Cardiovascular Perfusion, BS

On June 25, 2009, the Perfusion Advisory Council met at Barry University.  Dr. Richard Perryman, the medical advisor for CVP, Dr. Pegge Bell, Dean for CHS, and other perfusion community partners representing many local open heart programs were present.  This was the committee’s inaugural meeting. 

Cindy Cervantes, the newly appointed director, began the meeting with a brief discussion and history of the CVP program at Barry University and its current status.    The responsibility of the advisory council as outlined in the standards and guidelines published by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is to assist the program with appropriate goals and learning domains and to monitor needs and expectations of the perfusion community ensuring the program’s responsiveness to changes and updates in the field.

Discussion for the meeting centered around changing the admission requirements for incoming students, updating the current didactic material to reflect new trends and technology in perfusion and piloting a more comprehensive clinical experience for our students  by working with different members of the open heart surgical team such as; the anesthesiologist and the physician’s assistant. Memorial Regional Hospital under the leadership of Dr. Perryman and Sean Murtha, the Director for Perfusion Services, has volunteered to undertake this new approach as the initial site.

The meeting concluded with the Perfusion Advisory Council addressing strategic planning for the upcoming academic year.  The Council will meet again in the fall to determine the program’s progress.  

The field of cardiovascular perfusion has developed rapidly with an explosion of technological advances in the last fifty years. The perfusionist is a skilled practitioner who works closely with the other members of the open-heart team. Their primary role is to completely support the patient's life systems during cardiac surgery. This involves preparation and operation of the heart-lung machine and other ancillary equipment used to replace the normal functions of the heart and lungs to maintain a constant physiologic state. As an active participant on the open-heart team, you will expand your knowledge of procedures and equipment. The advances in medicine make for an exciting learning environment and the fast pace of the open heart suite will keep you on technology's cutting edge. 

Professionals involved in the field of cardiovascular perfusion are required to possess an aptitude in the sciences, critical thinking skills, problem solving ability, mechanical comprehension, meticulous attention to detail, good physical health, stamina, and sensitive concern for the ill. Those who choose to follow this career will find that it demands significant responsibility for patient safety -- you must possess a capacity for unusual devotion and commitment.

An exciting aspect of perfusion is that you are always learning something new. You will be helping people on a daily basis and continuing your education as a practitioner of the field.

Today's CVP students arrive with training in science disciplines that include biological, physical, social, mechanical, and/ or prior allied health preparation. They enter with diverse academic degrees and a variety of work histories. When they graduate, they possess a Bachelor of Science degree in a field that is exciting, challenging, and fulfilling.

Why Barry University?

Barry University's CVP program is fully accredited by the CAAHEP. The most recent reaccreditation was in July 2002.

Employers and graduate surveys show a 100% satisfaction rating with the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program. Furthermore, 100% of the graduates are actively employed as cardiovascular perfusionists.

Barry University's small class sizes and outstanding teaching staff is an environment that will allow you to learn and develop skills.

If you are an interested , motivated applicant, please feel free to contact us with any questions or apply online now .