
Surgeons don’t perform open heart surgery alone. Cardiovascular perfusionists are essential members of the support team who make this and other types of life-saving procedures possible.
Surgeons don’t perform open heart surgery alone. Cardiovascular perfusionists are essential members of the support team who make this and other types of life-saving procedures possible.
We’ll teach you to operate the equipment perfusionists use to support or replace a patient’s heart and lung functions during cardiac surgery and to monitor vital cardiopulmonary signs to keep the patient stable. You’ll also learn to administer the appropriate medications and anesthesia during surgery.
Our program is one of only 8 in the nation that offer graduate-level training in this profession. As cardiovascular disease becomes increasingly common, the employment opportunities in this field continue to expand, and we prepare you to enter the workforce with a competitive advantage.
A strong sense of responsibility and the capacity to work effectively with other professionals in a high-pressure environment are essential qualities of successful cardiovascular perfusionists. You’ll acquire both during group activities and clinical work. Plus, you’ll learn in our technologically sophisticated Center for Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
Employment for cardiovascular technologists and technicians is forecast to increase by 7% with the addition of 3,800 jobs between 2018 and 2028. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020)
To become a certified clinical perfusionist (CCP), graduates must pass the Perfusion Basic Sciences Exam (PBSE) and the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Exam (CAPE).
For more information on the certification exams:
Outcome | 2014-2019 | 2009-2013 |
Positive placement – employed or pursuing further education | 100% | 100% |
Perfusion Basic Science Exam (PBSE) pass rate | 100% | 96% |
Clinical Applications of Perfusion Exam (CAPE) pass rate | 100% | 96% |
Quinnipiac’s cardiovascular perfusion program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) caahep.org through the Accreditation Committee – Perfusion Education (AC-PE) ac-pe.org
Our graduate admissions representatives are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.