What to know before becoming a cardiovascular perfusionist?

There are only a select number of schools offering programs specifically in cardiovascular perfusion. Admission to a bachelor's degree program may require the completion of about 60-80 credit hours of college coursework, whereas admission to a master's degree program would require the completion of a bachelor's degree program.

Courses at the undergraduate level may cover subjects like cardiac anatomy, monitoring techniques, perfusion devices and pharmacology. Clinical practicum experiences are also typically included. A master's degree program may also include clinical experiences, as well as seminars and a master's project. Coursework could include research methods, management and pathophysiology.

In order to take the test for certification, the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) requires a clinical record of at least 75 perfusions performed, under supervision, after graduation. Many times, this experience can be arranged through the training institutions from which students graduated.

The ABCP offers a certification examination twice a year. This is a written, two-part, multiple-choice exam that covers 11 subjects. Sections can be taken on the same day or scheduled for different dates. Part one covers pharmacology, anatomy and physiology. Part two focuses on devices and equipment, laboratory analysis, pathology, pharmacology and quality assurance.

State licensure may be required for perfusionsts in some states. Requirements for licensure vary by state, but often depend on certification through the ABCP. Contact the local licensing board or department of health for more information.

Most perfusionists spend all of their working hours in a hospital, though some teach or work for medical transport companies. In hospitals, working hours vary from week to week, due to the fluctuations in surgery schedules, since cardiopulmonary perfusionists are responsible for monitoring patients both before and after a procedure. Before surgery, they monitor patients and assemble the perfusion equipment; after surgery, perfusionists often get called in for emergencies.

The ABC requires perfusionists to be recertified annually. This involves performing a minimum of forty documented cases of clinical activity of particular types. Additionally, cardiopulmonary perfusionists must acquire at least 15 continuing education credits (CEUs) every three years.