The Perfusion Education Program started at Iowa in 1992. Our graduates are now spread across the country working in private hospitals as well as academic institutions. Our educational program starts with two semesters of intensive academic preparation and lab work. This is followed by three semesters of clinical education, along with several rotation sites across the United States. Students learn at their own pace while working one-on-one during regular hours and on call alongside staff perfusionists. Our students gain valuable experience with a variety of clinical procedures, both adult and pediatric, including hearts, transplants, VADS and ECMO.

With our newly added and ever-growing list of rotation sites, our students have the opportunity to work in several major cardiothoracic centers throughout the country. In this role, our rotation sites provide patients with the most advanced health care techniques and offers the perfusionist student a unique opportunity to experience a diverse array of procedures and research opportunities.

Each year cardiothoracic surgeons at these hospitals perform hundreds of adult and pediatric heart surgeries, including coronary bypasses, valves, heart and lung transplants, placement of mechanical cardiac assist devices and minimally invasive procedures such as robotic mitral valve replacement. In addition to hearts, perfusion students at the UIHC Perfusion Education Program assist with Liver transplantation, intra-peritoneal chemotherapy lavage, ECMO, ventricular assist devices and blood conservation.

After completion of the 21-month post-baccalaureate program, our graduates receive a certificate and are eligible for employment by hospitals, surgeons, and private contracting corporations. The demand for qualified perfusionists continues nationwide and our graduates have a 100% job placement following graduation.