Cardiovascular Perfusion

Website: https://medicine.utah.edu/surgery/cardiothoracic/perfusion-studies

30 N Mario Capecchi Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112

Phone: 801-581-4222

The CVP program is designed to educate students and prepare them with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to graduate as licensed cardiovascular perfusionists. These individuals are vital members of the cardiovascular surgical team as they are responsible for running the heart-lung (cardiopulmonary bypass) machine and are heavily relied on by surgeons. During surgery, they utilize the appropriate equipment to maintain blood flow to the body’s tissues and regulate levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Perfusionists are also responsible for measuring selected laboratory values and monitoring circulation. They also administer medicines through the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit, among other responsibilities in the surgical setting. Our program graduates will meet the requirements necessary to succeed in a field where surgical techniques, cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, and new technologies are constantly changing the way we practice medicine.

The CVP program is intended to attract current allied health professionals, recent baccalaureate graduates, and qualified individuals to learn the advanced perfusion techniques needed for successful careers in cardiovascular surgery. The CVP is a 24-month (6 semester) post-baccalaureate degree that begins with three semesters (48 credit hours) of full time didactic and laboratory education, with students also doing clinical observations at the University of Utah hospital. The didactic portion of the curriculum for this program includes: Master’s level anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, perfusion technology, laboratory, research methods, and a masters project. The last three semesters (34 credit hours) will comprise of a clinical phase which includes full-time clinical rotations under the direct supervision of a preceptor at top notch hospitals throughout the United States.

• Completion of a bachelor's level or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

• Minimum cumulative GPA and science GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.00.

• Three letters of recommendation (Letters can be from any person who can attest to the applicant's capacity and potential for graduate studies).

• Completion of the required prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited college or university. All prerequisites must be completed with a C or better. Grades of C- are not acceptable for any prerequisite courses.

• Prerequisite Courses Required:

  • Anatomy 3 credits (U of U BIOL 2325)

  • Physiology 3 credits (U of U BIOL 2420)

  • Biochemistry 3 credits (U of U BIOL 3510)

  • Physics 3 credits (U of U PHYS 2010)

  • Biology with lab 8 credit hours (U of U BIOL 1210/BIOL 2020)

  • General Chemistry (inorganic with lab) 4 credit hours (U of U CHEM 1210)

  • College Algebra or higher 6 credit hours (U of U MATH 1050/MATH 1060)

  • English 6 credit hours (U of U WRTG 2010 and one additional course)

  • Social and Behavior Sciences (sociology, psychology, anthropology, etc.) 6 credit hours.

• Completion of the program's interview process.

• Passage of the University of Utah criminal background check and drug screenings.

• GRE exam not required.

• For competitive admissions, the MSCP program highly recommends:

  • Shadowing of a perfusionist

  • Applicants with experience in one of the following allied health care professions is encouraged Perfusion Assistant, Respiratory Therapy, ECMO Technologist, Nurse, Emergency Medical Technologist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Physiologist, Physician Assistant

• As a part of the interview process, finalists will be invited to do a mandatory onsite interview with essays to be written. This is in line with industry standards.

• Upon acceptance, all students must meet the University's Student Health Requirements which include: Proof of physical examination within one year of application, student liability insurance and health insurance, current immunizations for MMR, Chickenpox, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis.