Admissions

Prerequisites

The Cardiovascular Science/Perfusion Program prerequisites determined by Midwestern University. In addition to a bachelor's level or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university, you must:

• Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a scale of 4.00
• Complete an application for admission and meet the technical standards
• Complete the program's interview process (by invitation only).

If you completed course work at or graduated from a foreign college or university, you must submit acceptable evidence of U.S. degree/course equivalency. You also must complete at least 30 semester hours of course work at a U.S. college or university prior to entering the program. This course work must include six semester hours of nonremedial coursework in English.

Students are accepted once per year in the fall term.

Once you are enrolled in the Cardiovascular Science/Perfusion Program at Midwestern University, you are eligible to participate in the perfusion rotations at Mayo Clinic by making arrangements through your college program director.

You must successfully complete the required program course work before you are eligible to complete the rotations.

Policies and responsibilities

The following Mayo School of Health Sciences policies affect applications and admissions to its programs:

• English fluency

  Fluency in written and spoken English is essential to succeed in the program and to ensure patient safety. If English is a second language, you must be able to demonstrate fluency. Satisfactory performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language examination or the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency must be documented as proof of fluency. Your test results must be less than two years old.

• Immunization record

  For the protection of patients, students and employees, and in compliance with state regulations, Mayo Clinic requires students to be properly immunized. You must show proof of the following immunizations before you begin a program at Mayo School of Health Sciences:
  • Tuberculin test in the past six months
  • Varicella, rubella, and rubeola immunity
  • Up-to-date diphtheria and tetanus shots
  • Hepatitis B vaccination or signed declaration

  Documentation of vaccinations must be provided to Mayo Employee Health Service prior to the start of class.

• Health status

  Prospective students will successfully complete a physical examination or nurse's review and proof of immunization prior to being appointed Mayo School of Health Sciences for a clinical rotation.

• Medical insurance

  Students must have medical insurance coverage during their program. Evidence of medical coverage must be provided when your educational program begins.

• Background check

  Prospective students must pass a criminal background check and/or drug screening required by state laws, prior to enrollment to Mayo School of Health Sciences.

• Student responsibilities

  Mayo School of Health Sciences students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, examinations and assigned clinical rotations unless absence is approved.

  Students are required to exhibit professional and ethical conduct at all times.

Technical standards

Mayo School of Health Sciences accepts students who are highly qualified for its programs. To be considered for admittance you should exhibit strong qualifications for the health profession you wish to pursue. Applicants to programs must possess the following general qualities:

• Critical thinking skills
• Sound judgment
• Emotional stability and maturity
• Empathy for others
• Physical and mental stamina
• Ability to learn and function in a variety of settings

In addition to the general standards described above, perfusionists must:

• Be conscientious, orderly and emotionally stable to handle the demands of the operating room environment
• Be quick to respond and know procedures well
• Keep abreast of new developments in the field
• Wear protective masks, gloves and goggles
• Be able to work long periods standing
• Work well under pressure
• Be self-directed and highly responsible

Hours and other working conditions of perfusionists vary, according to the size and type of employment setting. In large hospitals that operate continuously, personnel usually work the day, evening, or night shift and may work weekends and holidays.

You must be able to perform the essential functions of the profession and meet the standards of the curriculum. Students seeking exceptions to these standards or reasonable accommodations should initiate their request with the program's director.

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