The training pathway to become a clinical perfusionist in Australia and New Zealand is a post graduate process with a work integrated learning model, which requires both a trainee perfusionist position in Australia or New Zealand, and the enrolment into a Board recognised Master of Cardiovascular Perfusion program, to be completed concurrently.
In order to meeting the training requirements in Australia and New Zealand, perfusionists must meet the following criteria:
1. A Suitable Undergraduate Degree
Complete a suitable Bachelor’s Degree in Science or equivalent.
It is relevant to have studied or majored in subjects related to perfusion science. These subjects will include physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, medical science, anatomy and like subjects.
Entry into the post graduate program does require the completion of prerequisite subjects including chemistry, anatomy and physiology.
2. Current Trainee Perfusionist Position
Trainees must secure a clinical perfusion traineeship (minimum 3 days per week) at an Australian and New Zealand Board of Perfusion (ANZBP) accredited training institution for the duration of the program.
The training pathway to eligibility for board certification exams requires the completion of several clinical aspects including 200 supervised cardiopulmonary bypass cases.
It is highly advised to secure a trainee position first in an ANZBP accredited training institution before enrolment into the board recognised Masters in Cardiovascular Perfusion, as this is a requirement of entry into the program. The didactic component alone will not fulfil the clinical requirement necessary to be eligible to sit Board Certification exams. Successful passing of the ANZBP Certification exams will allow you to practice in Australia and New Zealand as a Certified Clinical Perfusionist.
Contact the Course Coordinator via email on abcpcoordinator@anzcp.org for more information. They can also connect you with Chief Perfusionists at training units.
3. Complete Masters Course and Practical Requirements as set by the ANZBP
It is required that you be employed in a recognised training hospital unit as well as meet the practical milestones throughout your traineeship under the guidance of the clinical supervisor at the recognised training hospital.
4. Successfully Complete ANZBP Certification Examinations
Once the didactic course requirements and the clinical requirements are completed, a trainee perfusionist is then eligible to sit for the Board Certification Exams.
These consist of a 2-part written exam and an oral viva examination.
Successful completion of these exams will result in a Certificate of Clinical Perfusion awarded by the Australian and New Zealand Board of Perfusion, and eligibility to become a Fellow Member of the College
5. Complete Continuing Professional Development Requirements
Post trainee period, and moving forward as a fully qualified perfusionist requires annual completion of the mandated Continuing Professional Development requirements as set by the ANZBP, and also requires one to continuously meet the Profession’s ethical and standards requirements.
Whilst this pathway into training is rigorous, the acuity, and critical nature of our scope of practice relies on passionate individuals who want to focus solely on perfusion and devote their entire career only to the delivery of safe perfusion technology. There is immense risk involved with any type of extracorporeal circulation technologies such as Cardiopulmonary Bypass and ECMO, and the knowledge and skill of our CCP’s creates collaboration and a strong trusting relationship with surgical teams, and results in immense employability for our CCP’s.
Our clinical perfusionists are solely devoted to our practice, technology and equipment, and this is reflected in the knowledge and skill we have to troubleshoot, and be dynamic in emergency or disaster type settings, with minimal risk to the patient or disruption to the team.
To us, patient safety is paramount, and rigorous training and continuous professional development contributes to successful outcomes.
Contact: Neesha Ghedia
Course Coordinator
abcpcoordinator@anzcp.org
