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Master of Science Degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion The M.S. in Cardiovascular Perfusion is offered by the Department of Biomedical Sciences in conjunction with the Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at North Shore University Hospital (North Shore ­ Long Island Jewish Health Care System) Manhasset, N.Y. The program requires completion of 54 graduate course credits, with 27 graduate credits taught at Long Island University's C.W. Post Campus in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and 27 graduate credits taught at North Shore University Hospital. North Shore University Hospital also provides the competency-based educational component and specialty courses required for entry into the cardiovascular perfusion profession. The program is 24 months in length and integrates didactic and clinical courses and practicums for entry level skills in cardiovascular perfusion. Students completing all course work are awarded an M.S. in Cardiovascular Perfusion from Long Island University's C.W. Post Campus as well as a certificate of completion from North Shore University Hospital. The Cardiovascular Perfusion Profession A perfusionist is a highly skilled technologist who operates extracorporeal circulation equipment during surgical and medical procedures. This equipment supports or replaces the patient's circulation and lung functions during surgery. The perfusionist must consult with a physician to select appropriate equipment and techniques. The perfusionist monitors vital cardio-pulmonary parameters to ensure the safe management of physiologic functioning during open heart surgery. Furthermore, the perfusionist is educated in the administration of prescribed blood products, anesthetic agents and cardiovascular drugs via the extracorporeal circuit. The perfusionist is knowledgeable and competent in the use of a variety of techniques, including hypothermia, hemodilution, and procedures involving specialized instrumentation and advanced life support. The perfusionist may also be responsible for administrative duties, purchasing, supply and equipment control, inventory, quality assurance and personnel management. Based on institutional factors and available facilities, the perfusionist may also be engaged in research of new products, development of surgical techniques, and data analysis. At all times, the perfusionist must maintain the highest ethical and professional health care standards. Requirements for Admission into the M.S. in Cardiovascular Perfusion Program: #1 Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university with a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 system. #2 Undergraduate courses that must have been completed include: 2 semesters of college biology (8 credits) 2 semesters of Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits) 2 semesters of college chemistry (8 credits) 1 semester of college math (3 credits) 1 semester of college physics (recommended) (4 credits) #3 Three letters of recommendation #4 Admission into the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. Candidates are assessed for admission into the program based upon: Clinical experience with life support/cardiac patients Academic performance Motivation to enter the field Insight into perfusion technology For further information regarding the program contact: Richard Chan, Program Director North Shore University Hospital School of Cardiovascular Perfusion 300 Community Drive Manhasset, NY 11030 (516) 562-1399 ehiscvp@aol.com Dr. R. Ronald Modesto, Chair Department of Biomedical Sciences Long Island University C.W. Post Campus 720 Northern Boulevard Brookville, New York 11548 (516) 299-3047 rmodesto@liu.edu Advanced Standing into the M.S. Program An experienced or practicing cardiovascular perfusionist who desires an M.S. in Cardiovascular Perfusion may apply for admission to this program. Their clinical expertise will be evaluated by North Shore University Hospital regarding individual competency in courses of surgery (6 credits); perfusion technology (6 credits); and three clinical practicums (I, II, III) ­ (5 credits each). The Director of the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at the NSUH will assign the grades for these courses. The other admission criteria listed above under 1, 2, and 3 must also be met. Students with advanced standing must take 27 credits of graduate course work in Medical Biology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Long Island University's C.W. Post Campus. The Curriculum The M.S. in Cardiovascular Perfusion consists of 54 graduate credits: 27 credits are taught at C.W. Post and 27 credits are taught at North Shore University Hospital. C.W. Post courses are taught on a semester basis (Fall: Sept. ­ Dec.; Spring: Jan. ­ May; Summer I: May ­ June). At the hospital, modules are taught throughout the calendar year: Module I (Sept. ­ Feb, first year); Module II (Mar. ­ Aug., first year); Module III (Sept. ­ Feb., second year); Module IV (Mar. ­ Aug., second year). Plan of Study for this degree includes the courses listed below: All clinical courses are taught during the day, 5 days/week, 8 hours/day; all university-based courses in Medical Biology are taught in the evening, after 6 p.m. Core Courses: (5 courses, 3 credits each = 15 credits total) HSMB 550 Medical Chemistry HSMB 520 Pathophysiology I HSMB 612 Pathophysiology II HSMB 703 Research Methodology HSMB 704 Clinical Research Thesis OR HSMB 708 Experimental Research Thesis OR HSMB 709 Clinical Management Project Medical Biology Major Courses: (4 courses, 3 credits each = 12 credits total) HSMB 540 Biostatistics HSMB 561 Hematology HSMB 591 Medical Microbiology HSMB 651 Pharmacology North Shore University Hospital Based Courses: Module I & II (Sept. ­ Feb. and Mar. ­ Aug.) ­ First calendar year (2 courses, 6 credits each=12 credits) - HSMB 800 Surgery - HSMB 810 Perfusion Technology Module III & IV: (Sept.- Feb. and Mar.- Aug.) - Second calendar year (3 courses, 5 credits each = 15 credits total) - HSMB 820 Clinical Practicum I - HSMB 822 Clinical Practicum II - HSMB 824 Clinical Practicum III Contents of the Hospital Modules The Hospital-based courses extend for 24 months as four consecutive six-month modules. The first module builds on applied science knowledge and experiences. The classroom didactic and laboratory demonstrations present content in a sequence that correlates with the instruction of cardiac surgery and extracorporeal technology in the operating room. Clinical exposure includes observation, hands-on laboratory set-up preparation, and operation of the heart-lung bypass machine. The second module expands on the previous materials and emphasizes clinical performance under the direct supervision of qualified clinical perfusionists. The third module provides extensive and advanced techniques of extracoporeal technology. Clinical exposure to pediatric and infant cardiothoracic cases and complex congenital and acquired heart diseases are provided during this phase. An introduction to research is also provided in this module. Total cardiac patient care is addressed by student participation in clinical rotations including: cardiac catheterization laboratories, cardiac surgery, intensive care nursing, cardiac anesthesia and pediatric perfusion. The fourth module is devoted to completion of a research project and all clinical requirements, including a board examination review, passage of clinical competency examination, serving under qualified supervision in a minimum of 100 perfusion cases, and presenting an independent research project of publishable quality. Alternative Options for Graduate Degree Completion A student who is not able to maintain a GPA of 3.0 to achieve an M.S. in Cardiovascular Perfusion may obtain a certificate of completion from the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at North Shore University Hospital by meeting the following criteria: Maintain a minimal GPA of 2.5 Complete a minimal of 100 perfusion cases Complete all didactic courses A student receiving a certificate of completion will be eligible to take the national board examination to become a certified perfusionist. A student may also elect to retake medical biology courses to achieve satisfactory grades for an M.S. in Cardiovascular Perfusion. Should a student be unsuccessful in the cardiovascular perfusion program at the hospital and has withdrawn, he/she can apply the completed graduate credits in Medical Biology toward the completion of an M.S. in Medical Biology specializing in any one of the following areas: Hematology, Immunology, Medical Chemistry, and Medical Microbiology. His/her application for admission into the graduate program requires certain pre-requisites. These include: Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university Completion of 8 credits (1yr) college biology 16 credits (2 yrs) college chemistry (Inorganic or General Chemistry and Organic/Biochemistry) 6 credits (1 yr) college math 4 credits (1 semester) college physics Two letters of recommendation from college professors The M.S. in Medical Biology allows people to work in the biotechnology industry, clinical setting, pharmaceutical industry, or in a research facility. For program admission contact: Richard Chan, Program Director North Shore University Hospital School of Cardiovascular Perfusion 300 Community Drive Manhasset, NY 11030 (516) 562-1399 ehiscvp@aol.com (top) For more information on the Undergraduate programs at C.W. Post contact: Isaac Yadegari at (516) 299-2625; iyade@reliant.liu.edu For more information on the Graduate programs at C.W. Post contact: Robin Steadman (516) 299-2337; rsteadman@phoenix.liu.edu