Perfusion Program FAQ

Question: How strict is the GPA requirement of 3.20?

Answer: The GPA requirement is a must. We will not interview anyone who does not meet this or any other requirement. The applicant pool is very qualified and there is no shortage of applicants who meet and exceed this requirement.

Question: What makes an ideal candidate for the perfusion program?

Answer: Our applicants come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from former physicians and registered nurses (RNs) to perfusion assistants, engineers, and recent college graduates. We welcome individuals with a variety of experiences and skill sets.

Question: Is this field the right fit for me?

Answer: If you’re passionate about cardiovascular surgery and ready to learn a specialized, high-level skill set, this field may be a great fit for you. The perfusion program requires dedication, focus, and a commitment to mastering the complexities of cardiovascular care. Current and previous students will assure you, it is not an easy year.

Question: Do I need prior medical experience?

Answer: While prior medical experience, particularly in cardiovascular surgery, is beneficial, it’s not a requirement. A strong foundation in relevant medical knowledge will certainly help, but we are open to candidates from various backgrounds.

Question: Recommended Reading Materials

Answer: We suggest starting with The Manual of Clinical Perfusion 3rd edition. Though it may seem basic as you progress in the program, it is one of the most accessible and rudimentary resources for newcomers to the field. Texts beyond this are not necessary for preparation into the field.

Question: What are the prerequisites?

Answer: Our program has higher prerequisite standards because it is the shortest in the country, and we require students to come with a solid foundational knowledge. This ensures that students are prepared to dive into advanced material without needing additional review. As we continue to grow as a top-tier educational institution, these prerequisites will increase as part of our commitment to providing the best education possible.

Question: What if my GPA isn’t competitive?

Answer: If you believe your GPA is not competitive, we recommend repeating courses if it is just a class or two with a blemish. If there is a more significant deficiency we suggest continuing on with a master’s degree or continuing your education in related subjects. Keep in mind that if you retake a course for a higher grade, both grades will be averaged. To increase your chances, consider taking more advanced classes and excelling in them.

Question: Can non-biology credits substitute for biology courses?

Answer: Unfortunately, non-biology courses—such as those taken in nursing school, respiratory therapy, or allied health programs—cannot be substituted for the required biology courses. To maintain fairness and consistency, we require college-level biology from all applicants. We also recognize that some biology courses include lab components, while others may only have instruction. Make sure you meet our 9-hour requirement, as taking two 4-hour courses may leave you slightly short.

Question: Can Molecular Biology of the Cell substitute for Cell Biology or Cell Physiology?

Answer: No, Molecular Biology of the Cell focuses primarily on genetic processes and does not cover the broader topics of cellular structure, function, 2nd messenger systems and physiology that we require. While valuable, it strays from fundamentals needed for our program. We still consider it an upper-level biology course and we applaud its difficulty.

Question: Is Cell Biology or Cell Physiology offered at all institutions?

Answer: We are aware that Cell Biology or Cell Physiology is not offered at every institution. These upper-level courses often require prerequisites that many students may not have, but they are essential for our program. We have designed our requirements to ensure you have a thorough understanding of advanced cellular concepts.

Question: Can I substitute another class for Physics?

Answer: No substitutions are allowed for Physics. While often underrated, Physics is crucial for understanding many aspects of the perfusionist role. While we accept either Physics I or II, Physics I tends to be more directly applicable. Physics II is a likely addition to our pre-requisites in the future.

Question: Do you have recency requirements for courses?

Answer: No, we do not impose recency requirements on coursework. We assess applicants based on their overall educational background and relevant work experience, which helps us identify any potential gaps in knowledge.

Question: Are introductory chemistry courses accepted for chemistry credit?

Answer: No, we do not accept introductory chemistry courses for credit. We require chemistry for degree seeking biology, chemistry, and other science majors. We do not accept non-degree seeking prerequisites for any classes.

Question: Do you accept transfer credits from other institutions?

Answer: Sort of. You are not transferring to this program to continue and finish a degree. We accept the credits hours for your prerequisite courses and degree from accredited institutions recognized by one of the major regional accreditation bodies listed on our website.

Question: Are international graduates accepted?

Answer: Currently, we are not accepting international applicants, as the program is not yet accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.

Question: Do You Audit Transcripts?

Answer: We do not have the resources to preemptively audit transcripts and offer academic advising. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their submitted coursework meets all the required prerequisites. Applicants who have met all the other requirements and have paid the application fee will have their transcripts compared to the inputs of the online application submission. We will look at a class or two if you have a specific question. We will reject all request to look at a transcript and “tell me what I need”.