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  4.  | UI Carver College of Medicine Perfusion Technology

University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Perfusion Technology

Overview:

One of the nation’s largest university-owned teaching hospitals, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery offer college graduates the opportunity to fill the need for sophisticated health care professionals by becoming perfusion technologists.

Located in Iowa City, our hospital is the major referral center for patients from Iowa and adjacent states. In this role, UI Hospitals and Clinics provide patients with the most advanced health care techniques and offers perfusionists a unique opportunity to experience a diverse array of procedures and research opportunities.

Each year cardiothoracic surgeons at the hospitals perform more than 500 adult and pediatric heart surgeries, including coronary bypasses, valves, heart and lung transplants, placement of mechanical cardiac assist devices and minimally invasive procedures such as robotic mitral valve replacement. In addition to hearts, perfusionists at Iowa assist with Liver transplantation, intra-peritoneal chemotherapy lavage, ECMO, ventricular assist devices and blood conservation.

The Perfusion Technology Program started at Iowa in 1992. Our graduates are now spread across the country working in private hospitals as well as academic institutions. Our educational program starts with two semesters of intensive academic preparation and lab work taught by clinical perfusionists and university professors. This is followed by three semesters of clinical education conducted exclusively at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Students learn at their own pace while working one-on-one during regular hours and on call with our six staff perfusionists. Since we are a large university run tertiary care center, students gain valuable experience with a variety of clinical procedures, both adult and pediatric, including hearts, transplants, VADS and ECMO.

After completion of the 20-month post-baccalaureate program, our graduates receive a certificate and are eligible for employment by hospitals, surgeons, and private contracting corporations. The demand for qualified perfusionists continues nationwide and our graduates have a 100% job placement following graduation.

Program Graduates

Graduates of the University of Iowa Perfusion Technology Program are highly-regarded; sought after by employers; recognized leaders; specialists in ECMO, VADS, and pediatrics; and are educators, researchers and innovators.

Blurring the line between simulation and reality

Our Orpheus perfusion simulator is ideally suited for student centered, personalized instruction geared toward orienting the perfusion student to the mechanics and techniques associated with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Students are able to manipulate “patient” parameters such as blood gases and temperatures just as they will be doing in the operating room.
Simulation instills confidence, allows for repetitive practice and prepares students for clinical activity. What lies beneath the drapes is not a living being but a tool that is tolerant of mistakes and is designed to foster learning.

Disclosures and Statistics

To qualify for federal financial aid, the law requires that certificate programs at non-profit and public institutions prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Department of Labor classification of instructional programs (CIP) code for Perfusion Technology Education Programs is: 51.0906 – Perfusion Technology/ Perfusionist.

The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code assigned to this profession is grouped under a general classification with other health care workers: 29-9099 Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other.

Information about program costs and financial aid

Program Graduation and Placement Statistics

2012-2014 2013-2015 2014-2016 2015-2017 2016-2018
Number Admitted 4 4 4 4 4
Number Graduated 4 4 4 4 4
Board Certified in one year 4 4 4 4 4
Gainful Employment as a Perfusionist in one year 4 4 4 4 4

Program Cost Disclosure

Program Title
University of Iowa undergraduate certificate in perfusion technology/perfusionist
Program Length
20 months
Students graduating on time
Figure not available. Because there are fewer than 10 students enrolled in the program, this number has been withheld to preserve the confidentiality of students.
Program Costs
  • $29,127* for in-state tuition and fees
  • $70,625* for out-of-state tuition and fees
  • $3,000* for books and supplies
  • $16,724* for off-campus room and board

View University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid resources for more program cost information.

*These figures include costs for the entire program, assuming normal time to completion. This information is subject to change.

Number of Students Borrowing Money
Figure not available. Because there are fewer than 10 students enrolled in the program, this number has been withheld to preserve the confidentiality of students.
Debt the Typical Graduate Compiles by Graduation
Figure not available. Because there are fewer than 10 students enrolled in the program, this number has been withheld to preserve the confidentiality of students.
The Typical Monthly Loan Payment
Figure not available. Because there are fewer than 10 students enrolled in the program, this number has been withheld to preserve the confidentiality of students.
Typical Annual Earning for Program Graduate Working in This Field
$90,000

We are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of The Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education (AC-PE) . Graduates are eligible to take the basic science and clinical applications American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion certification exams which certifies them to work as clinical perfusionists.