Cardiovascular Perfusion

The BCIT Cardiovascular Perfusion program is one of only three of its kind in Canada. A cardiac perfusionist is a key member of a highly specialized surgical team. Cardiovascular perfusionists work in operating rooms, providing life-saving support to patients undergoing heart surgery. It’s a serious job, and our graduates are ready. At BCIT, we believe in real life experience and provide practical, hands-on training. Our students come from the cardiac field with the passion and work experience to succeed at this intensive program.

About the program

• Two-year advanced specialty certificate
• One year of distance and online learning means you can keep working while you study
• One year of clinical rotations at your sponsor’s location provides direct learning
• Full spectrum of courses includes cardiothoracic anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, fetal and neonatal cardiac development, and perfusion science
• Outcomes of the Cardiovascular Perfusion program are designed to meet the competencies outlined in the National Entry-Level Competency profile of The Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion

Visit Program Details for more information on our program structure and clinical rotation.

Who it’s for

This program is for certified respiratory therapists, critical care nurses, cardiac professionals or related degree graduates, who:

• Have two years or more of current experience in cardiac critical care
• Have completed a bachelor’s degree (preferably a Bachelor of Science) and the required prerequisite courses
• Thrive in fast-paced, high-stress team environments and are able to think fast on the go
• Have a high level of sensitivity and care for patients
• Are willing to work long hours and on an on-call schedule

Interested in working in this specialized field of cardiac care? Entrance Requirements to find out how and when to apply.

What grads can do

Cardiovascular perfusionists are integral members of an expert cardiac surgical team. See Graduating and Jobs to learn more.