Students in the perfusion program will see a wide variety of cases, which may include implantation of Ventricular Assist Devices, transplant procedures and procedures using ECMO (extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation). Students act as the primary perfusionist in over 100 cases—all in the Milwaukee area—including a strong pediatric experience. Simulation will also be used to prepare students. Research and statistical techniques are also core to the program, which are critical for completing research projects and understanding scientific literature.

 MSOE’s M.S. in Perfusion program prepares students in the following clinical areas:

• cardiopulmonary bypass
• patient monitoring
• blood conservation (cell salvage, modified ultrafiltration and plasmapheresis)
• intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP)
• ventricular assist devices (VAD)
• total artificial heart placement (TAH)
• selection of equipment and biomaterials
• extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

Curriculum Format

MSOE’s Master of Science in Perfusion program starts in the fall of each academic year and is designed for full-time graduate students. It can be completed over five consecutive semesters, provided all program requirements are met. Academic courses meet on campus. Students are required to provide their own transportation to the various affiliated clinical sites—most are located within 25 miles of campus.

Admissions Process

1. Submit application online.
2. Submit supporting documents to admissions counselor via email or mail.
3. Completed file reviewed by program director for admission decision.
4. Upon acceptance, submit your enrollment deposit to secure your spot in the program.
5. Get access to your myMSOE account and MSOE email.
6. Admissions Office registers you for appropriate coursework and sends schedule when finalized by the Registrar’s Office.
7. You are officially an MSOE Raider!

Application Process

Applicants may apply at any time, but application review commonly occurs between Dec. 15 and early January. Incomplete applications after Dec. 15th are not guaranteed to be reviewed for admission. Because enrollment is limited to eight students per year, only the most highly qualified applicants will be invited for interviews. If you are not accepted into the program but are interested to try the following year, you will need to reapply on our website. A criminal background check and urine drug screen will be conducted for all students entering the program. See a complete list of requirements.

The GRE is required for applying to MSOE’s Perfusion program. Applicants having percentiles that average 50 percent or better are considered competitive.

Competitive applicants should submit observations from at least two clinical cases under the direction of a Certified Clinical Perfusionist prior to formal acceptance into the program. Applicants can use MSOE’s observation form to submit proof of observation, or they can provide their own document.