Master of Science in Extracorporeal Science

Curriculum

Full-time

Year 1, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)

Semester Total: 11

Year 1, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)

Semester Total: 8

Year 1, Summer A (5/4/26–8/14/26)

Semester Total: 9

Year 2, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)

Semester Total: 9

Year 2, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)

Semester Total: 9

Curriculum Total: 46

Flex

Year 1, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)

Semester Total: 8

Year 1, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)

Semester Total: 10

Year 1, Summer A (5/4/26–8/14/26)

Semester Total: 6

Year 2, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)

Semester Total: 10

Year 2, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)

Semester Total: 9

Year 2, Summer A (5/4/26–8/14/26)

Semester Total: 3

Curriculum Total: 46

Part-time

Year 1, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)

Semester Total: 6

Year 1, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)

Semester Total: 4

Year 1, Summer A (5/4/26–8/14/26)

Semester Total: 6

Year 2, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)

Semester Total: 8

Year 2, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)

Semester Total: 7

Year 2, Summer A (5/4/26–8/14/26)

Semester Total: 3

Year 3, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)

Semester Total: 6

Year 3, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)

Semester Total: 6

Curriculum Total: 46

Career Paths

The Master of Science in Extracorporeal Science (MS-ECS) program is only for individuals wishing to practice as a perfusionist outside of the United States. Any current or future resident of the United States will not be eligible to work as a perfusionist within the United States or take the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion certification exam with this degree. If you are seeking employment as a perfusionist in the United States, we encourage you to learn more about our Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program.

Successful candidates for the MS-ECS program include:

• Entry-level perfusion students residing outside of the United States who can complement the cognitive knowledge from the program with clinical experience acquired from on-the-job employment.
• Practicing perfusionists working outside of the United States who seek a graduate degree in perfusion theory and didactic knowledge.
• Allied health and research professionals seeking didactic education in ECMO and ventricular assist technologies, such as biomedical engineers, nurses, and respiratory therapists who do not require direct hands-on clinical experience.

For information regarding working as a perfusionist outside of the United States, please contact your local regulatory agencies to learn more about rules and opportunities.

Prerequisite Coursework

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program's requirements. To explore the list, visit our Frequently Approved Prerequisites page.

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

• Complete the MUSC application.
• Submit all supplemental materials, if not included within the application.
• Once all materials have been received and verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
• Interview Process: After applications have been submitted, qualified applicants may be invited for a virtual interview.
• Acceptance Offers: Offers will be sent as applications are reviewed. Admissions decisions for this program are made on a rolling basis.

Application Requirements

• MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended: Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each post-secondary school attended.
• Supplemental Materials: In addition to the application itself, the applicant must complete supplemental materials. These forms are sent via email once you submit your application and should be uploaded to the application portal.
• Letters of reference: All applicants must have three professional references complete the MUSC reference form found in the application. References should be from individuals who can comment on the applicant’s professional background, academic capabilities, and motivation.
• Personal essay: All applicants must write a brief essay, not to exceed 500 words, explaining your interest in the 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 perfusion as a career of choice.
• Minimal Skills Form

All information above must be received by the deadline to be considered for admission to the program. Without all materials, applicants will be incomplete. It is the applicant’s responsibility to review the progress of their application to ensure that all application materials have been submitted.

International Applicants

MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admission process. View details at International Applicants.

Cost of Attendance – Full-time

Cost of Attendance – Part-time

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

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 that these 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 the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.

Competencies

Upon completion of the MS-ECS program, graduates will be able to:

• Explain the pathophysiology, anatomy, pharmacology, and technology underlying extracorporeal circulation and life support treatments.
• Critically evaluate and apply evidence-based principles in extracorporeal life support, including ECMO and ventricular assist devices.
• Design and execute sound research methodologies relevant to perfusion science, culminating in a master’s-level research project.
• Interpret multimodal clinical data and formulate reasoned care plans in extracorporeal support scenarios, integrating laboratory values, patient history, and current standards.
• Demonstrate professional ethical behavior, including respect, integrity, and collaborative adaptability in dynamic clinical and global settings.
• Apply quality improvement strategies and contribute to the optimization of extracorporeal practice across diverse healthcare environments.

Vision

To cultivate a globally respected center of scholarly excellence in extracorporeal science, where the integration of rigorous inquiry, clinical insight, and collaboration drives advances in life-sustaining therapies for cardiac and pulmonary care.

Mission

Grounded in rigorous academic inquiry and ethical practice, the program equips international practitioners, allied health professionals, and researchers with theoretical foundations and research-based understanding of extracorporeal life-support technologies to inform clinical application, interprofessional collaboration, and ongoing scholarly advancement.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
• Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
• Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
• Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
• Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.