It may be required that applicants shadow/observe at least two clinical cases under the direction of a Certified Clinical Perfusionist prior to formal acceptance into a program. Some programs may offer an opportunity to do this directly through their program. Example: See "Observation Opportunity Program" for University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Cardiovascular Perfusion Program.
A Basic Life Support (BLS) certification may also be required for some programs.
Find ways to get experience in the medical field before you attend a cardiovascular perfusionist program. There are many different ways to do this. Check out our resources to get some ideas:
Healthcare Volunteering Opportunities
- Dell Children's Medical Center
- North Austin Medical Center
- People's Community Clinic
- CommUnity Care Services
- Austin/Travis County Communicable Disease Clinic Tel: (512) 972-5430
- Hospice Austin
- Austin Volunteer Healthcare Clinic
- Heart Hospital of Austin (requires 6 month commitment)
- St. David's Medical Center
- South Austin Hospital
- Seton Healthcare Family
- Texas Osteopathic Medical Association
- Provident Memory Care
- C.D. Doyle Clinic
- Austin Volunteer Match