Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science, Glendale Campus

To be considered for admission to the Cardiovascular Science Program, applicants must submit documentation of the following:

1. Completion of a bachelor's level or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2. Minimum cumulative GPA and science GPA of 2.75 on a scale of 4.00
3. Competitive test scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) no more than five years prior to planned enrollment year.
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. Completion of prerequisite courses

Full list of requirements*

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Students are encouraged to apply during the Priority or Standard Application Deadlines. Applications received between March 1 and May 31 will be considered on a rolling basis for seats that may be available or placement on the alternate list.

Priority Application Deadline - October 1

Applicants who submit their completed materials on or before October 1 will be given first consideration for admissions and will be notified of the admissions decision on or before January 31. Those who are not accepted in the program at this time will be rolled over into the Standard Application Deadline.

Standard Application Deadline - March 1

Applicants who submit their completed application materials on or before March 1 will be considered for admissions and will be notified of the admissions decision on or before May 31. Applications received after March 1st will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  

The Midwestern University Cardiovascular Science Program educates students to be compassionate, competent in behavior skills, clinically proficient and professional members of the cardiac surgery team in the practice of cardiovascular perfusion.

The goals of the program are to:

• Maintain a high-quality perfusion educational program
• Prepare students to be life-long learners, educators, researchers, and leaders
• Assess and incorporate current trends in clinical practice and technology
• Become international leaders in perfusion education
• Maintain appropriate enrollment of students to balance professional supply and demand
• Monitor governmental policies related to our business

The 21-month curriculum leading to a Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science degree is a full-time professional program of seven continuous quarters. 

The program begins with three quarters of didactic and laboratory education at the Glendale, Arizona campus. The student is exposed to clinical medicine during the first three quarters through clinical observation at affiliated hospitals in the Phoenix area.

The summer quarter of the student’s second year begins the four-quarter clinical rotation segment held at various affiliated hospitals located across the country. Relocation during clinical rotations will be necessary. 

This is a rigorous and demanding program; however, graduates are rewarded with the satisfaction that comes with accomplishment and an excellent start to their professional careers.

Curriculum details*

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• Female: 52%
• Male: 48%
• Average Age: 26
• Average overall GPA: 3.54
• Average science GPA: 3.42
• Class Size: 44

The board pass rate percentages reflect the average percentage pass rate based on first-time test-takers from 2015-2023.

• MWU graduates: 100%
• National average: 89%

Medical cardiovascular perfusionists are highly specialized professionals responsible for operating heart-lung equipment during surgical procedures, expertly managing mechanical and electronic devices to maintain blood oxygenation and circulation while surgeons perform medical interventions. 

Their education encompasses anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and electronics, enabling them to assemble essential equipment for life-saving procedures, while strong teamwork and communication skills are integral to their role.

Career opportunities include:

• Heart-related surgeries
• Blood therapies
• Artificial hearts
• Mechanical circulatory assist
• Cancer therapies
• Heart, lung, heart-lung transplants
• Blood conservation
• ECMO
• Teaching & Research

The Cardiovascular Science Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee–Perfusion Education, 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763; phone: 727-210-2350.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.