Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion
Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion
Cardiovascular Perfusion Program Overview
The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion (CVP) is a graduate-level program approved by the Utah State Board of Higher Education and housed within the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. The program is designed to educate and prepare students with the advanced knowledge, technical skills, and clinical expertise required to become licensed cardiovascular perfusionists, highly specialized members of the cardiovascular surgical team.
Perfusionists play a critical role in cardiac surgery by operating the cardiopulmonary bypass (heart-lung) machine, which maintains circulation and oxygenation while the heart is stopped during surgery. In this role, they manage complex physiological parameters, regulate blood gases, administer medications through the bypass circuit, monitor circulation, and interpret key laboratory values in real time. Their expertise is vital to the success of open-heart surgeries and other procedures requiring extracorporeal circulation.
Our curriculum prepares students to thrive in a rapidly evolving medical field where surgical methods, perfusion techniques, and life-sustaining technologies are continually advancing. Program graduates will be fully equipped to meet current licensure requirements and succeed in diverse clinical settings
Program Structure
The CVP program is a 24-month (6-semester), post-baccalaureate degree that begins each year in early May and is delivered in two main phases:
Didactic Phase
- Three semesters of full-time classroom and laboratory instruction
- 47 credit hours
- Includes clinical observation at University of Utah Hospital
- Coursework includes:
- Graduate-level anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Perfusion technology and laboratory training
- Research methods
- A master’s project based on real patient data
- Graduate-level anatomy and physiology
Clinical Phase
- Final three semesters
- 35 credit hours
- Full-time clinical rotations under the direct supervision of licensed preceptors
- Training occurs at leading hospitals across the United States, offering high-volume and diverse case experiences
Accreditation
The program received full accreditation on January 20, 2022, through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), via its Accreditation Committee on Perfusion Education (AC-PE). All curricular and clinical training components are aligned with CAAHEP standards and national credentialing requirements.
The CVP program was unanimously approved by the University of Utah Board of Trustees on December 12, 2019, marking a significant step forward in the university’s commitment to advancing healthcare education.
Upcoming Events
CARDIOVASCULAR PERFUSION PROGRAM Q&A
TBD...