Master of Science in Extracorporeal Science

The Master of Science in Extracorporeal Science (MS-ECS) provides students with the cognitive knowledge and application of extracorporeal technology. The MS-ECS program is an online, distance-based curriculum aimed to meet the growing needs of the international perfusion and critical care communities. The curriculum is designed to serve global communities in the treatment of patients with advanced cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases using extracorporeal technology.

The MS-ECS program prepares its graduates with the required theoretical knowledge necessary to work as a clinical perfusionist in a variety of health care settings where cardiopulmonary life support services are required. Perfusionists are typically employed in cardiac surgical centers and operate the heart-lung machine during open heart surgery. They serve as experts in associated technologies such as ventricular assist devices (VADs), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and are involved in all aspects of perioperative blood conservation and management. Clinical perfusionists are highly trained members of an open-heart surgery team. Extensive knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and surgical techniques are keys to success. Perfusionists often specialize in areas of pediatric perfusion or mechanical circulatory support devices.

Successful candidates for the MS-ECS program would include: Entry-level perfusion students residing outside of the United States who can complement the cognitive knowledge from the program with clinical experience acquired from on-the-job employment. Practicing perfusionists working outside of the United States that seek a graduate degree in perfusion theory and didactic knowledge. Allied health and research professionals seeking didactic education in ECMO and ventricular assist technologies, such as biomedical engineers, nurses, and respiratory therapists not requiring direct hands-on clinical experience.

Admissions

Learn more about the admission steps and requirements for the program.

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

CVP 700 Clinical Monitoring 3
CVP 702 Perfusion Technology I 3
CVP 718 Pathophysiology 5
Semester Total 11

Year 1, Spring

CVP 703 Perfusion Technology II 3
CVP 708 Pathophysiology for Perfusion 4
CVP 710 Fundamentals of Clinical Acid 1
Semester Total 8

Year 1, Summer

CVP 714 Cardiac Assist Devices 2
CVP 731 Extracorporeal Life Support 1
CVP 733 Principles and Practices  3
CVP 704 Research Methodology 3
Semester Total 9

Year 2, Fall

CVP 724 Quality Improvement and Inform 2
CVP 770 Masters Research Project II 3
CVP 706 Perioperative Blood Management 2
IP 711 IP Foundations & Teamstepps 1
IP ### IP Concentration Course of Choice 1
Semester Total 9

Year 2, Spring

CVP 720 Advanced Pediatric Perfusion 2
CVP 771 Masters Research Project III 3
CVP 610 Pharmacology for Perfusion 4
Semester Total 9
Curriculum Total 46