfusion science. The normal blood constituents, the laboratory assessment of those constituents, and the disorders that result from acquired or inherited abnormalities will be introduced. Special situations involving hematological disorders that may complicate surgical conditions will be discussed.

CVP5134

4

Framework of Healthcare

This course will introduce students to the mechanics of healthcare, or what drives care in the US. The history and evolution of healthcare, the ethics of care, and advocacy for improving care will be explored.

CVP5001

2

Cardiovascular Monitoring

This course provides an overview of patient physiological monitoring, especially the critically ill patient. It covers the fundamentals and laws of electricity and how they apply to perfusion. This course instructs on outputs of various physiologic monitors and analyzers that ensure that the patient is adequately perfused during cardiopulmonary bypass. The course takes an in-depth look at these monitors, waveforms, and analyzers. The student will learn how each parameter is seen and evaluated. The student will also learn how to interpret the clinical data into the decision-making process.

CVP5113

3

Perfusion Theory and Practice I

Course not found.

CVP6404

4

Perfusion Theory Lab I

This course introduces the fundamental theory and techniques of operating the heart-lung machine equipment related to the perfusion practice. This laboratory component is taught in conjunction with CVP6406. Students will learn hands-on lab skills related to many concepts covered in the course, including monitoring equipment, design perfusion components, and priming the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit.

CVP6308

8

Research Methods

This course introduces how research can improve understanding of extracorporeal circulation and lead to better patient care, and how to formulate research questions and conduct clinical or laboratory research projects. Each student will generate a research proposal that outlines a methodology for addressing a research question of the student’s choice related to the practice of cardiovascular perfusion.

CVP6711

1

Semester 2

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Patient Care and Professional Practice

This course focuses on cultivating professional identity and ethical practice for perfusionists. Seminars, case-based discussions, and simulations will be used to
develop skilled, inter-professional, and technical competencies. Students will conduct critical analysis of documents identifying the scope of practice and code of ethics of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) and will learn about quality management programs for a perfusion department. This will incorporate the total quality cycle, including process improvement. Additionally, there will be a segment on the concept and function of teams and team dynamics relating to the cardiac. Inter-professional skills such as communication principles, feedback, listening skills, and reflective clinical practice will be explored throughout the course.

CVP5013

2

Applied Pharmacology

This course introduces a broad range of general pharmacological principles for the fundamental understanding and application towards extra-corporeal science. Topics include pharmacological effects on the nervous system, cardiovascular responses, tissue responses, and renal/respiratory effects of various anesthetic agents. The endocrine and microbial impact will also be covered. Specific focus will be applied to practical applications and hemostasis and instruments associated with the conduct of extracorporeal science utilized by the cardiovascular perfusionist.

CVP5212

2

Cardiac Pathophysiology

This course introduces pathological mechanisms, which are essential for the understanding of associated cardiovascular diseases. Identifying and applying these principles in a systematic and integrated manner is required for evidence-based clinical practice. The lectures will focus on the pathophysiology of specific cardiovascular diseases or syndromes. This course will also cover the anatomy and physiology of various cardiac congenital defects and their repairs. Students will learn perfusion considerations for these types of complex procedures.

CVP5123

3

Perfusion Theory and Practice II

This course builds on fundamental perfusion theories covered in CVP 6404 and related equipment required to perform basic perfusion techniques. The primary objective is for students to master the knowledge necessary to competently and safely conduct cardiovascular perfusion techniques.

CVP6414

4

Perfusion Theory Lab II

This course continues building on the fundamental theory and techniques of operating the heart-lung machine equipment related to the perfusion practice. This laboratory component is taught in conjunction with CVP 6414. Students will learn hands-on lab skills related to many concepts covered in the course, including monitoring equipment, design perfusion components, emergency procedures and priming the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit.

CVP6318

8

Capstone Research Project I

Students in this course will apply research concepts and methods to investigate a research question related to cardiovascular perfusion practices. Students will work with a capstone review committee to conduct literature review and analysis, identify the project topic, define the scope and project goals. The final deliverable is a research proposal.

CVP6711

1

Semester 3

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Clinical Practice CVP Phase I

This course allows students to apply what they learn in classrooms and labs to develop satisfactory levels of clinical competence and gain confidence
through supervised clinical experience. Students should be prepared to relocate to their assigned clinical training site. Locations range all across the US.

CVP6809

9

Clinical Practice CVP Phase II

This course allows students to apply what they learn in classrooms and labs to develop satisfactory levels of clinical competence and gain confidence
through supervised clinical experience. Students should be prepared to relocate to their assigned clinical training site. Locations range all across the US. Students builds on the skills in the previous clinical and didactic courses towards the goal of independent practice.

CVP6819

9

Capstone Research Project II

This course is a continuation of CVP 6711 Capstone Research Project I. Students will implement and assess the proposal developed in Project I and continue to craft their Capstone project paper. The candidate applies research concepts and methods for implementing and assessing the Capstone project proposal developed in Capstone I.

CVP6721

1

Semester 4

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Clinical Practice CVP Phase III

This course allows students to apply what they learn in classrooms and labs to develop satisfactory levels of clinical competence and gain confidence
through supervised clinical experience. Students should be prepared to relocate to their assigned clinical training site. Locations range all across the US. Students builds on the skills in the previous clinical and didactic courses towards the goal of independent practice. There will be an integrated pediatric rotation, which may be completed during Phase III or IV.

CVP6829

9

Clinical Practice CVP Phase IV

This course allows students to apply what they learn in classrooms and labs to develop satisfactory levels of clinical competence and gain confidence
through supervised clinical experience. Students should be prepared to relocate to their assigned clinical training site. Locations range all across the US. Students builds on the skills in the previous clinical and didactic courses towards the goal of independent practice. This is the final level of graded
responsibility for the clinical education program. Student will operate the heart-lung machine with increased independence and should be operating with minimal assistance at the completion of this phase.

CVP6839

9

Capstone Research Project III

This course is a continuation of CVP 6711 Capstone Research Project I and CVP 6721 Capstone Research Project II. Students will implement and assess the proposal developed in Project I and continue to craft their Capstone project paper. The candidate applies research concepts and methods for implementing and assessing the Capstone project proposal developed in Capstone I & II.

CVP6731

1

Semester 5

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Clinical Practice CVP Phase V

This course allows students to apply what they learn in classrooms and labs to develop satisfactory levels of clinical competence and gain confidence through supervised clinical experience. Students should be prepared to relocate to their assigned clinical training site. Locations range all across the US. Students build on the skills in the previous clinical and didactic courses towards the goal of independent practice. There will be an integrated pediatric rotation, which may be completed during Phases III – VI.

CVP6849

9

Clinical Practice CVP Phase VI

This course allows students to apply what they learn in classrooms and labs to develop satisfactory levels of clinical competence and gain confidence through supervised clinical experience. Students should be prepared to relocate to their assigned clinical training site. Locations range all across the US. Students build on the skills in the previous clinical and didactic courses towards the goal of independent practice. This is the final level of graded responsibility for the clinical education program. Student will operate the heart-lung machine with increased independence and should be operating with minimal assistance at the completion of this phase. There will be an integrated pediatric rotation, which may be completed during Phases III – VI.

CVP6859

9

Students are evaluated for both the didactic courses and clinical assignments. The following policies are applied to the MSCVP program:

  • A student must maintain an overall GPA of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in order to graduate.
  • A student can repeat a course if the grade in a course is below C+. The maximum credits a student in the MSCVP program can retake is 9.
  • In clinical rotation assignments, a student is evaluated by the clinical instructor as outlined in the syllabus of each clinical course. A final grade of B or higher is needed in order to receive a passing mark.
  • If a MSCVP student does not successfully complete Clinical Rotation I, II, III, IV, V, or VI, the student will be dismissed from the program, with appropriate warning and opportunity for remediation. The Program Director and Clinical Coordinator will establish policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Performance Warning, Probation and Dismissal. A student dismissed for unsatisfactory academic progress may reapply to the program in the future.

» Admission Requirements

Applications received are reviewed and decisions made at regular intervals during the admissions cycle. Maturation into the MSCVP program occurs in the fall semester. Applications received are first reviewed by the Admissions Office for completeness and referred to the MSCVP Program Director to determine eligibility for applicant interviews. Final acceptance into the MSCVP Program is determined by the Program Director. Decisions on acceptance are made until the maximum enrollment for each class is reached. Candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application early in the admissions cycle.

 

Preferred Applicants to the MSCVP program may possess qualifications from either of these two options:

Option A

Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university and/or

  • Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Critical care experience within the last three years
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0, calculated using their entire RT or RN diploma/degree programs of study
  • Documentation which is relevant to training and/or experience (CV or resume)
  • A document or a letter from a recent employer confirming a minimum of one year of critical care experience within the past three years

The applicant’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) will be calculated using grades from the entire undergraduate degree program of study. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission to the MSCVP program.

Option B

A Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university and successful completion of each of the following university courses with a minimum grade of B (GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale):

  • Anatomy
  • College Algebra or Calculus
  • Physiology
  • Physics with Laboratory (course must cover the following: Newtonian laws, fluid dynamics and fluid statics)
  • Organic or Inorganic Chemistry (course must cover the following: structure of matter, solutions, acid/base theory, and thermodynamics).
Additional requirements

In order to be considered for admission to the MSCVP program, applicants must submit documentation of the following:

  • Graduate Record Exam (verbal, quantitative and analytical writing) scores highly recommended but not required; preference to those who have completed GRE scores within the last three years.
  • An essay about why the applicant wishes to be a perfusionist and what makes the applicant a good candidate for acceptance into the program.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Experience of interviewing with a practicing perfusionist, as demonstrated by a signed observation/interview form.
  • Completion of the program interview process (by invitation only).
Specific Health Requirements for Admission

Accepted candidates must show documentation of meeting the following specific health requirements prior to matriculation into the program:

  • Completion of BLS First Aid/CPR training and certification
  • Submission of Immunization Requirement Form (IRF)DOC, including laboratory reports
  • Confirmation of a TB Test
  • Completion of Mask Fitting Testing due to CoVID-19 pandemic

Any costs associated with meeting the unique health requirements for admission are the responsibility of the student.

Internationally Educated Applicants

Internationally educated applicants must satisfy the program-specific admission requirements and submit a credential assessment and proof of English language proficiency. Only certified copies or original of these documents will be accepted. All documents submitted for MSCVP application purposes (transcripts, credential assessments, English language assessments) become the property of LTU and cannot be returned after the application process is completed.

LTU requires a credential assessment to verify the credentials     of international and internationally educated applicants. The credential evaluation can be obtained from World Education Services (WES): 212-966-6311 or visit www.wes.org. Applicants are advised to   contact the LTU’s Admissions Office before using any other Credential Assessment Service.

For applicants whose first language is not English, language proficiency must be demonstrated by one of the following methods:

  • An average score of 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The band score in each component must be 6.0 or higher.
  • A total score of 90 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Each section score must be 21 or higher.
 

» Awards + Accreditation


As a part of the NC-Sara Reciprocity agreement, Lawrence Technological University is required to disclose publicly, the educational requirements for professions that require a license or certification to practice in that field.

» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.