Master of Science (MS) in Cardiovascular Perfusion

An MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion is designed to prepare students for careers as cardiovascular perfusionists. Perfusionists operate the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery, maintaining a bloodless, motionless field for the surgeon and taking over heart and lung functions. Rush’s program includes three semesters of classroom learning, hospital observations, weekly lab and simulation training, and two final semesters with three 10-week clinical rotations at hospitals nationwide to gain hands-on experience with various equipment and techniques.

You can find all admissions information, including prerequisites and requirements, on the program’s Admissions page.

Students begin clinical observations early in the first semester at local hospitals, where they witness procedures such as open-heart surgeries, AngioVac cases, liver transplants, HIPEC and ECMO to support their classroom learning. Weekly lab sessions provide hands-on training with perfusion equipment, troubleshooting and simulation using the Califia simulator alongside faculty. Students gain experience with various heart-lung machines, circuit configurations, cardioplegia setups, ECMO, IABP and other equipment. In the final two semesters, students complete three 10-week clinical rotations across the country, which include at least 10 pediatric observations or, at select sites, the opportunity to perform pediatric cases.

Graduates receive strong career support, including help with writing resumes and cover letters as they begin the job search. Because perfusion is a close-knit field, students benefit from the faculty’s professional connections nationwide. Clinical rotations also allow students to network with potential employers and references. Faculty often provide references and offer guidance throughout the interview process and professional development.

Students begin with a statistics course, followed by four semesters of research. They either choose or are assigned a research topic and, with a partner, develop and plan a project. This includes completing an IRB application if required, conducting the research, analyzing data and writing up results. Before graduation, students defend their projects, and select projects may be submitted for publication with faculty support throughout the process. Additionally, students interested in presenting at local or national conferences receive guidance and assistance from faculty in preparing their presentations.

The average class size is 21 students, and the average full-time equivalent (FTE) faculty is 3.6. That comes to an average of 5.8 students per faculty member.

The program’s CAPE 3-year average pass rate is 96.3%, and the 5-year average pass rate is 95.56%. The program’s PBSE 3-year average pass rate is 92.86%, and the 5-year average pass rate is 94.57%.

It takes an expert … to be the heartbeat of a surgical team.

“Rush University’s Master of Science program in Cardiovascular Perfusion prepares students for gratifying careers in a profession with constantly advancing technology.”

“Our faculty members are practicing clinicians and investigators who create a connected learning community and encourage students to conduct and present their own research.”

“Perfusionists are integral members of the cardiovascular surgical team, working within the operating room and in situations when patients’ cardiopulmonary and circulatory function requires extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.”

“Rush students receive simulation training throughout the program, preparing them to work in a variety of healthcare and educational settings.”

Julie Collins, CCP, LP, MS
Program Director, MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion
Rush University, College of Health Sciences

A rewarding career in a continuously innovating profession.

Rush University College of Health Sciences. Excellence is just the beginning.