Clinical Perfusion

Degree Offered

Master of Perfusion Science (MPS)
Additionally, the CPE Program offers an online Masters of Perfusion Science (MPS) Degree Advancement Option (DAO) for those who have already completed a CAAHEP-accredited perfusion education program. DAO participants are part-time students and are allowed up to five years to complete a 17-hour curriculum.

Length of Program

The Clinical Perfusion Science Education (CPE) Program at UNMC is 21 months in length. Upon successful completion of the program, UNMC awards the Master of Perfusion Science degree, making graduates eligible for national certification. The first two semesters (Phase I) consist of didactic coursework with an introduction to perfusion science. The remaining 11 months (Phase II and III) consist of clinical rotations, a research project, and elective courses.

Degree Requirements

Graduation requirements include successful completion of the following:

1. Pass, with a greater than 73% grade, a comprehensive written objective test that focuses on problems encountered in the practice of clinical perfusion.
2. Complete thorough and comprehensive evaluations of different patients who are to undergo clinical perfusion. The student must be able to differentiate between abnormal and normal variations and to design a pump circuit that would meet the physiological needs of the patient undergoing surgery. Demonstrate through appropriate consultation with the faculty member that a suitable circuit has been selected and that the patient can be safely supported on cardiopulmonary bypass.
3. Meet all standards as established by the clinical competency committee.

Clinical Perfusion Website

Clinical Perfusion Education

The mission of admissions in the College of Allied Health Professions is to advance evidence-based recruitment and admissions practices that are inclusive, equitable and balanced with respect to experiences, attributes and metrics to recruit and admit applicants for the purpose of preparing highly competent, collaborative and compassionate professionals dedicated to improving the health and healthcare of all individuals and communities. 

For specific Clinical Perfusion admissions, application, and timelines, visit: Clinical Perfusion Admissions.

Curriculum

Plan of Instruction

The program is 21 months in length.

Phase I
The first two semesters consist of clinical experience plus didactic course work that includes classes in clinical perfusion, pathology, pharmacology, research methodology, management, and electronics.

Phase II
The Summer Session, in between the first and second years, introduces the student to the applied aspects of extra-corporeal circulation through wet-lab experiences and simulated cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. During this semester the students also continue their clinical education at The Nebraska Medical Center.

Phase III
The remaining 8 months consist of clinical rotations (1 to 2 months in length) at outside clinical affiliate hospitals. Finalization of the student's research project is also completed.

Outside employment is discouraged during the the program. While every effort will be made to assist a student if a difficulty should arise due to classes or health, the student must complete the previous classes or rotations before advancing to the next semester.

Clinical Perfusion Website