Cardiovascular Perfusionist
Saving Lives with Every Beat
Pursuing a Career in Cardiovascular Perfusion
Perfusionists can earn a post-baccalaureate certificate, bachelor’s degree in perfusion, or master’s degree. Our students at UM who are interested in perfusion typically earn a bachelor’s degree in any major while incorporating designated prerequisites, then apply to a master’s program or post-baccalaureate certificate in perfusion. Students seeking a master’s or post-baccalaureate in Cardiovascular Perfusion need a bachelor’s degree and minimum GPA and course pre-requisites in biology, physics, chemistry, and math, but requirements do vary by program.
Complete the short online form to be assigned to an HPAO advisor and notified about HPAO programs and services.
What Does a Cardiovascular Perfusionist Do?
Cardiovascular Perfusionists, sometimes just called Perfusionists, are trained to operate heart-lung machines during open-heart surgery. Additionally, cardiovascular perfusionists often operate ancillary devices such as the cell saver machine intra-aortic balloon pump and have a key role in heart/lung/liver transplant procedures and in system chemo perfusion for patients with metastatic cancers. They effectively function as the heart and/or lungs for patients during surgery. A perfusionist measures various blood and other parameters to identify appropriate mechanical, pharmacological and thermal manipulation to maintain tissue viability.
To perform these tasks the perfusionist must have a thorough understanding of both the respiratory and circulatory systems and be able to operate complex equipment. Additionally, perfusionists must be capable of handling stressful situations, pay great attention to detail, communicate effectively, and be willing to stay abreast of new developments in the profession. While most perfusionists are employed by medical centers they may also be hired by individual surgeons, or perfusion companies. Clinical perfusion often requires on-call responsibilities at night, on weekends and holidays. Perfusionists also work in educational institutions as teachers and/or researchers. Furthermore, some perfusionists are hired by companies that manufacture various perfusion related supplies and equipment.
For more information, visit the Occupation Outlook Handbook.
Welcome to Cardiovascular Perfusion
Whether you're learning more about what it means to be a Perfusionist or actively preparing to apply to Perfusion programs, we’re here to support your journey. Explore the dynamic and continuously evolving profession of Cardiovascular Perfusion and learn more about their role as members of the healthcare team and how to become a competitive candidate for Perfusion Programs.
Kelli Elaine Hutchens
Academic Advisor
To Be a Competitive Candidate
To enter a perfusion program after earning your bachelor’s degree, you commonly need these courses including labs:
- General Biology I and II
- General Chemistry I and II
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- General Physics I and II (trigonometry or calculus based)
- Math (Calculus required for some programs) and Statistics
- Upper-level Biology (many require biochemistry and microbiology specifically)
To be a competitive applicant for cardiovascular perfusion, you also typically need clinical observation shadowing clinical perfusionist(s) during open-heart surgery and letters of recommendation from those who can speak to your qualifications (academic, research, and/or in a professional or clinical setting). Hands-on clinical and/or research experience is also highly recommended.