The Texas Heart Institute (THI) School of Perfusion Technology
Overview:
First Accredited School of Perfusion Technology In the United States
The Texas Heart Institute (THI) School of Perfusion Technology offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in perfusion technology. The school trains students to use the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and other equipment associated with open heart surgery. In addition, students receive extensive instruction in cardiopulmonary function and extensive experience in the operating room. The Texas Heart Institute School of Perfusion is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education (ACPE), and graduates are eligible to become a Certified Clinical Perfusionist after they take the national certification examination, which is given by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
Program Information
The Texas Heart Institute (THI) School of Perfusion Technology offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in perfusion technology. The 18-month course trains students to use the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and other equipment associated with open heart surgery. In addition, students receive extensive instruction in cardiopulmonary function and extensive experience in the operating room. The Texas Heart Institute School of Perfusion is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education (ACPE), and graduates are eligible to become a Certified Clinical Perfusionist after they take the national certification examination, which is given by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
Perfusion Licensure: Prospective applicants for the Texas Heart School of Perfusion Technology should consult the licensing boards for states in which they may apply for licensure prior to attendance and are responsible for confirming the Texas Heart Institute program meets perfusion licensing requirements for that state.
Design of Program
Academic courses and clinical rotations are held concurrently. Lectures are taught by THI sta, clinical affiliate perfusionists, and various guest lecturers. Scheduled lectures and exams are subject to change based on the needs of the surgical schedule of the hospital. Lectures can be scheduled Monday through Friday during the morning or afternoon. Clinical responsibilities require students to be present evenings, nights, weekend and holidays. Students are also required to take call in week long segments multiple times during the year.
Students spend more than 60 hours per week at the hospital between academic classes and clinical rotations. Classes and exams may begin as early as 6:00am and a student might be at the hospital until 9pm or longer for clinical procedures.
The World’s Leading School of Perfusion
Texas Heart Institute was the first to have an accredited School of Perfusion Technology in the United States. The program, which began in 1976, offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in perfusion technology through its 18-month course. New classes begin every six months in January and July. Learn more about our world-renowned program, teaching faculty and staff, and how to apply.
Requirements
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The degree must be awarded and visible on an applicant’s transcript at the time of application. An applicant must have achieved a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale. To calculate a cumulative GPA, all hours attempted and points awarded are used with the exception of pass/fail courses andthose course from which a student has ocially withdrawn. Some universities exclude the points and or hours from courses that have been repeated. In order to make a fair comparison of applicants, calculations must be standardized and therefore these courses are re- included when calculating cumulative GPA. The total number of points awarded is divided by the total number of hours.
The following courses are required and must be completed with a letter grade of C or better:
- 8 hours (or 2 classes) – Chemistry (with lab)
- 8 hours (or 2 classes) – Biology (with lab)
- 6 hours (or 2 classes) – Human Anatomy and Physiology
- 3 hours (or 1 class) – Physics
- 3 hours (or 1 class) – College Algebra (or higher level math)
- 3 hours (or 1 class) – Statistics
Additional information about perfusion school program:
Students Admitted: 7
Program Length: 18 months
In state tuition: $25,000
Out of state tuition: $25,000
Degree: Post Graduate Certificate Award