All applicants are required to complete coursework in anatomy, physiology (with an emphasis on cardiovascular systems), biology, and physics. Additionally, completing a course in management or statistics can strengthen your application.

Yes. As of June 2026, requirements to apply have changed and you no longer need to have a Bachelor's degree COMPLETED prior to applying. 

However, all prerequisites (including completion of the Bachelor's degree) MUST be completed prior to matriculation into the program if selected for admission. 

We accept coursework listed on transcripts from accredited institutions within the United States, regardless of the program format, as long as the courses fulfill the prerequisite requirements for application.

The University of Iowa Perfusion Education Program does not operate on a rolling admission basis. All applications are reviewed after the December 1st deadline, with decisions made following a comprehensive evaluation of all completed submissions. We strongly encourage applicants to submit materials well before the deadline to ensure all documents are received and processed on time.

Key Dates for 2026 Application Cycle:

• Application Opens: November 1
• Application Deadline: December 1
• Application Review Period: December-January
• Interviews Conducted: February
• Acceptance Offers: February / March
• Program Start Date: Fall term (August) in the year you receive your offer
  • For example, if you're offered a spot in program in February 2026, you begin in August 2026.

Your essay must be focused, informative, and limited to one page. 

It should directly address the required questions: 

• Why you are pursuing a career in perfusion
• What you have done to learn about the field
• Why the University of Iowa’s Perfusion Program is the right fit for you

We’re looking for a clear and concise explanation of your motivation, preparation, and fit for both the profession and our program. 

Avoid overly emotional or vague statements—this is not a personal story or reflection piece. Think less emotion, more substance. 

Tell us what you’ve done, what you’ve learned, and why you’re ready.

• A complete application with all required materials is submitted before the deadline (December 1) without follow up requests or reminders from the Program Coordinator.
• Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation AND three corresponding reference forms.
  • Recommendations should come from individuals who know you well and can provide meaningful insight into your character, work ethic, professionalism, interpersonal skills, and motivation for pursuing a career in perfusion. References from healthcare professionals, supervisors, mentors, or others who have worked closely with you are often the most valuable.
  • While academic references may be appropriate, letters from former professors that simply state you were a good student or performed well in class are generally not helpful to the Admissions Committee. Strong recommendations provide specific examples and observations that demonstrate qualities such as leadership, initiative, communication skills, maturity, adaptability, and commitment to patient care.
  • A recommendation from a perfusionist whom you only met during a brief shadowing experience is generally of limited value. While such individuals can verify that you observed perfusion practice, they are typically unable to provide meaningful insight into your character, work ethic, academic abilities, or professional potential because they have not worked closely with you over time.
  • A recommendation from a perfusionist is most beneficial when the individual has had sufficient interaction with you to provide specific examples and a thoughtful assessment of your strengths and suitability for the profession.
  • The strongest recommendations come from individuals who know you well and can provide detailed, concrete examples that help the Admissions Committee understand who you are, how you have demonstrated success in academic, professional, or healthcare settings, and how you may contribute to the perfusion profession.
• Multiple cardiopulmonary bypass cases are observed and perfusionists are interviewed before the applicant applies.
  • Go beyond the minimum requirement. Shadow multiple perfusionists in different hospitals or surgical settings if possible. This not only shows initiative but also provides a broader understanding of the field. Document the cases well and reflect on what you learned.

• If selected for an interview, please note that the process includes both a written test and an oral interview with the selection committee. This allows us to evaluate each candidate’s academic preparation, problem-solving skills, and overall fit for the program.
• Interview testing indicates a good grasp of the physiology and physics knowledge needed for entry into this program.
• Interview committee evaluations indicate that the applicant’s personality, professionalism, and work ethic align well with the values and expectations of our program.

These characteristics, along with the applicant essay, are formally evaluated as part of the admissions process. Our coursework is rigorous, and we seek students who are self-motivated, disciplined, and committed to mastering - not just memorizing - the material, so they can confidently apply it in their professional practice.

We kindly ask that you update your application, including your photo and personal essay. If you have any additional materials—such as new letters of recommendation, recent shadowing experiences, or transcripts from courses completed since your last submission—please include those as well. This will allow us to thoroughly assess the progress and improvement of your application.

Yes - with conditions.

Beginning in June 2026, applicants are no longer required to have completed a Bachelor's degree before applying to the Perfusion Education Program.

However, all prerequisite coursework must either be completed or in progress/planned for completion at the time of application. 

Applicants must provide verification through an official transcript, confirmation from the institution's Registrar, or documentation demonstrating intent to enroll in the remaining prerequisite coursework.

All prerequisite requirements must be successfully completed before matriculation into the program.

This policy allows qualified students to apply while finishing their degree or remaining prerequisite courses, provided they have a clear plan for completing all requirements prior to enrollment.

While there is no magic number of observed cases required beyond the prerequisite to apply, seeking out additional shadowing opportunities can significantly enhance your application. 

More importantly, it demonstrates your commitment to the profession and helps you gain a deeper understanding of the critical role perfusionists play in patient care. 

We encourage you to take full advantage of every opportunity to gain experience, broaden your perspective, and present the strongest application possible.

Yes - with conditions.

Prospective applicants who are seriously considering a career in perfusion may request an opportunity to observe perfusion practice in the operating rooms at University of Iowa Health Care. Individuals interested in shadowing must complete the required shadowing application and receive approval before an observation experience can be scheduled.

Because patient care, safety, and privacy are our highest priorities, access to the operating room is limited. Current Perfusion Education Program students receive priority for available operating room experiences and space. Shadowing opportunities for prospective applicants are therefore limited and scheduled only when space, staffing, and clinical circumstances allow.

Shadowing is not available for general observation, casual interest, or solely for the purpose of viewing a surgical procedure. Opportunities are intended for individuals who are actively exploring perfusion as a career and have demonstrated an interest in the profession and our program.

Submitting a request or completing a shadowing application does not guarantee approval or placement. Opportunities are dependent upon hospital requirements, staff availability, scheduling, available space, and patient care needs.

To request a shadowing opportunity and obtain the required application, please contact the Program Coordinator at deena-furnal-spruce@uiowa.edu.

While shadowing at University of Iowa Health Care can provide valuable exposure to the profession, prospective applicants are also strongly encouraged to seek opportunities to observe practicing perfusionists at other institutions and in a variety of clinical settings. Exposure to different perfusion teams, facilities, and clinical practices can provide a broader understanding of the profession and the diverse responsibilities of a perfusionist.

The University of Iowa Perfusion Education Program welcomes applications from qualified candidates who have completed some or all of their education outside of the United States. This includes international applicants as well as U.S. residents who have completed international coursework.

Applicants with international coursework may be considered for admission provided all prerequisites and admission requirements are fulfilled and international transcripts have been formally evaluated and converted to U.S.-equivalent coursework and credit hours by one of the following credential evaluation services:

• World Education Services (WES)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• International Education Research Foundation (IERF)

A course-by-course evaluation is required so that individual courses, credit hours, and grades can be reviewed to determine whether prerequisite requirements have been satisfied. Applicants are responsible for arranging and paying for the credential evaluation and providing all required documentation.

The application and admissions process is managed directly by the program. The University of Iowa’s International Admissions office does not review, approve, or make admission decisions on behalf of the program.

Admission is highly competitive, and each application undergoes a comprehensive review. The Admissions Committee considers the applicant’s overall qualifications, including academic preparation, professional and healthcare experience, perfusion case shadowing, letters of recommendation, and all other required application materials. Meeting the minimum eligibility and prerequisite requirements does not guarantee admission.

Please also be aware of the following:

• The program does not offer program-specific scholarships or funding.
• The program does not sponsor visas.
• Perfusion-specific preparatory programs or courses are not available for individuals waiting to apply during a future application cycle.
• The curriculum is full-time and in person and cannot be completed online.