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International Graduate Assistant Position in Perfusion

Program Description:

The SUNY Upstate Medical University is seeking applicants to fill a paid educational assistantship in the Department of Cardiovascular Perfusion. One international candidate per year will be selected to join the department as Graduate Assistant in Perfusion. The Graduate Assistant will assist the program faculty approximately 20 hours per week as a teaching assistant by instructing novice students on the development of their clinical skills in a high-fidelity simulation environment and managing the simulation facility’s materials, and equipment. They may also participate in research projects and outreach programs. The Graduate Assistant will be simultaneously enrolled part-time in the departments MS Degree for Clinical Perfusion and over a three-year course of study will complete a Master’s Degree in Clinical Perfusion and be eligible to apply for the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion’s (ABCP) certification examinations after graduation. The selected candidate will receive:

  • University support for a student VISA
  • Living stipend for each semester in which the candidate is assisting the program
  • Membership in the SUNY Graduate Student Union

Qualified individuals should:

  1. Contact the SUNY Upstate Admission Department and the Educational Program with an introductory cover letter and Curriculum Vita.
  2. Complete the Upstate Medical University Application for the MS Degree in Clinical Perfusion.
  3. Complete the specialized Graduate Assistant Application.

Prerequisites:

The successful candidate will meet the following prerequisites:

 Required:

  1. Eligible for (completed application) or accepted to the Clinical Perfusion MS Degree at SUNY Upstate.
  2. Minimum of 2 years of independent clinical practice as a perfusionists.
  3. If English is not your first language, an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IETLS) score report must be submitted. Waivers may be available for students who earn a degree in the U.S., have substantial work experience in the U.S., and/or for those who can demonstrate proficiency through an interview with an Admissions Advisor and a faculty member.

 Preferred:

  1. Graduate degree in perfusion or related medical field or teaching.
  2. 5 years of diverse experience as a clinical perfusionist including:
    • Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB)
    • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
    • Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS)
    • Blood conservation technologies
    • Blood gas, blood chemistry and hematology technologies
  3. Experience as a clinical instructor for a perfusion education program.
  4. Interest in a career path that includes involvement in perfusion education (particularly in educationally underserved developing countries). 

Application Deadlines:

  • The program accepts introductory cover letters and CVs from interested candidates year-round.
  • The application cycle for the MS Degree in Clinical Perfusion opens in October each year and closes February 15.
  • The application cycle for the Graduate Assistant position opens in October and closes June 30.

Selected candidates will be invited for virtual interviews with the admission committee and the Department Chair. Campus visits prior to interview are not required but strongly recommended whenever possible. 

Specialized Application Questions for Graduate Assistant Candidates:

  1. Describe in detail your formal education in clinical perfusion.
  2. Describe in detail your clinical experience as a clinical perfusionist.
  3. Describe in detail your training and experience with clinical instruction.
  4. Please describe how you will elevate the educational experience of the SUNY Clinical Perfusion students if you are selected to become our program's Graduate Assistant.
  5. Please describe how your completion of the Graduate Assistant position and the MS degree in Clinical Perfusion at SUNY Upstate Medical University will assist you in achieving your professional goals.
  6. Please describe your interest in promoting international perfusion education opportunities and how your experience as the SUNY Upstate Graduate Assistant in Perfusion will help you support the growth and development of cardiac surgery programs in developing countries.
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