Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Cardiovascular Sciences and Perfusion Medicine, MS


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Professor Renee McLeod, Chair
Adjunct Assistant Professor Edward Delaney, Graduate Co-Program Director
Adjunct Instructor Joseph Greco, Graduate Co-Program Director

The Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies’ Cardiovascular Sciences and Perfusion Medicine Program is committed to the education, mentoring and professional development of future cardiovascular perfusionists. Our goal is to produce highly skilled, competent next generation leaders in the field of cardiovascular science and perfusion medicine.  A 21-month program, integrating didactic and clinical practicum course-work, provides the education for an entry-level applicant to achieve a Certificate in Perfusion Clinical Competence and a Master of Science Degree in Cardiovascular Sciences and Perfusion Medicine from Hofstra University.

The curriculum will use a combination of high and low fidelity simulation, virtual education modalities, traditional classroom and field experts to prepare students for the clinical application of heart-lung bypass, methods of gas exchange, fluid management, hemostasis, and techniques of extracorporeal circulation for adult, pediatric, and infant patients.  The program provides the student with skills necessary to proficiently and safely conduct extracorporeal circulation with any cardiothoracic surgical team or medical department. Hofstra University draws upon the high volume of the New York City region, national and international expertise in adult cardiac tertiary specialty care services of Northwell Health and its regional clinical affiliates in the largest healthcare market in the country. In addition to traditional extracorporeal training, students will have the opportunity to experience complex aortic surgery, infant and pediatric perfusion for complex congenital and acquired heart disease, extracorporeal life support, ventricular assist devices and cutting edge technology in cardiovascular science.  An interprofessional team of educators, experts in the field of cardiovascular science, and first class clinical rotations, ensure a highly qualified student experience.

Upon completion of the program the graduate will possess the necessary educational background to:

  1. Select the equipment and techniques necessary to perform perfusion procedures for adults, infants, and children, in consultation with the physician.
  2. Safely operate extracorporeal circulation equipment and various cardiac assist devices during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily bypass the patients cardiopulmonary system.
  3. Safely administer prescribed blood products, anesthetic agents and drugs through the extracorporeal circuit.
  4. Monitor and report selected physiological parameters of the patient.
  5. Document complete and accurate information on the perfusion record.
  6. Function within recognized ethical and legal standards.
  7. Meet eligibility requirements for the Certification Examination of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion and State Licensure bodies.
  8. Be competent in basic research and statistical methods.

Admission Requirements


  1. A Baccalaureate Degree that must include:
    1. minimum of 6 credits in Human Biology, lab not included. This may include Microbiology or Cell Biology.
    2. minimum of 6 credits of General Chemistry (inorganic or organic) lab not included. No Introductory course accepted.
    3. minimum of 3 credits in Human Anatomy and 3 credits in Human Physiology. May be taken as part of AP1 and AP2 or separately.
    4. minimum of 6 credits in Math (algebra or higher, statistics accepted)
    5. minimum of 3 credits in General Physics or Physics for life sciences, lab not included.
  2. Only course work with a grade of B or higher is acceptable. Grade point average of at least 3.0 from the above course work completed (scale based on A=4.0) and 3.0 overall GPA.  Any prerequisite course work retaken for higher grade will be considered.
  3. Submission of college transcripts of all course work.
  4. Submission of three (3) letters of recommendation.  Letters can be from the following sources, attesting to the applicant’s capacity and potential for master’s study:
    1. The director or a faculty member from the most recent academic program attended (if applicant has been a student in the last five years);
    2. A person who can attest to the applicant’s professional work.
  5. In-person interview with Admissions Committee.
  6. Must observe a cardiopulmonary bypass cardiac procedure before acceptance.
  7. Some experience is preferred in one of the following allied health care professions:
    1. Perfusion Assistant
    2. Respiratory Therapist
    3. ECMO Technologist
    4. Cardiac Care Nurse
    5. Emergency Medical Technologist
    6. Cardiac Diagnostic Laboratory Technologist
    7. Cardiac Rehabilitation Physiologist 
    8. Or related health care field      
  8. One essay.
  9. Comprehensive background check.
  10. Student Health Requirements: Proof of physical examination within one year of application, student liability insurance and health insurance, current immunizations for MMR, Chickenpox, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis

The preferred application deadline is January 31st. All applications submitted after the preferred deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The program understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success. Applicants who want to be considered even though they do not meet all the admissions criteria are encouraged to offer a rationale for an exception to the requirements in their written personal statement.

Total Program Requirements – Semester Hours: 62


YEAR ONE


Completion of 38 s.h. as follows:

YEAR TWO


Completion of 24 s.h. as follows:

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