Becoming a Perfusionist: Education and Career Path

A cardiovascular perfusionist, also known as a cardiac or cardiopulmonary perfusionist, is a vital member of the open-heart surgery team. These highly skilled allied health professionals are experts in managing the patient's circulatory and respiratory functions using specialized equipment. This article outlines the education and training requirements to become a certified perfusionist and provides insights into the profession.

What Does a Cardiovascular Perfusionist Do?

A cardiovascular perfusionist is responsible for operating cardiopulmonary bypass or support machines and monitoring patients that are receiving this type of support, often for the temporary replacement of heart and/or lung function. The perfusionist operates life-sustaining equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient's circulatory or respiratory function.

The perfusionist has diverse responsibilities that include the mechanical support of a patient's circulation and pulmonary function during medical procedures such as open-heart surgery, transplantation, and emergency medicine. Perfusion technology has expanded over the past decade whereby perfusionists work not only with heart-lung machines during open heart procedures but also with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), blood transfusion devices, intra-aortic balloon pumps, ventricular-assist devices, and more. The role of perfusionists in organ transplantation surgeries also includes the recovery of organs that previously would not have been transplantable.

The work environment of a cardiovascular perfusionist is within a typical operating room within a hospital or large surgical center. Cardiovascular perfusionists generally report the ability to maintain an appropriate work-life balance, but their work shifts vary. Many employers look for candidates who are able to work well under stressful situations, show a high degree of skill and judgment, are detail orientated, have strong interpersonal skills, and have adequate knowledge of surgical practices and equipment.

Educational Path to Becoming a Perfusionist

The path to becoming a perfusionist involves a combination of education, clinical training, and certification. Here's a step-by-step guide:

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Step 1: Obtain a Baccalaureate Degree

The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree. Basically, any Bachelor of Science (BS) will work, but you must complete the prerequisite courses each perfusion school requires. Prerequisites are perfusion school dependent, but most are similar to medical school or other advanced medical degree programs. To work as a cardiovascular perfusionist, a strong background in biology, anatomy, mathematics, and other sciences is recommended.

Depending on the school you plan to attend, you may need additional prerequisite courses. Students should pursue a course of study that is well rounded in the biological sciences, chemistry, and math. Students who are considering Clinical Perfusion programs outside of Nebraska are encouraged to contact those programs directly for a list of entrance requirements.

The prerequisites for the CV Perfusion program include seven (7) physical science and math courses completed within 7 years of the application. An additional course in medical terminology is required if the applicant does not have a healthcare background. These courses may be taken at an undergraduate or graduate level. Some community colleges/universities offer a level of course that will not be appropriate for this program. Approval may be requested for a course an applicant is considering taking or for a course the applicant has completed.

Specific Prerequisite Course Examples:

General Biology with lab
Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs (8 semester hours minimum)
Chemistry 2 courses - Organic and Inorganic with lab (8 semester hours minimum)
Microbiology with lab (4 semester hours)
Physics with lab
Introductory Statistics (3 semester hour minimum)
College mathematics course - College Algebra, Calculus
Medical terminology**Students may request an exemption for this course if they have a degree in a healthcare field or have clinical practice

Step 2: Apply to Perfusion School

Once you graduate from college, you may apply for perfusion school. There are 19 schools in the USA . Applications to schools have increased in number significantly over the past few years. Consider applying to several schools at the same time to augment your chances of getting in. Visit Perfusion.com’s list of perfusion training programs to narrow your search!

Applying to perfusion school typically involves:

Paying a fee.
Submitting all your course work.
Including references.
Writing an essay or motivation letter.
Engaging in job shadowing and have conversations with perfusionists. Medical experience as a perfusion assistant, nurse, respiratory therapist, etc. increases your chances of acceptance to any program

Application Requirements and Considerations

GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is typically required. Some programs, like the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at the Cleveland Clinic, prefer a "B" letter grade or higher for each prerequisite course.
Transcripts: Applicants are required to submit unofficial transcripts from every school they have attended during the application process. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) on a course-by-course basis. If an applicant is accepted into the program official transcripts are required.
Letters of Recommendation: Request three recommendation letters (professional, academic, or personal).
English Language Proficiency: If the applicant’s native language is not English, official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Duolingo English Test (DET) are required.
Personal Essay: Applicants are often required to write a brief essay explaining their interest in the program, past related experiences, and why they believe they are a good candidate for the profession. The applicant should also describe the resources used in researching perfusion as a career choice.
Resume: All applicants must provide an updated resume detailing relevant academic and professional experience, including work experience, volunteer experience, community/extracurricular/professional activities, professional memberships, hospital committees, community organizations, etc. and any publications, research projects, honors and awards.
Healthcare Experience: While not always mandatory, prior healthcare experience, such as working as a nurse, respiratory therapist, or perfusion assistant, can significantly increase your chances of acceptance.
Shadowing: Shadow at least one perfusionist. Shadowing includes contacting at least one community perfusionist, requesting the opportunity to observe them in their practice and spending at least four hours observing in the operating room. Admissions requirement for the entry-level Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion is to complete a shadow log after shadowing a perfusionist.
Interview: Competitive, qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.

Choosing a Bachelor's or Master's in Perfusion

Of the 19 schools, 11 offer a masters in perfusion degree. Currently both provide a pathway to perfusion. However, a masters degree will allow greater flexibility in career choice such as management, teaching, research, or sales. Within the next few years all perfusion programs will be geared towards a masters degree.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Perfusion programs are approximately two years in length, with a more didactic oriented first year, including simulation courses in some programs. The second year is focused on clinical rotations and ‘pumping’ cases to meet the requirements for graduation: a minimum of 75 adult/pediatric clinical perfusion cases performed during the education program.

The entry-level CVP program teaches both theoretical knowledge and technical skills of Cardiovascular Perfusion. Students will spend three semesters on campus in didactic and simulation courses as well as time spent in interdisciplinary clinical observations. In the final two semesters of the program students will progress through four clinical rotations where they will complete live clinical cardiopulmonary bypass cases. Before graduation, students will have completed at least 75 clinical pump cases, 10 pediatric cases and at least five Ventricular Assist Device or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation cases.

The Cardiovascular Perfusion Program prepares its graduates to work as CCPs in a variety of health care settings where cardiopulmonary life support services are required. Perfusionists are typically employed in cardiac surgical centers and operate the heart-lung machine during open heart surgery. They serve as experts in associated technologies such as ventricular assist devices and are involved in all aspects of intraoperative blood conservation and management.

Simulation and Clinical Rotations

High-fidelity simulation significantly increases student skills and confidence prior to clinical rotations. Students benefit from the ability to replicate physiological responses and allow for the practice of perfusion techniques in a controlled environment. Simulation experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum, complementing classroom instruction and clinical rotations. Students have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and practice perfusion skills in simulated clinical scenarios, preparing them for success in real-world health care settings.

In the final year of the program, students will progress through 4 clinical rotations where they will complete live clinical cardiopulmonary bypass cases and gain additional experience with extracorporeal technology. Each student will complete at least 75 clinical pump cases, ten pediatric cases and five ventricular assist device or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cases. The program works with high-quality clinical affiliates around the country to provide students with clinical experiences in neonatal, infant, pediatric and adult perfusion, heart, liver; and lung transplantation, ECMO, ventricular assist devices and autotransfusion. Travel is required during the final year of the program. Clinical rotations are aimed at building competence in fundamental clinical skill development. The practice and feedback acquired through our valued clinical affiliates will enhance the confidence necessary to graduate and independently deliver safe perfusion care.

Step 3: Take the ABCP (American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion) Exam and Earn the Certificate of Cardiovascular Perfusion (CCP)

After you graduate from perfusion school, you can start working as a perfusionist. Perfusion is very unique in that you must be the primary perfusionist for 50 cases prior to taking the clinical portion of the ABCP examination. This examination process consists of two parts:

Part I is the Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE) and is a 220-item, multiple choice examination designed to cover perfusion basic sciences and cardiopulmonary bypass.
Part II, the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination (CAPE), also follows a multiple-choice format and covers a series of clinical scenarios, each with a series of questions. The number of items on the Part II examination may vary from 200 to 230, depending on the scenarios used.

The CCP is the final step in becoming a certified perfusionist (though some states require licensure as well).

Step 3a. Find your Dream Job!

There are a lot of perfusionist jobs out there and the starting wage is quite high with many benefits. Stay in tune with the job board to see what perfusionjobs are available in your area. You may also contact our team at Epic Cardivascular Staffing to help!

Essential Skills and Qualities

To thrive in this demanding profession, perfusionists need a specific set of skills and qualities:

Strong foundation in science: Extensive knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology, pathology and surgical techniques are keys to success.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: It is a profession that requires a high degree of skill and critical judgment for patient safety and requires individuals to work under dynamic and at times stressful situations.
Ability to work under pressure: Many employers look for candidates who are able to work well under stressful situations.
Attention to detail: Show a high degree of skill and judgment, are detail orientated.
Communication and interpersonal skills: Have strong interpersonal skills.
Technical aptitude: Have adequate knowledge of surgical practices and equipment.
Physical stamina: Perfusionists require certain physical requirements to meet the demands of the profession. They must be able to transfer and move patients. Perfusionists must be able to work in a stationary position for extended periods. They must have the ability to work within guidelines of universal safety precautions, using protective gear. In the workplace, they must be willing to rotate 24-hour coverage (on-call) and be able to work under stressful conditions. In addition, students must possess the integrity, intelligence and personal and emotional characteristics to become an effective healthcare professional.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

As the field of mechanical cardiovascular support grows, so has the need for perfusionists grown. Because of the limited number of perfusion programs nationwide and the significant number of retiring practitioners, systems have been competing for perfusionists for their heart/lung surgeries and their critical care support needs. The shortage of perfusion professionals was brought into even starker contrast by the COVID-19 pandemic when many otherwise salvageable adults are believed to have died due to a lack of ICU beds, a lack of ECMO pumps, and insufficient numbers of perfusionists and personnel trained in extracorporeal support. Therefore, the need for perfusionists is evident in Georgia and nationwide to provide life-saving perfusion services.

Salaries typically vary by level of education, additional skills, years of experience, and geographic region. As of November 2022, Salary.com reported the average perfusionist annual salary to be $148, 375 with the range between $133,847 - $161, 777.

A Lifetime of Learning

Final note: Perfusion means lifelong learning. Continuing education (CEU’s) are required to keep your certification. There are many different options to obtain CEU’s and Perfusion.com is a great resource to find those alternatives.

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