Cardiovascular perfusion programs

If you are a perfusionist outside of the United States except Canada and want to work in the United States, you still must graduate from one of these programs. If you are legitimately interested in a career in perfusion, we recommend reading the Manual of Clinical Perfusion before submitting your student application. This book is required reading for the aspiring perfusion student. This is a complete directory of all the programs in the United States.

Not every state has a perfusion training program. Please contact these schools directly for updated information about the perfusion education programs and their individual requirements and prerequisites.

Perfusion is the passage of bodily fluids, such as blood, through the circulatory or lymphatic system to an organ or tissue. Cardiovascular perfusionists work in the operating room with cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, physician assistants , surgical technologists , nurses , and other members of the health care team.

They are highly trained to work with patients of all ages who have a number of conditions. While they traditionally work with open heart surgeries, their role continues to expand to other surgical areas such as congenital heart defects, treatment of heart disease, and emergency cases.

The work environment of a cardiovascular perfusionist is within a typical operating room within a hospital or large surgical center.

They may find themselves standing for a majority of their day as well needing to operate heavy and intricate equipment. Cardiovascular perfusionists generally report the ability to maintain an appropriate work-life balance, but their work shifts vary. While most typically work a hour work week, they are required to work a variety of shifts such as days, nights, weekends, rotating holidays, and to be on call.

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. Strong candidates also have a passion for helping patients and a love for technology and anatomy. To work as a cardiovascular perfusionist, a strong background in biology, anatomy, mathematics, and other sciences is recommended. After a high school education, most go on to acquire an advanced degree, attend cardiovascular perfusionist school, and obtain certification.

The typical path to becoming a cardiovascular perfusionist includes:. The Midwestern University Cardiovascular Science Program educates students to be compassionate, competent in behavior skills, clinically proficient and professional members of the cardiac surgery team in the practice of cardiovascular perfusion. To be considered for admission to the Cardiovascular Science Program, applicants must submit documentation of the following:.

Applicants who submit their completed materials on or before November 1 will be given first consideration for admissions and will be notified of the admissions decision on or before January Those who are not accepted in the program at this time will be rolled over into the Standard Application Deadline. Applicants who submit their completed application materials on or before April 15 will be considered for admissions and will be notified of the admissions decision on or before May Students are encouraged to apply during the Priority or Standard Application Deadlines.

Applications received between April 15 and May 31 will be considered on a rolling basis for seats that may be available or placement on the alternate list. The percentages below reflect the average percentage pass rate based on first-time test-takers from Apply Today.

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