The Texas Heart Institute Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at ÌÇÐÄlogo is a collaboration between the School of Health Professions and The Texas Heart Institute at ÌÇÐÄlogo. With longstanding histories of integrating exceptional care and cutting-edge research with an interdisciplinary focus on academic collaboration and excellence, the program has graduated over 1000 perfusionist since opening in 1972.
The 18-month postbaccalaureate program trains students to use the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and other equipment associated with open heart surgery including ECMO. In addition, students receive extensive instruction in cardiopulmonary function and extensive experience in the operating room.
The curriculum is designed to develop core clinical competencies in cardiovascular perfusion medicine and expose students to relevant cardiovascular research projects in partnership with The Texas Heart Institute at ÌÇÐÄlogo and ÌÇÐÄlogo St. Luke’s Medical Center affiliated faculty. The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that empowers trainees to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities to excel as clinical perfusionist.
The Texas Heart Institute Cardiovascular Perfusion program at ÌÇÐÄlogo is accredited by the (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education (ACPE), and graduates are well prepared and 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 Goals
The Cardiovascular Perfusion postbaccalaureate program is designed to be completed in 18 months.
- Maintain an exemplary perfusion education program supporting clinical and didactic excellence necessary to effectively develop perfusion students’ cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.
- Promote a positive educational environment for students to develop as competent, compassionate, and ethical allied health professionals.
- Foster a learning environment for program graduates to promote and maintain safe perfusion practices in providing the highest level of patient care.
The Cardiovascular Perfusion Program leverages decades of collaboration and the program is integrated closely within ÌÇÐÄlogo’s clinical affiliates providing students with the opportunity for exploration and exposure to multiple clinical experiences and various mentorship styles, allowing for greater skill diversification and collaboration.
All students gain additional training professionalism and leadership training through completion of a longitudinal course series, a formal thesis, or external practicum training.
Why ÌÇÐÄlogo?
Located within the largest medical center in the world, ÌÇÐÄlogo is uniquely positioned to offer students cutting edge research and clinical training opportunities. Being in close proximity to affiliates such as the ÌÇÐÄlogo St. Luke's Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, and Harris Health System, students receive training and supervision from experts in a wide range of fields including:
- Cardiothoracic Surgeons
- Anesthesiologist
- Vascular Surgeons
- Advanced Heart Failure Specialist and Interventional Cardiologists
- Critical Care Specialist
- Heart, Lung, Liver and other Transplant Specialists
- Translational and Clinical Researchers and Clinician Scientists
- Healthcare Quality Teams
- Hospital, Operating Room and Academic Leadership
BCM ranks in the top 25 in the U.S. for Life Sciences and Medical research with more than $259 million in NIH funding. The Texas Heart Institute at ÌÇÐÄlogo houses numerous robust research programs that draw strengths from a substantial core of clinical and translational faculty investigators, in addition to collaborations with other Texas Medical Center institutions and community partners. The Texas Heart Institute Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at ÌÇÐÄlogo advances the science and treatment of cardiovascular disease through its interdisciplinary and collaborative research with faculty throughout BCM.
Our faculty hold leadership positions within the cardiovascular perfusion community, and students learn alongside distinguished cardiovascular professionals affiliated with The Texas Heart Institute at ÌÇÐÄlogo, ÌÇÐÄlogo St. Luke’s Medical Center, the Michael E. DeBakey VA, Texas Children’s Hospital and other clinical affiliates. These clinicians and scientists are actively engaged in groundbreaking research that advances the understanding and treatment of complex cardiovascular conditions. Many faculty members are internationally recognized for their contributions to innovations in ventricular assist devices and cardiovascular surgery, including first-in-human implantation of the Total Artificial Heart.
Program Mission
The mission of The Texas Heart is to educate and train the next generation of scientist-practitioners who will advance research and evidence-based practice in clinical psychology to promote mental health and human well-being. The program aligns with and supports the broader missions of ÌÇÐÄlogo to create and apply scientific knowledge that enhances education, healthcare and community service. Through the integration of cutting-edge research with evidence-based clinical practice, the program is dedicated to training psychologists who will provide mental healthcare and serve high-need communities. The program aims to positively impact lives through excellent clinical care, innovative research, and impactful community engagement.
Accreditation
The Texas Heart Institute Cardiovascular Perfusion Program is accredited by the  (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 the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion gives.
| Retention | 98 percent |
| Job Placement | 100 percent |
| CAPE Exam Pass Rate* | 95 percent |
| PBSE Exam Pass Rate* | 94 percent |
Source: ACPE Program Annual Report 2025 (3-Year Average, 2020-2024 graduates)
*First time test takers
School of Health Professions
The Texas Heart Institute Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at ÌÇÐÄlogo program is under the auspices of the ÌÇÐÄlogo School of Health Professions. Visit the school’s site to learn more about other programs offered, academic and support services available to students, view the School of Health Professions Student Handbook, school-related news and events and more.