Perfusion Sciences

Program Specifics

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Program Overview

The USC Master of Science in Perfusion Sciences program, in alignment with the Keck School of Medicine, aspires to “ignite discovery through education, research, and patient care, optimizing health for individuals in all communities and society as a whole”. Leaders, educators, and learners in this program will “act with integrity in the pursuit of excellence and the promotion of well-being”.

This program will produce competent, entry-level perfusionists who have met graduate requirements in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. This program uses evidence-based medicine to build skills and competence, as well as “engage in open communication” and demonstrate accountability for living the Keck School of Medicine Mission, Vision, and Values.

Perfusionist sits next to the heart lung machine and completes charting

The USC Master of Science in Perfusion Sciences Program is unique in its offering as the first and only perfusion master’s program on the West Coast. This program is structured with concurrent clinical and didactic education, maximizing the student’s exposure to perfusion sciences. Clinical rotation sites are located within the Los Angeles area, allowing students to reside in one location without having to relocate.

Students will have the distinctive opportunity for an extended pediatric rotation at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Students are required to complete 10 pediatric observations in order to sit for the national boards exam, however students will complete a three-week rotation with CHLA, and will have an additional pediatric rotation opportunity if they have interest in pediatric perfusion.

Program Objectives

    • Demonstrate mastery of the professional entry-level body of knowledge regarding the application of clinical perfusion.
    • Demonstrate mastery of the fundamental clinical skills necessary for the safe conduct of clinical perfusion.
    • Demonstrate mastery of emergency clinical skills necessary for the safe conduct of clinical perfusion.
    • Achieve fluency of professional-level communication, behaviors, and attitudes.

 

Accreditation and program approval: As of May 15, 2026, The Master of Science (M.S.) in Perfusion Sciences program at the University of Southern California is a fully accredited perfusion program by the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education (AC-PE), 1415 Walnut St. Western Springs, IL. 60558 of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 – 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. Initial accreditation conferred May 15, 2026, next evaluation in 2031. No areas of non-compliance identified. For more information, please visit www.CAAHEP.org

Rotation Facilities

USC’s Master of Science in Perfusion Sciences program does not require students to move or rotate outside of the Los Angeles area. All clinical rotations will be completed within the Los Angeles region unless students elect to complete an outside rotation.

LA General Medical Center exterior building and signage
Los Angeles General Medical Center

The second largest public healthcare system in the country, LAG performs hundreds of cardiac cases annually.

Exterior of Keck Hospital of USC
Keck Hospital of USC

Keck Hospital of USC has received numerous awards for excellence and is recognized as one of the largest cardiac surgery programs on the West Coast, performing every type of cardiac case.
Students will participate in the adult ECMO program which recently earned the Gold Letter Center of Excellence in Life Support by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).

Exterior of Children's Hospital of LA
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

CHLA is the recipient of numerous awards in excellence and is recognized as one of the top pediatric medical centers in the nation. Students will have the distinct opportunity for extended clinical rotations in the specialty of pediatric perfusion. The ECMO program has earned the Gold Letter Center of Excellence by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).

medical center exterior
Cedars Sinai Medical Center

Cedars Sinai Medical Center provides a rich environment with a strong research infrastructure, cutting-edge therapies, and a strong reputation in specialties including cardiology.

Long beach hospital
Long Beach Medical Center

Long Beach Memorial Hospital, within the MemorialCare System, serves a diverse patient population with an academic structure and service to Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.