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.

• 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.

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.

Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion (CSCP)
American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion