Perfusion Technology, BS

Perfusion Technology: Program Overview

The Department of Perfusion Technology offers two degree programs; the Bachelor of Science with a major in Perfusion Technology, and the Master of Science with a major in Perfusion Technology . The Master of Science degree is intended for those whose baccalaureate degree is in a field other than perfusion technology. Those entering the Master of Science degree program achieve entry-level competency in perfusion technology as well as acquire additional skills in educational methods, management and research.

This technical medical specialty has become increasingly important in the health care field. The perfusion technologist serves primarily as part of the cardiovascular surgical team, operating the heart-lung machine during open heart surgery. The perfusion technologist is also responsible for other life-support equipment, such as intra-aortic balloon pumps and ventricular assist devices. In addition to cardiovascular surgery, the perfusion technologist may also provide veno-venous bypass for liver transplantation, isolated limb or organ chemotherapy perfusion, cardiopulmonary bypass supported cardiac catheterization procedures, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and blood salvaging for orthopedic or general surgery procedures.

Perfusion Technology: Admission Requirements

A minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of liberal arts and sciences must be completed prior to enrolling. This must include the required prerequisite coursework.

• Cumulative and science grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Completion or a plan to complete all the required prerequisite coursework prior to enrolling at Rush
• Receipt of three letters of recommendation
• Applicants who did not complete high school in the U.S. must submit TOEFL scores.
• Receipt of official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
• Once a complete application has been received, it will be reviewed and applicants will be selected to interview. If selected, completion of an on-site faculty interview is required to be considered for admission.
• The Admissions Committee will take into consideration all application materials when evaluating an applicant.

The following courses must be completed prior to enrolling with a grade of “C” or better. Required courses must be taken for a letter grade rather than a pass/fail option.

Perfusion Technology: Educational Activities

The faculty of the department is responsible for providing both the didactic coursework and the clinical experiences necessary for the completion of the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science degrees in perfusion technology. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Committee-Perfusion Education (AC-PE) of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Perfusion Technology: Service Activities

Faculty members are licensed perfusion technologists actively involved in the daily activities of the Department of Extracorporeal Services.

Perfusion Technology: Curricula

The curriculum in Perfusion Technology combines rigorous didactic research curriculum with diverse clinical experience. Perfusion technology students take courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology. The clinical experience includes participation in adult and pediatric open heart procedures at Rush University Medical Center and at affiliated hospitals.

The curriculum begins in the fall quarter, which begins in early September, and continues for seven quarters, including one summer session. Faculty include experienced perfusion technologists and cardiovascular and transplant surgeons in addition to specialists from anesthesia, nursing, medical technology and other related health professions. During the third quarter, students will choose and develop a research project from its inception to completion. The culmination of the project will be the preparation of a manuscript suitable for publication in a professional journal.

Graduates of the program will be qualified to sit for the certification examination of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.