Advance Your Career With an MS in Extracorporeal Science

Extracorporeal technologies play an essential role in modern cardiovascular and critical care. As ECMO, mechanical circulatory support, and other advanced therapies continue to evolve, so does the need for professionals with specialized expertise.

MUSC’s Master of Science in Extracorporeal Science (MS-ECS) program is designed for entry-level and practicing perfusionists outside the U.S. and U.S.-based allied health professionals who want to expand their knowledge of extracorporeal life support technologies without stepping away from their careers. Through fully online coursework, students develop advanced knowledge in perfusion technology, extracorporeal life support, blood management, quality improvement, and research.

So, where can an advanced degree in extracorporeal science take you?

Expand Your Clinical Expertise

For professionals already working in ECMO, perfusion, critical care, mechanical circulatory support, or related fields, an MS-ECS can help deepen their understanding of the science, technology, and clinical applications behind extracorporeal care.

Graduate-level coursework allows students to build specialized knowledge while applying what they learn directly to their current roles, helping them stay at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field.

An MS-ECS can help expand expertise in areas such as:

• ECMO and extracorporeal life support
• Cardiopulmonary bypass
• Ventricular assist devices
• Perfusion physiology
• Blood management

Prepare for Leadership Opportunities

As hospitals continue to expand ECMO and advanced circulatory support programs, there is growing demand for professionals who can pair clinical expertise with quality improvement.

An MS-ECS can help professionals strengthen skills in:

• Clinical leadership
• Staff education and training
• Quality improvement initiatives
• Program development and administration
• Research and scholarly activity

These skills prepare graduates to take on greater responsibilities and help shape the growth, quality, and future of extracorporeal support programs.

Explore New Career Paths

Extracorporeal expertise can open doors beyond direct patient care. Medical device and cardiovascular technology companies value professionals who understand both the clinical application of extracorporeal therapies and the complex technologies that support them.

Graduates may apply their knowledge in roles such as:

• Clinical specialist
• Product trainer
• Implementation specialist
• Healthcare technology consultant

These roles allow professionals to use their clinical expertise to support technology adoption, educate clinical teams, and help improve the delivery of extracorporeal care.

MS-ECS or Cardiovascular Perfusion: Which Path Fits Your Goals?

MUSC’s Division of Cardiovascular Perfusion offers two master’s degree programs designed to meet different professional goals:

Master of Science in Extracorporeal Science (MS-ECS)
Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion (CVP)

The MS-ECS program is designed for professionals who want to deepen their theoretical knowledge and expand their expertise in extracorporeal science. The program does not include the clinical training required to become a Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP).

If your goal is to become a Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) in the United States, MUSC’s CVP program may be the better fit. This entry-level, residential program combines didactic coursework with extensive hands-on clinical training and prepares graduates to pursue certification.

Not sure which program is right for you? Connect with our CHP Recruitment team at chp-recruit@musc.edu to learn more about your options and to find the path that best aligns with your career goals.