Applying to the MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion Entry-Level Program

Note: All above information must be received by December 1, 2024, to be considered for admission to the program. Without all materials, applications will be incomplete. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the progress of his/her application by viewing the Application Progress Portal and ensure that all application materials (including official reference forms, and all official transcripts are received by the application deadline).

What makes a competitive applicant?

The program takes a holistic approach to admissions. That means we consider a combination of GPA, relevant work experience, volunteerism, etc., in addition to the interview (if offered).

In addition to a strong GPA, a successful applicant will have a passion for patient care and a clear motivation for pursuing a career in perfusion. Other factors the admissions committee may consider are service or volunteer hours, health care experience, or research experience.

Admission Requirements

Beginning the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, the GRE is no longer required.

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)* of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for consideration.

• Clemson University students who are on the Accelerated Pathway track must provide signed verification of Clemson general education requirements validated by the Clemson Registrar’s Office by time of matriculation into MUSC.

*Note: this program calculates cumulative GPA without forgiveness. All courses will be counted. If you took a course more than once, all grades would be counted.

• Complete 27 hours of prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited college or university. A minimum of 12 hours must be completed by the application deadline. The remaining fifteen (15) hours must be completed by matriculation. In-person and online courses are accepted. (See course list below). (*note: applicants will list courses "in progress" or "term/yr planned column(s) on the Prerequisite Course Requirements form).

• Shadow at least one perfusionist. Shadowing includes contacting at least one community perfusionist, requesting the opportunity to observe him or her in their practice, and spending at least four hours observing in the clinical setting. We do not require that your shadowing experience be at MUSC. View more information about shadowing at MUSC.

• Three references from individuals who know you and your abilities. These can be from a health care provider, professor, employer, and/or someone who has seen you interact with patients.

• Meet and acknowledge the Minimum Skills for Eligibility to Participate in Educational Programs and Activities (PDF).

• Complete the MUSC application and submit supplemental materials specific to the program. These forms are available in PDF format within the application and are also sent through email once an application is submitted.

• Submit a personal essay.

• Using a maximum of 500 words, write a brief essay explaining your interest in the MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion program, past related experiences, and why you believe you are a good candidate for the profession. Please also describe the resources you used in researching the perfusion as a career choice.

• Submit a resume. Detailed information on what to include can be found below in the application process.

Note: There will be no waivers or exceptions to any admissions requirements or prerequisite courses.

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite Special Notes

• View Frequently Approved Prerequisites for the CVP program. To speak with an admissions specialist about your coursework, please call 843-792-2536 or email oesadmis@musc.edu. 

• Advance placement and dual enrollment courses are accepted for prerequisite coursework.

   

Application Process

Note: All application materials must be received by December 1, 2024, to be considered for admission to the program. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the progress of his/her application by viewing the Application Progress Portal and ensure that all application materials (including official reference forms, and all official transcripts) are received by the application deadline.

1. Confirm you have met the prerequisite requirements.

2. Complete the MUSC application (including supplemental materials).

3. Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each post-secondary school attended even if no degree was earned.

4. Using MUSC reference forms (found in the application), submit three professional references.

5. Submit a resume/curriculum vitae including past employment, volunteer or community service (including number of hours, location, contact person and type of experience), extracurricular/community/professional activities, membership in professional organizations, hospital committees, community organizations, etc., and any publications, research projects, academic honors or awards.

6. Submit the Cardiovascular Perfusion Shadowing Experience Log (PDF) (also found in the application).

7. Submit the required essay. See details above.

8. Official copy of your TOEFL scores if English is not your native language, and you have not studied within the United States.

Admission Timeline

July 1 MUSC Application Opens

December 1 Applications & Materials Due

February - March Interviews take place

March - April Admissions Offers Made

August Orientation & Classes Start

Interview Process and Program Acceptance

Only completed applications will be reviewed. Competitive, qualified applicants will be invited for an interview. If selected for an interview, the applicant will be notified of the interview process as the dates approach. After interviews have been conducted, acceptance offers will be sent in March or April.

International Students

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for admissions for international students whose native language is not English. The TOEFL score will be evaluated in conjunction with other academic credentials.  Acceptable communication skills including reading comprehension, oral communication, and writing are required.

Use of Marijuana and/or CBD Products

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and is illegal to purchase in South Carolina. Apart from a narrow and limited scope of codified/documented medical exceptions, it is illegal for individuals to use marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in South Carolina. Although cannabidiol (CBD) products may be purchased and used in South Carolina, please be aware that CBD products may contain higher levels of THC than represented on packaging and use of CBD products can result in a positive drug screen for THC/marijuana. Be aware that current drug testing methods cannot accurately ascertain the origins of THC metabolites (i.e., whether from marijuana or CBD products). Your academic program has the authority to conduct random and/or scheduled drug testing; if your test result is reported as positive for THC metabolites (even if you only used a CBD product), your ability to be accepted into the program, progress in the program, and/or successfully complete the program may be negatively impacted.

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC’s code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

Application Deadlines