University of Wisconsin–Madison

Cardiovascular Perfusion

About Cardiovascular Perfusion

Perfusionists are trained members of surgical teams who temporarily perform the job of the heart and lungs during open-heart surgeries and other major procedures by operating circulation equipment such as a heart-lung machine.

They commonly monitor and manage a patient’s blood flow, body temperature, clotting status, pH, and blood gasses during operations. They must have a great knowledge of anatomy and physiology, be detail oriented, and have mental and physical endurance for long surgeries.

Learn more at perfusion.com and abcp.org, or check out IU Health’s video Inside the OR: Shadowing a Perfusionist.

Note: UW-Madison does not offer a cardiovascular perfusion program. While this field is not among CPHA’s primary areas of advising expertise, we are here to support you in exploring the career, building helpful experiences, and navigating some aspects of professional program applications. Talk with us if you have questions!

Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CPP)

There are 1-2 year certificate CPP training programs and 2 year Master’s degree options available to pursue cardiovascular perfusion. After graduating and completing a certain number of cases, CPPs will sit for a PBSE and CAPE certification exam.

For the most up-to-date salary information, we suggest using job search websites such as https://perfusion.com/job-listings/ to search perfusion positions across the country to see salary information.

Explore Your Interest in Cardiovascular Perfusion

Shadowing & Informational Interviews

An excellent way to explore your interest in perfusion is by talking directly with providers. Shadow or conduct informational interviews with Perfusionists to learn what their day is like. Look for Perfusionists on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok and see if they are willing to talk about their career.

Volunteering

Health professions programs look for applicants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving others in healthcare and community settings. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer in clinical and non-clinical settings.

Jobs

Explore patient care roles and other health jobs to gain experience working with people. Consider perfusion assistant, surgical assistant or sterilization tech roles that could put you in contact with Perfusionists. Confirm that this work is something you enjoy!

Finding a Program

Search accredited programs on the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) website. Under “Profession” click “Perfusion”. Some programs award a Master’s and others confer a Certificate.

Learn about MSOE’s Master of Science in Perfusion program.

Educational & Professional Assocations

Preparing for a Perfusion Program

Application Process

Apply to cardiovascular perfusion programs either through the program website or through The Allied Health Centralized Application Service (AHCAS) common application. Applications are usually due in the fall and interviews could be in the winter or spring. The application process takes about a year!

Reach out to schools directly to request a fee waiver if application costs make applying prohibitive.

Learn more about Applying to Health Professions Programs

Enroll in Applying to Health Programs

CPHA runs a Canvas course called Applying to Health Programs, a non-credit course designed to help you with the process of applying to programs like Perfusion programs.