Cardiovascular Perfusion Program

Adela Chau - Program Testimonial
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Program at a glance:

Credential Earned: Master of Science Degree


Program Length: 2 years (Full-time)


Program Delivery: On site with online components


Start Date: September 2024


Application Deadline: February 1, 2024


Program Code: MICH CV222


Michener is now accepting international applicants to all full-time programs. Please visit our International Applicants page for more details.

About the Program

Be the heart — and lungs — of the operating room

The Michener Institute of Education at UHN has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a five-year term starting July 2021. Michener shall ensure that all students admitted to the Cardiovascular Perfusion program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

The Cardiovascular Perfusion program is the only Master’s level program offered in Canada and is accredited by Accreditation Canada . Accreditation is a quality improvement process that ensures educational programs meet national standards and that students acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies for safe and effective care at entry to practice.  Graduates are eligible to write certification examinations in both Canada (Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion) and in the USA (American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion).

For more information about the Master of Science degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion, please contact admissions@michener.ca.

“The hands-on learning in the CVP lab equipped with high fidelity simulators is a great accompaniment to the lecture component. I look forward to using the skills and experience I have acquired from the program in my career as a perfusionist.”

Kiera M.
Cardiovascular Perfusion Student

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Admission Requirements

About the Profession

Perfusionists work under the direct clinical responsibility of cardiac surgeons and anesthesiologists as part of the interprofessional operating room team. Their primary role is to maintain a patient’s respiration, circulation and physiological state, using state-of-the-art equipment like the heart-lung machine during surgery. They are also trained to safely administer blood products and drugs as part of their scope of practice. Working in the cardiac operating room is physically demanding and shifts are typically 10-12 hours at a time as surgery can be extremely complex and lengthy.

What will I Study?

  • Detailed anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and related systems
  • The operation of the heart-lung machine and cardiopulmonary support devices
  • Comprehensive perfusion theory
  • Principles of Pharmacology as it relates to perfusion science
  • Principles of Hemotherapy and transfusion science
  • Knowledge of pathological mechanisms essential for understanding relevant cardiopulmonary diseases
  • Patient care and professionalism in the operating room and other critical care areas of the hospital
  • Applied research experience through the completion of a capstone project
  • Professional Development as it relates to perfusion practice in Canada

Please see the detailed course description on the CVP Curriculum Page.

Clinical Education

For more information about the Master of Science degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion and the clinical placement for this program, please contact admissions@michener.ca.

For information about clinical education at Michener, please visit the Clinical Education Model page.