About the Program
The Michener Institute of Education at UHN received consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a five-year term as of July 2021, the first cardiovascular perfusion program offered at a Master’s level in Canada and 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 the Canadian certification examination (Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion).
- 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
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.
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
Get in Touch
Key Dates for Full-Time Programs (2025/26)
- Applications Open: October 10, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Supporting Document Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Last Casper Date: February 20, 2026
- First Round of Offers Released: Mid – April 2026
- Full-Time Provisional Offer or Admission Deadline: July 15, 2026
- Application Evaluation Period: November 2025 – April 2026
- Application Acknowledgement Emails (Sent Weekly): Mid-November 2025 – February 1, 2026
- Active Waitlist for Qualified Applicants: June – September 2026
Costs
Cardiovascular Perfusion (Full-Time Programs) - Domestic Tuition Fees
| Year of Study | Semester | Tuition ($) | Student Fees ($) | Total Fees ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fall* | 7,654.40 | 1,232.12 | 8,886.52 |
| Year 1 | Winter | 7,654.40 | 326.25 | 7,980.65 |
| Year 1 | Summer | 7,654.40 | 326.23 | 7,980.63 |
| Year 2 | Fall | 7,321.60 | 873.42 | 8,195.02 |
| Year 2 | Winter | 7,321.60 | 380.83 | 7,702.43 |
*Footnote: The non-refundable deposit will be applied to the total Fall tuition fees for incoming Year 1
Cardiovascular Perfusion (Full-Time Programs) - International Tuition Fees
| Year of Study | Semester | Tuition ($) | Student Fees ($) | Total Fees ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fall* | 26,790.40 | 2,867.09 | 29,657.49 |
| Year 1 | Winter | 26,790.40 | 487.14 | 27,277.54 |
| Year 1 | Summer | 26,790.40 | 487.13 | 27,277.53 |
| Year 2 | Fall | 25,625.60 | 2,380.83 | 28,006.43 |
| Year 2 | Winter | 25,625.60 | 730.67 | 26,356.27 |
*Footnote: *The non-refundable deposit will be applied to the total Fall tuition fees for incoming Year 1
Students Fees 2026-27 — Domestic and International Students
Students Fees 2026-27 - Domestic and International Students
| Fee Items | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 or Clinical | Part-Time Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alumni | 35.01 | 35.01 | 35.01 | 7.00 |
| Digital Media Fee | 335.09 | 335.09 | 180.95 | 44.90 |
| Graduation | 59.90 | – | – | 17.30 |
| Handbook | 11.14 | 11.14 | 11.14 | 11.15 |
| Health / Counseling Services* | 140.04 | 140.04 | 140.04 | 21.00 |
| Identification Card | 16.71 | – | – | 16.71 |
| Locker | 10.50 | 10.50 | – | – |
| LRC printing | 20.00 | – | – | 21.00 |
| Orientation | 95.29 | – | – | – |
| Student Success Network Fee | 102.49 | 102.49 | 50.13 | 50.13 |
| Student Council – Athletics* | 40.85 | 40.85 | 40.85 | 27.43 |
| Student Council – Operating | 38.99 | 38.99 | 38.99 | 19.50 |
| Student Enrolment Fee | 50.13 | 50.13 | 50.13 | 11.13 |
| Technology Fee* | 208.30 | 208.30 | 208.30 | 122.19 |
| Subtotal: | 1164.44 | 972.54 | 755.54 | 368.44 |
External Fees — 2025/26
External Fee Items — Domestic Students
External Fees — 2025/26 External FeeItems - Domestic Students
| Fee Items | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 or Clinical | Part-Time Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mask Fitting | 68.25 | – | – | – |
| Student Health & Dental Insurance | 334.95 | 334.95 | 334.95 | – |
| Student Bursary Levy | 17.33 | 17.33 | 17.33 | – |
| Total: | 1,584.97 | 1,324.82 | 1,107.82 | 368.44 |
External Fee Items — International Students
External Fees — 2025/26 External FeeItems - International Students
| Fee Items | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 or Clinical | Part-Time Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Student Health Insurance | 1,234.95 | 1,234.95 | 1,234.95 | – |
| Mask Fitting | 68.25 | – | – | – |
| International Support and Advising | 500.00 | 500.00 | 500.00 | – |
| Total: | 2,967.64 | 2,707.49 | 2,490.49 | – |
Find the list of Required and Recommended Textbooks through Michener’s Learning Resource Collaboratory (LRC).
Every year, Michener offers scholarships and named bursary awards to students. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, general and discipline-specific scholarships and awards have been established to provide Michener’s full-time programs with financial aid.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) administers many financial aid programs, including loans, grants and scholarships. The eligibility rules for each program may change from one academic year to the next.
Students in Cardiovascular Perfusion are eligible to receive OSAP. Students should apply for OSAP online and email regoffice@michener.ca with any questions. Michener students may also be eligible, if qualified, for assistance under the Canada Student Loans (CSL) and/or the Ontario Student Loans (OSL) components of OSAP.
For more information:
Academic Requirements
Applicants to the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program must meet the below admission requirements:
Option A
Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on the OMSAS Scale AND a minimum grade of 70% (B-) in each of the following one-semester (0.5 credit) university-level courses:
- Gross Human Anatomy
- Gross Human Physiology
- Algebra or Calculus
- General Physics (Course must cover the following: Newtonian laws, fluid dynamics & fluid statics)
- Chemistry (Course must cover the following: Structure of matter; solutions, acid /base theory, thermodynamics)
NOTE: CGPA will be calculated using the entire undergraduate degree. Minimum required CGPA is 75%.
Michener’s online distance-education course Anatomy and Physiology – APCE890 can fulfill the Gross Human Anatomy & Gross Human Physiology prerequisites.
If you are currently registered in AP 807, this course is still eligible to fulfill the Human Anatomy & Human Physiology prerequisites.
Option B
Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 (CGPA will be calculated using entire RT/RN diploma/degree. Minimum required CGPA is 75%) on the OMSAS Scale AND
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Registered Nurse (RN) [All documents relevant to training and/or experience (resume or CV) must be submitted.] AND
- One-year critical care experience within the last five (5) years
- A letter from an employer stating a minimum of one (1) year of critical care experience within the past five years must be provided
Offers of admission will be allocated with equal consideration among candidates applying through option A and option B.
~ Visit ouac.on.ca for Ontario Medical Schools grade conversion.
- All applicants are required to complete the Casper Assessment
- To register for the Casper test, please use the nine-digit Michener ID (ex. 000123456). This ID will be provided in your application acknowledgment email sent on a weekly basis.
- Casper test scores are sent directly to Michener. Please ensure you put Michener on your Casper distribution list. Please contact Casper directly for assistance.
- Only one test is required. Results from the Casper test will be used to assess your application for all applicable programs.
CASPER Test Dates
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Jul 20, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. EDT |
| Aug 12, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Aug 28, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Sep 11, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Sep 23, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Oct 4, 2025 | 7:00 p.m. EDT |
| Oct 9, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Oct 15, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. EDT |
| Oct 15, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Oct 16, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Nov 6, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EST |
| Nov 30, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. EST |
| Dec 2, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EST |
| Jan 8, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. EST |
| Jan 22, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. EST |
| Feb 19, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. EST |
Please visit the Supporting Documents page for more information on the letter of intent.
Please visit the Supporting Documents page for more information on the academic or professional letter of recommendation.
Admissions to the Cardiovascular Perfusion program will be determined by an assessment of academic achievement, CGPA (35%), professional and academic experience (20%), and Casper test result (45%).
Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents by February 15, 2026:
OPTION A
- Postsecondary transcripts (WES and/or ICAS evaluations if applicable)
- Additional proof of prerequisite completion if completed outside postsecondary transcripts
OPTION B
- Postsecondary transcripts (WES and/or ICAS evaluations if applicable)
- Proof of registration documents with CRTO or CNO
- All documents relevant to training and/or experience (resume or CV)
- A letter from an employer stating at least one year of critical care experience within the last five years
NOTE: Internationally educated applicants are required to have their education evaluated by WES or ICAS. Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide proof of an English language assessment. Please visit the Internationally Educated Applicants page for more information.
Required:
NOTE: Applicants are required to submit the Applicant Experience Checklist, even if none of the checklist items are applicable
Optional:
- Resume or CV
- Reference letter(s)
- License(s), etc.
- All applicants are required to submit a letter of intent to support their application
- The letter of intent will assist the Admissions Committee to better understand an applicant’s academic and professional trajectory and future career goals and aspirations as well as to assess the applicant’s knowledge within the Cardiovascular Perfusion field
- The letter must not be more than two (2) pages in length
All applicants are required to submit one (1) letter of recommendation.
The letter can be from either an Academic or Professional Referee and should indicate why you would be an excellent fit for the program. They should specifically draw on your experience and how that has prepared you for success in the program and in a career as a Cardiovascular Perfusionist.
Where to submit documents:
Electronic copies of your official transcripts and credential evaluations (WES or ICAS) must be submitted directly by the host institution to admissions@michener.ca.
English language assessments must be sent directly to admissions@michener.ca by the assessment provider.
Supporting documents (aside from transcripts) such as: letter of intent, resume, applicant experience checklist, recommendation and reference letters must be uploaded in Michener Self-Service (Document upload instructions ) or sent to admissions@michener.ca.
Additional Requirements
- English Language Proficiency and Credential Evaluation (Internationally Educated Students Only)
- Minimum Technology Requirements
- Health Requirements
Post Admission Requirements
Once students have accepted their offer of admission, they will need to meet the following post-admission requirements by the deadline indicated in the offer letter:
Health requirements are mandatory for all Michener students. Make sure to start the process of obtaining your health requirements immediately upon accepting your offer of admission to ensure that you meet the deadlines. This process will involve multiple visits to your physician/healthcare provider.
Students are responsible for costs incurred. More information is available on the Health Requirements page. Health Requirement documents are uploaded through the Michener Self-Service Portal. Contact the Health Services Department at healthservices@michener.ca for questions.
All students who accept an offer of admission into a Michener program must submit proof of a Vulnerable Sector Check, conducted at their expense. Completed Vulnerable Sector Checks are uploaded to the Michener Self-Service Portal. Failure to do so may result in a revocation of admission or restriction on clinical activities.
Students must attend respiratory protection training and be mask-fit tested prior to attending their clinical placement. Students must also comply with their clinical site’s respiratory protection policies. Visit the Mask Fit Testing page for more information.
In addition to offences disclosed under the Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), accepted applicants are required to disclose if they have been charged with (where charges are still outstanding or unresolved) or convicted of an offense under any other Federal statute or international law (other offenses) and to disclose if they have been charged (where charges are still outstanding and unresolved) or have been disciplined by any professional body or association.
Accepted applicants will agree to complete annual mandatory training requirements including Cybersecurity Training and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training program during the first week of classes.
Accepted applicants will agree to participate in learning activities that will include practicing real and/or simulated learning activities, which at times may involve fellow classmates, volunteers and/or other individuals under the supervision of qualified program faculty. Accepted applicants will also agree to act as a simulated patient for other students. These activities may also be evaluated to determine competence acquisition and may be recorded (audio/video).
Accepted applicants will attest that they have read and understand relevant policies with particular attention to Michener’s policies in the following areas:
- Clinical Placement
- At the point of accepting an offer of admission, students agree to attend any placement site that is assigned to them knowing that sites may be located anywhere in Ontario and for some programs across Canada
- Community Right and Responsibilities
- Michener is committed to the establishment of an atmosphere of respect and civility and appreciation for the rights and responsibilities of all those associated with Michener
- Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination
- All Michener students are required to be in compliance with the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy with proof of full vaccination
How to Apply: Checklist
For more information about the Master of Science degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion and the clinical placement for this program, please contact admissions@michener.ca.
