Introduction
Since 2005 the Scandinavian School of Cardiovascular Technology has offered a master’s programme in a joint venture collaboration between Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital. The programme was established as a Scandinavian education to meet the increasing demand for qualified perfusionist with both academic and practical skills.
Although the programme is primarily aimed at Scandinavian perfusionist, it is fully open to international applicants. Since 2007 the programme has been fully accredited by the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (EBCP), and around 150 perfusionists have graduated from this institution.
From summer 2026, the education will undergo structural changes. The perfusionist education will be split into:
- A theoretical master’s education at Aarhus University
- A practical education organised by Aarhus University Hospital
All theoretical lectures, wet labs, supervision and joint activities will continue to take place physically at Aarhus University Hospital, and the overall theoretical content will remain the same as before. Practical training and parts of the theoretical instruction must be carried out in the students' home department.
All information regarding the theoretical two-year master’s programme in Cardiovascular Technology can be found on the Aarhus University education website . Please note that graduates from the theoretical programme are only qualified to work as cardiovascular perfusionist when the programme is supplemented with the required clinical training.
Practical perfusionist education
The practical part of the education takes place at the hospital where the student is employed as a full-time trainee perfusionist. Practical training is an essential part of the perfusionist education programme and a prerequisite for obtaining the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (EBCP) certification.
We recommend that students follow the practical education alongside with the theoretical master’s programme at Aarhus University. The combination of clinical training and concurrent theoretical courses provides a strong learning environment where theory and practice are closely integrated.
Instruction and guidelines for the practical education are described in detail in the official logbook, which forms the basis of the training and complies with EBCP standards. In addition to clinical training in the home department, several formal instructional activities must be completed and approved by the school. There are defined requirements regarding training quality and case experience. To be become certified as a clinical perfusionist, the logbook must be approved, and the practical examinations must be passed. More information is available in the logbook.
The EBCP certification can be applied for when:
- All exams in the theoretical master's programme have been passed
- The practical logbook has been approved including 100 independent perfusions
The practical and oral EBCP examination has been passed
International students outside Europe should review the general eligibility requirements outlined by the EBCP.
Please note that neither the school nor the university can arrange the practical training or employment as a perfusionist trainee. This should be arranged before you apply.
English is the official language of the programme, and all materials are provided in English.
Further details about the educational structure and recommendations for recruitment process are available in:
Tuition fee
€ 4,200 which includes:
- Supervision and instruction related to the practical education, primarily when students are in Aarhus in connection with their theoretical education, and on an ongoing basis when relevant
- A book package covering the theoretical master’s curriculum
- The practical/oral EBCP examination at the student’s local hospital (including travel and accommodation for one examiner within Europe)
Application form
Download the application form for the practical education here.
Please note that this application form applies only to the practical education. Applications for the theoretical Master’s in Cardiovascular Technology are administered by Aarhus University and must be submitted via the university’s education website.
Administration
Head of education
Søren Nielsen Skov
Associate Professor, Perfusionist, PhD, ECCP, MSc
soeren.skov@clin.au.dk
Managers
Peter Fast Nielsen
Perfusionist, ECCP, Master of Cardiovascular Technology
petniels@rm.dk
Deborah Halle
Perfusionist, ECCP, Master of Cardiovascular Technology
debohall@rm.dk
Secretary
Jeanette Therkildsen
jvt@clin.au.dk