Clinical Perfusionist
A Clinical Perfusionist utilizes the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery as well as many other surgeries that require cardiopulmonary bypass. They are solely responsible for managing the patient’s physiological status during such critical times.
CAREER DESCRIPTION*
- National median salary: $175,000
- National projected career growth: 14%
- Operate heart-lung machine, an artificial blood pump
- Spend about 90% of their time in the operating room
- Communicate with surgeons throughout procedures
TYPICAL EDUCATION**
- Years of School (including undergraduate): 4-6 years**
- includes 4-year degree plus training program
- Minimum Entering GPA: 3.0***
- Grades of C- or better required for prerequisite courses***
- Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree***
- Certification required: CCP – 2-part exam**
- PBSE & CAPE
COMPETITIVE STUDENTS ALWAYS...
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Maintain a competitive academic record
- Display strong academics in math and science courses
- Shadow professionals in the field
- Gain medical experience through volunteering or work
NEARBY SCHOOLS
Prerequisites vary by program. Students are responsible for ensuring all entrance requirements are met. Most schools prefer science classes to be taken in-person versus online.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER’S PREREQUISITES
Biological Sciences (minimum credits: 8)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| BIOL 2740 Human Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | High school Biology and Chemistry |
| BIOL 2840 Human Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | BIOL 2740 |
Chemistry (minimum credits: 13)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| CHEM 1180 & 1184 General Chemistry I & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 or CHEM 1140 and 1144 |
| CHEM 1190 & 1194 General Chemistry II & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 and CHEM 1180 and 1184 |
|
AND CHEM 2210 & 2214 Fund of Organic Chemistry & Lab |
5 | F, S | CHEM 1140 and 1144 or CHEM 1190 and 1194 |
|
OR CHEM 2250 Organic Chemistry I |
3 | F, S, M | CHEM 1190 and 1194 |
|
AND CHEM 2260 & 2274 Organic Chemistry II & Lab |
5 | F, S | CHEM 2250 |
Physics (minimum credits: 5)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| PHYS 1050 & 1054 Introduction to Physics & Lab | 5 | F, S | High School Algebra |
| PHYS 1110 & 1154 Physics for Life Science I & Lab | 5 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 |
| PHYS 2110 & 1154 General Physics (Calculus) & Lab | 5 | F, S, M | MATH 1950 |
Statistics (minimum credits: 3)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| BIOL 2020 Statistics for Life and Environ. Science | 3 | F, S | MATH 1120, 1130, 1300, or 1320 |
| PSYC 3130 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences | 3 | F, S, M | MATH 1120, 1300, 1320, or STAT 1530 |
| SOC 2130 Social Statistics | 3 | F, S, M | MATH 1120, 1300, 1320, or STAT 1530 |
| STAT 1530 Elementary Statistics | 3 | F, S | ACT 19 or ALEKS 4 |
| STAT 3000 Statistical Methods I | 3 | F, S | MATH 1300 or 1320 |
Medical Terminology (choose one)
| Course | Credits | Semester |
| BIOL 1160 Terminology of Human Health & Disease | 2 | F, S |
| HEKI 2000 Medical Terminology | 1 | F, S, M |
Other Information
Three (3) unique conversations with a Perfusionist are required. Three separate Conversation Confirmation Forms reflecting these experiences must be uploaded into the online application by the application deadline.
It is recommended that students take courses in chemistry, biology, and mathematics beyond the required minimum.
*Data and information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Data and info from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion
***Data and information from UNMC
Last update: 9.2025