Cardiovascular Perfusion Program

Program Contact: Tyler Wahl 203-582-7290

The perfusionist provides consultation to the physician in the selection of the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used during extracorporeal circulation. During cardiopulmonary bypass, the perfusionist provides life support to the patient while the heart and lungs are stopped to enable the surgeon to operate. Perfusionists administer blood products, anesthetic agents and drugs through the extracorporeal circuit. The perfusionist is responsible for the induction of hypothermia and other duties, when required. Perfusionists have a role in the implementation and operation of ventricular assist devices designed to provide long-term circulatory support for the failing heart.

This program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Committee—Perfusion Education (1415 Walnut Street, Western Springs, Illinois 60558; Executive Director Bradley Kulat CCP, LP) office@ac-pe.org under the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

The Master of Health Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program requires a minimum of 51 credits for degree completion.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall Semester		Credits
College-based didactic coursework:
PR 500	Theoretical Foundations of Cardiovascular Perfusion	2
PR 502	Systems Anatomy and Physiology I	3
PA 535	Disease Mechanisms	4
PR 508	Extracorporeal Circuitry and Laboratory I	1
PR 516	Physiologic Monitoring	4
	Credits	14
Spring Semester
PR 503	Systems Anatomy and Physiology II	3
PR 506	Pharmacologic Intervention in Cardiovascular Perfusion	4
PR 509	Extracorporeal Circuitry and Lab II	1
PR 510	Surgical Techniques	2
PR 526	Mechanical Circulatory Support	4
PR 528	Congenital Defects and Clinical Practice	2
	Credits	16
Second Year
Summer Semester
Hospital-based clinical training session:
PR 600	Clinical Practicum I	5
PR 520	Research Methods in Cardiovascular Perfusion	2
	Credits	7
Fall Semester
PR 602	Clinical Practicum II	5
PR 522	Research Methods in CV Perfusion II	2
	Credits	7
Spring Semester
PR 604	Clinical Practicum III	5
PR 514	Special Topics in Cardiovascular Perfusion	2
	Credits	7
	Total Credits	51

During the first two didactic semesters, students are introduced to the operating room environment by weekly orientation sessions in one of several affiliated hospitals. Students are required to join the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology and maintain student membership for the duration of the program.

Failure to maintain a 3.00 minimum GPA in all didactic and clinical semesters will result in automatic dismissal from the program. Students must also successfully complete all clinical practicums to graduate from the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the cardiovascular perfusion program, students will demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Foundational knowledge: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the basic sciences as they pertain to the treatment of disease states in cardiopulmonary pathology.
2. Critical decision-making: Acquire the concepts and skills necessary to effectively apply technology, equipment and techniques to achieve extracorporeal life support of critically ill patients.
3. Professional skills: Master the skillful application of mechanical cardiac assist devices in patients with failing heart and lungs of all age groups: neonatal, pediatric and adult.
4. Interprofessional education: Collaborate with colleagues and other healthcare professionals in providing quality patient care.
5. Professionalism and effective scientist: Apply research methods to constantly assess and improve practices, with the goal of enhancing patient safety and outcomes.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Health Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program is to:

1. Provide excellent education in both the didactic and clinical learning environment;
2. Provide research opportunities that contribute to the clinical and scientific knowledge base in the field of extracorporeal circulation; and
3. Foster a sense of commitment to continuing education and professional development.

This mission is consistent with the mission of Quinnipiac University, which is to provide a supportive and stimulating environment for the intellectual and personal growth of undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students.

Admission

Interested candidates must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada. Scores for the tests of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are required if the applicant is from a non-English speaking country. Applicants must have the following course prerequisites:

• two semesters of general biology (with labs)
• two semesters of anatomy and physiology (with labs)
• two semesters of general chemistry (with labs)
• one semester of biochemistry
• one semester of physics (with lab)
• one semester of microbiology (with lab)
• one semester (2 or 3 credits) of medical terminology
• one semester of college algebra, calculus or biostatistics
• certification in Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association

Prerequisites should be completed within 10 years of application. Applicants to the program should have a strong background in the health sciences and be able to work for long periods under intense conditions. Individuals already working in the fields of nursing, respiratory care, physician assistant, physical therapy, paramedical and biomedical engineering are ideally suited for admission into the program.

Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 and at least two years of experience working in a healthcare field involving direct patient care.

Applications can be obtained from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Applicants should refer to the graduate admission requirements found in this catalog.

A detailed autobiography of personal, professional and educational achievements, and three letters of recommendation must accompany the student’s application.

All applications, transcripts, reference letters and supporting materials must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Admission to the program is competitive. Personal interviews, required for admission, are offered to the most qualified candidates.

The curriculum for the professional courses in the program are subject to modification as deemed necessary to maintain a high-quality educational experience and keep current with best practices in the profession.

SHS Additional Requirements

Academic programs with clinical/fieldwork components use multiple experiential learning sites. Students are responsible for their transportation to and from these clinical agencies.

Additional Program Costs

As a clinical education program, the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program requires some expenses that go beyond university graduate tuition and fees. Please note all cost estimates are subject to change:

1. Clinical/Fieldwork Education Travel – Students are responsible for all expenses (e.g., gas, parking, maintenance) related to transportation to get to a fieldwork site. This includes private transportation, public transportation and air travel as necessary. Cost: variable
2. Academic and Experiential Software Package Cost (Exxat-Prism & Exxat-Approve) - Students enrolled in the CVP are required to purchase access software that manage experiential learning processes management of student health requirements (physical exams, vaccinations, etc.). Additional details and costs can be found on the School of Health Sciences page.
3. Background Check & Drug Screen -  The CVP program requires a criminal background check and drug screening before a student is placed at an experiential learning site. The university has procedures to assist students in obtaining such screenings. Students must review university policies regarding background checks and drug screening.

   
   The cost of the background check and drug screen is the responsibility of each individual student; additionally, certain clinical/fieldwork sites may require an additional check(s) prior to the student rotating at their specific site. Additional details and costs can be found on the School of Health Sciences page.

4. Immunizations – Consistent with the School of Health Sciences policy, all students must have a full battery of immunizations and, in some cases, titer affirmation of immunity for common diseases including but not limited to: MMR, HepB, varicella, polio, TDAP, TB, COVID and influenza. These must be documented prior to the start of clinical experiences and must be maintained until graduation. Cost: variable (please check with your insurance carrier)

5. Liability Insurance – All students have liability insurance coverage through the university, free of charge, while performing required clinical activity. Students may choose to purchase additional coverage at their own expense. 
6. Professional Association Membership: Students are required to join and maintain membership in both the American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion and the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology. Cost - $25 annually for AACP; $15 one-time fee for AmSECT.

* All prices as of May 1, 2026, and subject to change**

The Cardiovascular Perfusion program is accredited by:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775

Phone: 727-210-2350

Website caahep.org