Cardiovascular Perfusion

A cardiovascular perfusionist is a specialized medical professional who works collaboratively with a surgeon during procedures that require a patient’s circulatory or respiratory functions to be temporarily managed by a machine. For example, during open-heart surgery, the cardiovascular perfusionist monitors the artificial pumping of the blood through the body. Additionally, they are responsible for choosing the correct equipment for the procedure and administer blood, fluids, and medications during the surgery to keep the patient stable.

Suggested undergraduate majors: Applied Human Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology. Some programs require courses in Applied Mathematics, English, and Physics.

Graduate training: two-to-four-year Master’s degree or certification program.

American Society of Extracorporeal Technology: https://www.amsect.org/
The American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion: https://www.theaacp.com/
Cardiovascular Perfusion Forum: https://www.perfusion.com/
American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion: http://www.abcp.org/

Programs: https://www.perfusion.com/school-search/

Standardized test: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) https://www.ets.org/gre/

Please note: this page provides information for current SPU students and does not represent a program that SPU offers.