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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.
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.
The MSCVP program learning outcomes are:
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.
Course Name
Course #
Credits
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
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
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
Course not found.
CVP6404
4
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
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
Course Name
Course #
Credits
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
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
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
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
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
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
Course Name
Course #
Credits
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
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
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
Course Name
Course #
Credits
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
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
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
Course Name
Course #
Credits
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
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:
The new application cycle opens August 1, 2025, and closes December 12, 2025.
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:
Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university and/or
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.
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):
In order to be considered for admission to the MSCVP program, applicants must submit documentation of the following:
Accepted candidates must show documentation of meeting the following specific health requirements prior to matriculation into the program:
Any costs associated with meeting the unique health requirements for admission are the responsibility of the student.
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:
Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom
From Computer
Log in and start your Zoom session with participants
From Phone
To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera