Perfusion Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Perfusion technology is a specialized healthcare discipline focused on supporting patients during complex surgical procedures by managing artificial life support systems. Trained professionals work closely with surgeons and medical teams to operate advanced equipment that temporarily takes over heart and lung functions, ensuring stable physiological conditions during critical operations.
- Extracorporeal Circulation Management: Mastery of devices that oxygenate blood and circulate it outside the body, enabling temporary replacement of cardiac and pulmonary functions during open-heart surgery.
- Autotransfusion Techniques: Application of systems to recover, filter, and reinfuse a patient’s own blood during surgery, minimizing the need for donor blood and reducing transfusion risks.
- Physiological Monitoring: Real-time assessment of vital signs and blood parameters to maintain hemodynamic stability and respond rapidly to changes in patient condition.
- Equipment Operation and Calibration: Expertise in selecting, setting up, and troubleshooting perfusion systems, including pumps, oxygenators, and heat exchangers, to ensure optimal performance.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Effective communication and coordination with surgical teams, anesthesiologists, and nurses to align perfusion strategies with overall surgical goals.
- Respiratory and Circulatory Physiology: In-depth understanding of the mechanics and regulation of blood flow, gas exchange, and cardiovascular dynamics under stress and intervention.
Perfusion Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Perfusion Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Perfusion Technology degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 290,900 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians 29-2031 | $67,260 | $37,890 - $108,900 | 61,180 | $32.34 |
Perfusion Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $55,850 in Oklahoma to $124,880 in Arkansas—a 124% difference. The highest-paying states include Arkansas, District of Columbia, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 290,900 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Perfusion Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 14 institutions offering Perfusion Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Perfusion Technology is found at University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) (20 graduates), Rush University (19 graduates), Carlow University (16 graduates), Thomas Jefferson University (13 graduates), and Lawrence Technological University (LTU) (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 156 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) |
Master's
|
20 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unmc.edu |
| Rush University |
Master's
|
19 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | rushu.rush.edu |
| Carlow University |
Master's
|
16 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | carlow.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Master's
|
13 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| Lawrence Technological University (LTU) |
Master's
|
12 | Southfield, Michigan | Private | ltu.edu |
| Hofstra University |
Master's
|
12 | Hempstead, New York | Private | hofstra.edu |
| Upstate Medical University |
Master's
|
11 | Syracuse, New York | Public | upstate.edu |
| Lipscomb University |
Master's
|
11 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | lipscomb.edu |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) |
Master's
|
9 | Highland Heights, Kentucky | Public | nku.edu |
| Quinnipiac University (QU) |
Master's
|
8 | Hamden, Connecticut | Private | qu.edu |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) |
Master's
|
8 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | msoe.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Master's
|
6 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Master's
|
6 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Perfusion Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Perfusion Technology degree?
Salaries for Perfusion Technology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians earn around $67,260. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Arkansas average $124,880 compared to $55,850 in Oklahoma. Approximately 290,900 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Perfusion Technology programs?
Currently 14 accredited institutions offer Perfusion Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) (20 graduates), Rush University (19 graduates), and Carlow University (16 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Perfusion Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 53 in 2010 to 156 in 2023-24. This represents a 194% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Perfusion Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, . Related occupations employ approximately 290,900 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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