Master of Science in Perfusion Sciences (MSPS)

Excel in Cardiovascular Care

Cardiovascular perfusionists are specialized, integral members of the cardiac surgery team. They are responsible for maintenance and support of a patient’s cardiovascular, hemodynamic, and metabolic state and function by utilizing the heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass) in the cardiac operating room. Perfusion combines a healthcare career with engineering-style trouble shooting, and teamwork communication that enables a successful cardiac procedure. A master’s degree from the fully-accredited Master of Science in Perfusion Sciences Program at USC prepares qualified students to enter the dynamic world of cardiovascular perfusion. The program provides the knowledge base, clinical experience, and resources necessary to become a highly trained, competent perfusionist, while also becoming a compassionate, caring member of a healthcare team.

We endeavor to cultivate highly-educated perfusionists who embrace professional core values, the advancement of patient care, and the profession of perfusion as a whole.

Julie Tinius Juliani, MHA CCP FPP
Program Director, Perfusion Sciences Program

Julie Fenske, MS CCP FPP
Clinical Coordinator, Perfusion Sciences Program

Program Curriculum

Our curriculum, vertically scaffolded and with academic medicine in mind, has been approved by the AC-PE and USC Curriculum committee. It is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the sciences related to perfusion, as well as the clinical, psychomotor, affective, and professional skills, and used to become successful in the field of perfusion. Please visit our curriculum section for more information.

Current Student Achievements

“The Role of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Perfusion Education Programs in the United States: A Literature Review”Poster Presenation by Second year students Kethia Douk, Claire Cronin, Chandra Dudley, and Anna Johnson AmSECT International Conference 2026

“The Starnes Procedure: A Strategy for Neonates with Severe Ebstein’s Anomaly” Published by Chandra Dudley, Second year MSPS Student in AmSECTomorrow

“Open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair” Published by Chandra Dudley, Second year MSPS Student in AmSECTomorrow

Student Ambassadors, The American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion: Claire Cronin and Kethia Douk

AmSECT Student Ambassadors: Kethia Douk, Janki Patel

Student Memberships

Student Members, the American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion (AACP): Chandra Dudley, Tori Leone, Angelica Mah

Student Members, American Society of Extracorporeal Perfusion: Angelica Mah, Anna Johnson, Alex Kim, Tori Leone, Janki Patel, Chandra Dudley

Contact Us

We are more than happy to touch base with potential applicants from all backgrounds who may have questions regarding our program, curriculum, application process, or specific circumstances. Please e-mail us at [email protected] and we will get back to you shortly.

This page last updated June 26, 2026.