Bachelor of Science Cardiovascular Perfusion
Assistant Professor J.J. Sistino, program director; Associate Professor John M. Toole, MD, medical director, A. Sievert;  Assistant Professors J.R. Acsell, M.M. McCall, A. Sievert; Instructors C. Bistrick, A. Fernandez, A. Hodge.

Cardiovascular Perfusion (CP) is a relatively new and dynamic allied medical specialty. The perfusionist is a highly trained member of the open-heart surgery team who is mainly responsible for the operation of the heart-lung machine. In the operating suite, the heart catheterization laboratory, intensive care units, and the emergency department, the perfusionist oversees a number of highly technical mechanical and electronic devices, which monitor, support, or replace the functions of the patient’s cardiopulmonary system. The perfusionist must command extensive knowledge in human anatomy as well as physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and surgical procedures.

The curriculum is heavily focused on science, physics, and perfusion technology with extensive classroom instruction devoted to these areas. The program allows for each student to act as the primary perfusion technologist on a minimum of seventy-five perfusion cases, and backup perfusionist on fifty additional cases. Outside clinical rotations at an affiliated open-heart program are required for the perfusion candidate in the senior year.

The diverse caseload at the Medical University Hospital, the Charleston Veterans Administration Hospital, and other clinical affiliates provides experience in infant, pediatric and adult perfusion, heart and liver transplantation, cardiopulmonary support, neurosurgical applications, ECMO, hemodialysis, ventricular assist devices, and blood salvaging (autotransfusion). Upon completion of the program, the student is awarded a Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion.

Employment Opportunities
Hospitals in most moderate to large cities have active open-heart surgery programs which require perfusion support. Heart disease is one of the most common debilitating diseases in this country. With heart transplant programs and specialty techniques, as well as routine cardiac surgery procedures, the demand for well-trained perfusionists will continue. The salaries and benefits in this field are excellent.