Perfusion Schools & Education

Perfusion is a hidden gem among in the medical industry, offering incredible career opportunities for those entering the medical field or for anyone considering a career change. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a medical or science field, such as chemistry, biology, or medical technology, we encourage you to consider perfusion school as your next step. With a limited number of perfusion schools across the country and a limited number of perfusionists taking the place of retirees, there is a critical shortage. It is a great time to research perfusion schools and start the journey to a rewarding career. Perfusion school can be completed in as little as one to two years.

Healthcare Faces a Severe Shortage of Perfusionists

Perfusionists are critical members of the OR team who operate the heart-lung machine during the 350,000 heart surgeries performed annually in the United States. They expertly keep the patient’s lungs breathing, the heart pumping, and the blood circulating. But, healthcare faces a serious shortage of skilled perfusionists. And the shortage is getting worse.

A sample of 10 percent of active perfusionists found that nearly 50 percent of perfusionists are over 50 years old, and in 2015 there were almost 30 percent fewer new graduates entering the field than professionals leaving the field. This is why SpecialtyCare supports Thomas Jefferson University’s Institute of Emerging Health Professions Center for Perfusion and Extracorporeal Technology Education, which offers one of the most advanced perfusionist education programs available today. It’s also why, more than ever before, a perfusion career is a smart choice.

Perfusion School Directory

We like to call perfusionists “the heart of the operating room,” as they play a critical role in keeping the patient’s heart and lungs functioning with a heart-lung machine so the surgeon can make necessary repairs. We also like to think of perfusion as a hidden gem of career opportunities as it is not often discussed or well-known in the industry. Unfortunately, there is a critical shortage of perfusionists in this country for two major reasons: A surge of perfusionists in the field are and will be retiring and there aren’t enough entering the industry to replace them.

As the leading provider of perfusion services, SpecialtyCare is taking measures to promote this incredible career opportunity. Perfusion topped the list of “Great Career Paths We’re Not Taking Anymore,” in an article published on payscale.com, due to its great earning potential and relatively quick entry into the field. Becoming a perfusionist requires a bachelor’s degree in the medical sciences, (such as chemistry, biology, medical technology, etc.) and the completion of a training program. Advanced degrees in perfusion and cardiovascular studies are certainly available for those who’d like to further develop their expertise. SpecialtyCare also offers scholarship opportunities each year for students.

If you are interested in a rewarding career as a perfusionist, here are the active perfusion education programs in the U.S.