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Tecniche di fisiopatologia cardiocircolatoria e perfusione cardiovascolare

L/SNT3 | Undergraduate degree programme | Faculty of Medicine and Surgery | Rome

Pending approval by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).

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Overview

The undergraduate degree programme in Tecniche di fisiopatologia cardocircolatoria e perfusione cardiovascolare aims to train healthcare professionals with theoretical-practical knowledge in the fields of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Cardiovascular Perfusion, preparing them to operate effectively in the following areas:

  • Area of electrophysiology, electrostimulation and instrumental control of implantable devices;
  • Area of cardiac and vascular sonography;
  • Hemodynamics Area;
  • Electrocardiographic study area;
  • Hemodialysis and pulmonology area;
  • Resuscitation area and critical areas;
  • Areas of cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgery;
  • Areas of general surgery and liver transplantation;
  • Transfusion area;
  • Organisational-managerial-training area.

In the first year, students gain a solid foundation in the morphological and functional fundamentals of the cardiovascular system, biological and biochemical sciences, and heart disease. They also learn the basics of cardiac electrostimulation and will develop practical skills in non-invasive instrumental cardiology, including electrocardiography, holter , and cardiac and vascular sonography.

The year will end with a professional internship that will provide a first exposure to extracorporeal circulation techniques and operating room environments. The second year focuses on advanced extracorporeal circulation techniques and cardiac surgery. Students explore the complexities of cardiac electrophysiology, arrhythmology, and electrostimulation, and gain skills in invasive and interventional cardiovascular techniques, as well as sonographic diagnostics. This year culminates with a hands-on internship focused on electrophysiology, hemodynamics, and circulatory mechanical assistance techniques, including transplant and dialysis procedures.

In the third year, the training focuses on advanced perfusion techniques and mechanical assistance, for both adult and pediatric patients. Students also acquire knowledge about the rights and organization of health services, and the psychological and legal principles of the profession. The training course includes an in-depth internship and a dissertation paper, which will require intensive attendance in the student's chosen area of interest. Each internship will be accompanied by a continuous assessment to ensure progress and achievement of the necessary skills.

The course aims to develop dynamic healthcare professionals, capable of managing care processes, through the application of advanced technologies and specific techniques for the diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The curricular internships will allow students to apply the knowledge acquired in the departments of the A. Gemelli Polyclinic and to collaborate with other affiliated hospitals, enriching their training with diversified experiences.

Key facts

  • Degree class: L/SNT3
  • CFU: 180
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Language: Italian
  • Campus: Rome
  • Classes start: October 2025

Study plan 2025/26

The information provided is subject to approval by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).

First year

  • Bioengineering and Medical Technology 8 CFU
  • Morphological and functional foundations of life 6 CFU
  • Biological and Biochemical Sciences 5 CFU
  • Other activities 2 CFU
  • Epidemiology, Medical Statistics and Occupational Medicine 4 CFU
  • Basic English 4 CFU
  • Professional laboratories 1 CFU
  • Diseases of the cardiovascular system 8 CFU
  • General Pathology and Pharmacology 6 CFU
  • Professional internship 15 CFU
  • An examination to be chosen from: Understanding and interpreting the ECG in cardiac electrostimulation or Pacemaker. Heart rhythm automatisms 2 CFU

Second year

  • Extracorporeal circulation 8 CFU
  • Electrophysiology, Arrhythmology and Electrostimulation 6 CFU
  • Invasive and Interventional Cardiovascular Techniques 7 CFU
  • Other activities 2 CFU
  • Angiology and Vascular Diagnostics 5 CFU
  • Cardiothoracic Imaging and Cardiovascular Sonography 5 CFU
  • Scientific English 2 CFU
  • Professional laboratories 1 CFU
  • Pulmonology and cardio-pulmonary pathology 5 CFU
  • Professional internship 20 CFU
  • An examination to be chosen from: intra and out-of-hospital veno-arterial ECMO or Heart failure: therapeutic aspects of the acute patient 2 CFU

Third year

  • Specialist Medicine 7 CFU
  • Advanced Perfusion Techniques and Mechanical Assistance 6 CFU
  • Other activities 2 CFU
  • Law and Organization of Health Services 5 CFU
  • Professional laboratories 1 CFU
  • Psychological, Legal and Organizational Principles Governing Professional Practice 5 CFU
  • Professional internship 25 CFU
  • An examination to be chosen from: Ventricular assistance: VADS or ECMO-VENOUS – venous 2 CFU
  • Final exam 3 CFU

The study plan includes the attendance of courses in Theology, in order to offer a motivated, reasoned and organic knowledge of the Catholic religion.

Why choose Tecniche di fisiopatologia cardiocircolatoria e perfusione vascolare?

Why choose Tecniche di fisiopatologia cardiocircolatoria e perfusione vascolare?

Key insights

  • Comprehensive, multidisciplinary training in numerous areas of cardiology and perfusion, from pathophysiology and electrophysiology to extracorporeal circulation techniques and advanced diagnostics
  • Intensive hands-on experience that includes internships in real-world clinical settings, including Policlinico A. Gemelli and other affiliated hospitals
  • The opportunity for advanced specialization for the development of highly qualified professionals ready to face the most complex challenges in the field of cardiology and perfusion
  • The multiple employment opportunities that open the door to different career opportunities in private and public bodies

Career Opportunities

The skills acquired with the degree programme in Tecniche di fisiopatologia cardiocircolatoria e perfusione cardiovascolare allow multiple job opportunities in different areas, such as:

  • Cardiology services,
  • Ultrasound and vascular sonography centers,
  • Operating theatres for cardiac electrostimulation, hemodynamics and coronary angioplasty, and cardiac surgery and vascular surgery,
  • Cardiocirculatory and respiratory assistance ECMO,
  • Organ transplantation and circulatory assistance centers,
  • Critical areas of resuscitation and first aid units,
  • Surgical areas that make use of HIPEC,
  • Centers and services specialized in home care.

Further professional opportunities include companies in the biomedical sector, where it is possible to operate as a Specialist or science communicator. In addition, the cardiovascular pathophysiology and cardiovascular perfusion technician can hold roles of coordination and management of human resources in all areas of his or her expertise.

Admission

To access the undergraduate degree in Tecniche di fisiopatologia cardiocircolatoria e perfusione cardiovascolare, candidates must meet the admission requirements indicated on the unicatt.it website.

It is recommended to monitor the pages dedicated to the programme, where updates will be published in the first months of 2025. Access requires passing an admission test, consisting of a multiple-choice test on topics of general knowledge, logical reasoning, mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry.