Best institutions to study Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and nurses, to operate extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment during medical procedures and surgeries where the support or temporary replacement of a patient's own respiratory or circulatory system is required.
14 U.S. institutions graduated 171 Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.0906, a specialization of Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09), and leads most directly to the Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 29-2031).
About Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist programs
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and nurses, to operate extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment during medical procedures and surgeries where the support or temporary replacement of a patient's own respiratory or circulatory system is required. Includes instruction in equipment selection and operation, physician and medical team consultation, patient condition monitoring, procedural techniques, and principles of respiratory and circulatory physiology.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist program prepares students to operate extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment during medical procedures and surgeries. This program is designed for individuals who wish to work under the supervision of physicians and nurses, playing a critical role in supporting or temporarily replacing a patient's respiratory or circulatory system. Students will gain the skills needed to monitor patient conditions and collaborate effectively with medical teams.
Core coursework includes instruction in equipment selection and operation, procedural techniques, and principles of respiratory and circulatory physiology. Students will develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and monitoring, which are crucial for ensuring patient safety and comfort during medical procedures.
Credentials awarded
What Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree167 graduates / yr · 13 institutions98%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate4 graduates / yr · 1 institution2.3%
Graduates over time
Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2013 | 79 |
| 2014 | 76 |
| 2015 | 80 |
| 2016 | 74 |
| 2017 | 77 |
| 2018 | 92 |
| 2019 | 117 |
| 2020 | 123 |
| 2021 | 138 |
| 2022 | 147 |
| 2023 | 183 |
| 2024 | 156 |
| 2025 | 171 |
Top 14 institutions for Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NEPublicMaster's | 21 | — | — | $85,964 |
| 2 | Rush University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 20 | — | — | $75,202 |
| 3 | Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NYPublicMaster's | 18 | — | — | $72,045 |
| 4 | Hofstra University Hempstead, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 16 | 69% | $34,539 | $28,542 |
| 5 | Carlow University Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 15 | 60% | $19,953 | $56,834 |
| 6 | Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 13 | 69% | $26,034 | $82,918 |
| 7 | Quinnipiac University Hamden, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 11 | 76% | $36,137 | $69,600 |
| 8 | Lawrence Technological University Southfield, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 11 | 61% | $32,679 | — |
| 9 | Lipscomb University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 10 | 72% | $24,309 | — |
| 10 | Emory University Atlanta, GAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 9 | 91% | $20,586 | — |
| 11 | Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KYPublicMaster's | 9 | 52% | — | $52,094 |
| 12 | Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 67% | $20,167 | — |
| 13 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicMaster's | 6 | 65% | — | — |
| 14 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IAPublicPost-degree cert. | 4 | 75% | — | $61,373 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Allied Health Diagnostic field (CIP 51.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 12 states
Where Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist graduates come from. Each state links to all Allied Health Diagnostic programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 2 | 34 | Upstate Medical University18 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 28 | Carlow University15 / yr |
| Nebraska | 1 | 21 | University of Nebraska Medical Center21 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 20 | Rush University20 / yr |
| Connecticut | 1 | 11 | Quinnipiac University11 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 11 | Lawrence Technological University11 / yr |
| Tennessee | 1 | 10 | Lipscomb University10 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 9 | Emory University9 / yr |
| Kentucky | 1 | 9 | Northern Kentucky University9 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 8 | Milwaukee School of Engineering8 / yr |
| Utah | 1 | 6 | University of Utah6 / yr |
| Iowa | 1 | 4 | University of Iowa4 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-2031, Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist program can pursue careers as Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, with an expected job growth rate of 3.0%. The field offers approximately 3,800 annual openings, and the median wage for professionals in this area is $67,260. Typically, an Associate's degree is required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.0906
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cardiovascular Technologists and Techniciansprimary SOC 29-2031 | $74,310 | +3.0% About as fast as average | ~3,800 | Associate's degree |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
- Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
- Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
- Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
- Prepare and position patients for testing.
Tools and technology used
Other Allied Health Diagnostic specializations
The 23 other 6-digit CIP codes under Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09).
- Emergency Medical Technology/CIP 51.0904
Technician (EMT Paramedic) 32,524 graduates / yr662 institutions - Physician Associate/CIP 51.0912
Assistant 13,740 graduates / yr277 institutions - Radiologic Technology/CIP 51.0911
Science - Radiographer 13,035 graduates / yr502 institutions - Surgical Technology/CIP 51.0909
Technologist 8,514 graduates / yr460 institutions - Diagnostic Medical Sonography/CIP 51.0910
Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician 7,984 graduates / yr330 institutions - Respiratory Care Therapy/CIP 51.0908
Therapist 6,816 graduates / yr389 institutions - Medical Radiologic Technology/CIP 51.0907
Science - Radiation Therapist 4,302 graduates / yr212 institutions - Athletic Training/CIP 51.0913
Trainer 3,326 graduates / yr302 institutions - Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment ProfessionsCIP 51.09992,359 graduates / yr80 institutions
- Cardiovascular Technology/CIP 51.0901
Technologist 1,902 graduates / yr91 institutions - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/CIP 51.0920
Technician 1,327 graduates / yr62 institutions - Electrocardiograph Technology/CIP 51.0902
Technician 858 graduates / yr43 institutions - Nuclear Medical Technology/CIP 51.0905
Technologist 707 graduates / yr69 institutions - Electroneurodiagnostic/CIP 51.0903
Electroencephalographic Technology/ Technologist 302 graduates / yr31 institutions - PolysomnographyCIP 51.0917242 graduates / yr25 institutions
- Gene/CIP 51.0914
Genetic Therapy partial data92 graduates / yr3 institutions - Mammography Technology/CIP 51.0919
Technician 87 graduates / yr18 institutions - Radiation Protection/CIP 51.0916
Health Physics Technician partial data62 graduates / yr5 institutions - Cardiopulmonary Technology/CIP 51.0915
Technologist partial data51 graduates / yr4 institutions - Orthopedic Technology/CIP 51.0923
Technician limited data22 graduates / yr2 institutions - Hearing Instrument SpecialistCIP 51.0918limited data4 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 2 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Hyperbaric Medicine Technology/
Technician51.0921 - Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Technology/
Technician51.0922
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degree do I earn in this program?+
Students typically earn a Master's degree, with some receiving a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 14 colleges offering the Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist program in the U.S.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, monitoring, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for perfusionists?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a median wage of $67,260 and around 3,800 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist?+
Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist is CIP 51.0906 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and nurses, to operate extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment during medical procedures and surgeries where the support or temporary replacement of a patient's own respiratory or circulatory system is required. Includes instruction in equipment selection and operation, physician and medical team consultation, patient condition monitoring, procedural techniques, and principles of respiratory and circulatory physiology.
How many institutions offer Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist programs?+
14 U.S. institutions reported Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 12 states, awarding 171 credentials in the year. That is 0.2% of all Allied Health Diagnostic graduates.
How much do Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians occupation, which Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist most directly leads to, pays a median of $74,310 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Allied Health Diagnostic field report median earnings of $69,600 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card