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.
• The Prerequisite Course Form is completed.
• 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.

All application materials must be submitted together in one complete packet. Due to the volume of applications we receive each cycle (typically between 60–75), incomplete or piecemeal submissions may not be reviewed (with the exception of transcripts sent by email through Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse).

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 may request an opportunity to observe perfusion practice in our operating rooms at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Individuals interested in shadowing must complete a shadowing application and receive approval before any observation experience can be scheduled.

Because patient care and patient privacy are our highest priorities, access to the operating room is limited. The operating room is not open for general observation, casual curiosity, or simply to view surgical procedures. Shadowing opportunities are reserved for individuals who are seriously exploring perfusion as a career and have expressed prior interest in our program.

Submission of a shadowing application does not guarantee approval or placement, as opportunities are limited and subject to hospital policies, scheduling constraints, and patient care needs.

To obtain a shadowing application, please contact the Program Coordinator.

While shadowing can provide valuable insight into the profession, applicants are also encouraged to seek observation opportunities with practicing perfusionists in a variety of clinical settings to gain a broader understanding of the field and the diverse roles perfusionists serve.