FAQ

  • Yes, students must have a bachelor’s degree. Applicants who have not completed a bachelor's degree will not be considered.

  • No, the GRE is not required.

  • The higher grade received for a prerequisite course will be recognized in the computation of your required GPA.

  • Prerequisite courses listed as requirements on the admissions page must be completed for consideration of your application.
     

  • Interviews are a required component of our acceptance process. You should be prepared to discuss your understanding of a cardiovascular perfusionist and the qualities you possess to be a clinical perfusionist. The interview process will be conducted virtually. It is highly recommended that you dress professionally.

  • While medical experience is not required, it is highly recommended. Strong candidates in the past have functioned in some capacity in the medical arena for a minimum of one year. This experience has proven to be an asset to them in their understanding of medical terminology and practices, but it is not required.

  • The clinical course of the program begins on day one of the program. The first semester in the program the students are observing cardiac cases and spending time in different departments on campus in which a cardiac patient may present for diagnosis or treatment. In addition, students are required to participate in simulation sessions beginning the first semester and continuing until graduation. The actual clinical component of the program begins in the second semester in which they are managing clinical cases under the direct supervision of a certified clinical perfusionist. Students in the program are also required to attend at least one outside clinical rotation beginning in mid-May of their first year.

  • The program is a full-time track. Students should be prepared to have a very demanding 22 months with the expectation that full attention is given to their didactic learning and clinical rotations. Students will be required to participate in call during their tenure in the program; therefore, employment is strongly discouraged.

  • Call responsibilities are required hours of duty outside the normal work hours – this includes nights and weekends. A student must respond in a timely manner during their required call responsibilities.

  • No. Students graduating from the program receive a certificate of completion from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Center for Programs in Allied Health.

  • No, your credits from the program are not transferable to another program.