Graduate Programs

Quinnipiac’s MHS in cardiovascular perfusion is one of only eight perfusion graduate-level programs in the United States. Our rigorous academic and clinical courses prepare students for the varied responsibilities of a clinical perfusionist.

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.

Individuals interested in becoming a perfusionist should have intelligence, dexterity and mechanical aptitude and be able to concentrate intensely for long periods of time. Other important personal qualities include a strong sense of responsibility, the ability to work well with people as well as the ability to work effectively in emergency situations. Perfusionists often work under very stressful conditions. The hours are long, and the situations are life and death. A perfusionist must be emotionally stable and able (mentally and physically) to react effectively to all situations in the operating room.

This program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Committee-Perfusion Education under the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

For more information contact:
Graduate Health Sciences Admissions
Phone: 203-582-8672 or 1-800-462-1944
E-mail: graduate@quinnipiac.edu

In evaluating applications, the Committee on Admissions places heavy emphasis on previous academic achievement and recommendations from perfusionists and cardiac surgeons.

In order to be considered for admission to the cardiovascular perfusion program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Baccalaureate degree in science or health-related discipline from an accredited American or Canadian college or university.
2. Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.8
3. Successful completion of the following science courses: general chemistry (2 semesters), biology (2 semesters), physics (1 semester), college algebra or calculus, anatomy and physiology (2 semesters) and microbiology.
4. Certification in Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association
5. Two years of health care work experience is required. Preference is given to candidates who have experience in critical care areas such as ICU, CCU, ER and OR.

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed graduate application form
• $45 application fee
• Detailed autobiography of personal, professional and educational achievements
• Two professional reference letters
• Official post-secondary transcripts with confirmation of undergraduate degree
• Copies of relevant professional license certificates

The GRE is not required.

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.

The application deadline is February 1. Decisions will be made individually as an application becomes complete. Final decisions will be made by the program director, with input from the medical director and the Perfusion Advisory Council, an organization made up of one certified clinical perfusionist (clinical instructor or department chief) from each of the hospitals that has a clinical affiliation agreement with Quinnipiac.

An interview with the program director is required prior to a decision of admission. Applications will be ranked based on a strong academic record, experience in a relevant clinical area, perceived ability to complete a challenging didactic and clinical program and the strength of professional recommendations.

Our cardiovascular perfusion program offers students well-rounded didactic, laboratory and clinical experience in the perfusion area. The clinical phase of the program runs for three consecutive semesters. Students rotate through a variety of clinical sites to assure adequate exposure to a variety of equipment and procedures.

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 an overall GPA of 2.67 in each of the two didactic semesters (Fall I and Spring I) will result in automatic dismissal from the program.

Fall I

		Credits
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
	Total	14

Spring I

		Credits
PR 503	Systems Anatomy and Physiology II	3
PR 506	Pharmacologic Intervention	4
PR 509	Extracorporeal Circuitry and Laboratory II	1
PR 510	Surgical Techniques	2
PR 512	Pediatric Perfusion	4
	Total	14

Summer (hospital-based clinical training session)

		Credits
PR 514	Special Topics in Cardiovascular Perfusion	2
PR 600	Cardiovascular Perfusion Practicum I	5
	Total	7

Fall II

		Credits
PR 520	Research Methods in Cardiovascular Perfusion	2
PR 602	Cardiovascular Perfusion Practicum II	5
	Total	7

Spring II

		Credits
PR 604	Cardiovascular Perfusion Practicum III	5
	Total	5