What Certifications and Licenses are Required to be a Perfusionist?
To become a licensed perfusionist, certification and licensure are required. To practice as a licensed perfusionist, you must receive a certification in Clinical Perfusion from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. This involves an exam consisting of two parts. The first section is the Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE). The second part is the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination (CAPE).
At Vivacity Perfusion we provide ECMO and Perfusion Staffing from perfusionists, RNs and RRTs nationwide. As we continue to grow, so does the team that we work with. If you are in need of temporary or permanent staffing please contact us at: Contact@vivacityperfusion.com.
At Vivacity, we aim to build long-lasting relationships and quality coverage for hospitals as well as our employees. Continue reading to learn more about what certifications and licensing requirements different states have.
Even if your state does not require licensing, your employer
may require a certification. You will be able to renew your certification annually and will document a minimum of 40 clinical activities. The PBSE and CAPE are given twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. You can expect the examination to be based on the following topics:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
- Laboratory Analysis
- Quality Assurance
- Devices & Equipment
- Clinical Management
- Special Patient Groups
- ECMO/ECLS/Special Procedures and Techniques
- Catastrophic Events & Device Failure
- Monitoring
State Requirments
While every state may have different requirements for licensing, it is important to check with your employer as well as the state you may be practicing in if you are considering traveling for perfusion. For example, to practice in the state of Texas, you will have to submit an online application as well as a license to practice. However, the benefits of traveling for perfusion work are great. Not only will you be reimbursed for your travel, but you will also be reimbursed for your license.
Below is a list of states that require their perfusion licensure in order to practice in them: As there is a shortage of healthcare workers in general, there is as well an increased shortage of perfusionists in the United States. Currently, there are only about 3,200 perfusionists employed in the United States. This shortage of perfusionists is creating an increasingly larger demand for licensed professionals at hospitals around the nation.
State Licensure
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New York
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
Final Thoughts
As a perfusionist licensed in multiple states, you have a competitive advantage against others which will help your career. If traveling perfusion is something that you are interested in contact Vivacity Perfusion today to see how we can help you find your dream job while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
