Is becoming a perfusionist right for me?
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How to become a Perfusionist
In the United States, a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Physiology is the prerequisite to be admitted to a perfusion program. Other programs prefer candidates to have a background in medical technology, respiratory care, or nursing.
There are approximately 18 perfusion training programs in the United States, most offering a Master's Degree in Perfusion Sciences or Circulatory Sciences which consists of two years of academic and clinical education.
Perfusion training programs cover topics such as heart-lung bypass for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients, heart surgery, long-term use of heart-lung machines, monitoring patients who are on heart-lung machines, and autotransfusion (transfusion of a patient’s own blood or blood products back to the patient).
Some perfusionists choose to pursue additional education or training that will enable them to assume supervisory roles in medical administration. Yet others go on to rewarding careers as perfusion educators.