Cardiovascular Perfusion (MSCP)

MSCP 504. Advanced Anatomy and Physiology for Perfusionists. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 4 lecture hours. 4 credits. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. The course provides an in-depth exploration of human anatomy and physiology with a specialized focus on the cardiovascular system and its relevance to the practice of perfusion. It covers advanced concepts of the anatomy of the cardiovascular system, cardiovascular hemodynamics, myocardial physiology, renal physiology and hematology. Additional emphasis is placed on the embryologic development of the cardiovascular system and principles of ventilation and oxygenation.

MSCP 505. Pathophysiology and Surgical Repair of Cardiovascular Disorders. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 4 lecture hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: MSCP 504. Corequisite: MSCP 611. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. The course provides an in-depth exploration of human anatomy and physiology with a specialized focus on the cardiovascular system and its relevance to the practice of perfusion. It covers advanced concepts of the anatomy of the cardiovascular system, cardiovascular hemodynamics, myocardial physiology, renal physiology and hematology. Additional emphasis is placed on the embryologic development of the cardiovascular system and principles of ventilation and oxygenation.

MSCP 506. Pharmacology for Perfusionists. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. The course covers pharmacological principles and their application in cardiovascular perfusion practice. Students will learn about drugs that modify patients' responses to perfusion interventions. The course will further investigate the actions, interactions, and physiological effects of pharmacological agents used in cardiovascular surgical procedures and intensive care units.

MSCP 510. Biomedical Devices and Patient Safety. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of biomedical instrumentation, electrical safety, medical and diagnostic imaging, blood and bodily fluid exposure, and patient safety in the operating room. The course aims to equip allied health professionals with the critical knowledge and skills necessary to ensure patient safety and the effective use of biomedical devices in clinical settings, particularly during complex treatments and procedures.

MSCP 511. Foundations of Perfusion Technology. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to foundational principles and technologies used in cardiovascular perfusion practice. The course will enhance understanding and promote skill development through a combination of theoretical instruction and high-fidelity simulation.

MSCP 531. Professional Aspects of Perfusion Practice. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture hours (delivered hybrid. 2 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. The course explores the professional aspects of clinical practice as a cardiovascular perfusionist in the United States. Students will gain an understanding of the accreditation and certification processes, as well as industry standards for professional practice. The course highlights the significance of professionalism and effective communication in healthcare. In line with regulatory requirements, safe management practices are a significant focus. Students will also explore ethical considerations in perfusion practice. Ethical dilemmas in organ transplantation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are critically examined.

MSCP 534. Introduction to Evidence-Based Decision-Making. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 1 lecture hour (delivered hybrid). 1 credit. The course provides an introduction to evidence-based decision-making. Students will learn to formulate clinical questions, search for and critically appraise relevant evidence, and integrate this evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. The course formally introduces models for evidence-based practice, examines hierarchies of evidence and reviews implementation science and change theories useful for initiating EBP. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in retrieving and appraising literature relevant to cardiovascular perfusion, understanding the research process, and critiquing evidence.

MSCP 601. Perfusion Theory. 5 Hours.

Semester course; 5 lecture hours. 5 credits. Corequisite: MSCP 511. Enrollment is restricted to students in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. The course provides an in-depth exploration of the theoretical foundations of perfusion practice. It reinforces key cardiovascular anatomy and physiology concepts while introducing physics, mathematics and biomedical sciences principles relevant to the practice field. The course will foster an understanding of the physiological and technological aspects of cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal membrane life support, blood salvage and cardiac support devices (intraaortic balloon pumps and left ventricular assist devices.

MSCP 611. Techniques in Perfusion I. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and nine laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisites: MSCP 511 and MSCP 601. Enrollment is restricted to students in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. Course one of a two-course series. The course is designed to deepen the graduate students’ understanding of essential perfusion techniques. The course heavily emphasizes hands-on learning in a high-fidelity human simulation center. Students will gain practical experience using the cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal life support and cardiac support devices, preparing them for real-world clinical scenarios.

MSCP 612. Techniques in Perfusion II. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 9 laboratory hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: MSCP 611. Enrollment is restricted to students in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. The second course in a two-course series. The course builds on the foundational skills acquired in the first course in the series, advancing students' proficiency in perfusion techniques during complex and high-risk procedures. Emphasizing advanced hands-on learning in a high-fidelity human simulation center, students will refine their practical skills with cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal life support, and cardiac support devices. The course prepares students for the clinical residency phase of perfusion training by focusing on realistic scenarios and complications that may arise during cardiovascular perfusion. Students will engage in critical thinking and problem-solving exercises, enhancing their ability to manage challenging clinical situations effectively.

MSCP 615. Special Populations and Crisis Management. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 6 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. The course covers patient safety and specialized perfusion techniques for diverse patient groups. Students will learn about managing malignant hyperthermia, perfusion techniques for pregnant patients and considerations for patients with sickle cell disease and other blood disorders. The course also includes hands-on training in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and isolated limb perfusion, with comprehensive simulations to enhance clinical decision-making.

MSCP 621. Clinical Practicum I. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 4 practicum hours (400 clocked clinical hours). 4 credits. Prerequisite: MSCP 611. Enrollment is restricted to students in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. Introduces clinical care with supervised participation in cardiovascular perfusion procedures. Demonstrates internalization of theoretical concepts and techniques and application in cardiovascular perfusion management toward achieving entry-level competency for a clinical perfusionist. Graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

MSCP 622. Clinical Practicum II. 6 Hours.

Semester course; 6 practicum hours (600 clocked clinical hours). 6 credits. Prerequisite: MSCP 621. Enrollment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. Second course of a three course series. Provides intensive experience in all aspects of cardiovascular perfusion care. It represents an integral phase of sequenced clinical progress toward achieving competency in entry-level practice as a cardiovascular perfusion. Includes clinical rotations at various affiliate sites to gain experience in managing specialized perfusion considerations. Emphasizes increased responsibility for delivering comprehensive perfusion care along the educational/experiential continuum. Graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

MSCP 623. Clinical Practicum III. 6 Hours.

Semester course; 6 practicum hours (600 clocked clinical hours). 6 credits. Prerequisite: MSCP 622. Enrollment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. Third course in a three course series. Provides intensive experience in all aspects of cardiovascular perfusion care. It represents an integral phase of sequenced clinical progress toward achieving competency in entry-level practice as a cardiovascular perfusion. Includes clinical rotations at various affiliate sites to gain experience in managing specialized perfusion considerations. Emphasizes increased responsibility for delivering comprehensive perfusion care along the educational/experiential continuum. Introduces analysis and evaluation of experiential learning through the use of critical-thinking skills and reflection.

MSCP 699. Cardiovascular Perfusion Graduate Thesis. 1-5 Hours.

Semester course; 5 master's thesis hours (delivered hybrid). 1-5 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: ALHP 534. Enrollment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. Focus is on identifying a clinical question or issue in cardiovascular perfusion, with the attendant formulation of critically applicable questions in the field and examining the relevant research evidence that addresses those questions. Students implement and evaluate a project and disseminate the results through an oral or poster presentation, manuscript submission to a peer-reviewed journal or another appropriate medium.- Graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory.