Overview
Program Code
MICH CV222
Credential Earned
Master of Science Program
Program Type
Full-Time
Program Length
2 Years, Full-Time
Program Delivery
Hybrid
Application Method
Michener Self-Service
OSAP Eligibility
About the Profession
Cardiovascular Perfusionists (CP) 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 during surgery, using equipment like the heart-lung machine. Perfusionists are also trained to safely administer blood products and drugs as part of their scope of practice.
Perfusionists are essential members of the cardiovascular care team, supporting life-saving procedures. 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.
About the Program
The Cardiovascular Perfusion program at Michener is Canada’s leading educational program for training clinical perfusionists.
The program combines rigorous academic coursework with clinical training in cardiac centres, preparing graduates to manage cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal life support technologies and complex intraoperative monitoring.
Through Michener’s strong clinical partnerships, the program provides extensive hands-on experience in high-volume cardiac surgery environments. Graduates are well positioned to meet the growing demand for perfusion across Ontario and are eligible to write the Canadian certification examination (Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion).
The Cardiovascular program 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.
Curriculum - CVP
| Year | Semester | Course Title | Course Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fall | Hemotherapy | HTCV111 |
| 1 | Fall | Patient Care and Professionalism | PCCV111 |
| 1 | Fall | Physiological Science I | PSCV111 |
| 1 | Fall | Perfusion Theory I | PTCV110 |
| 1 | Winter | Professional Practice | PDCV120 |
| 1 | Winter | Applied Pharmacology | PMCV121 |
| 1 | Winter | Pathophysiology | PPCV120 |
| 1 | Winter | Perfusion Theory II | PTCV120 |
| 1 | Winter | Research Methods | RMCV120 |
| 1 | Summer | Critical Care | CCCV130 |
| 1 | Summer | CVP Simulations | CSCV130 |
| 1 | Summer | Advanced Perfusion Theory | PTCV231 |
| 1 | Summer | Pathophysiology II | PPCV121 |
| 2 | Fall | Clinical Practice Phase I & II | CLCV243 |
| 2 | Winter | Clinical Practice Phase III | CLCV253 |
| 3 | Summer – Fall – Winter | Capstone Project Part 1 | RMCV130 |
| 3 | Summer – Fall – Winter | Capstone Project Part 2 | RMCV240 |
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.