Frequently Asked Education Questions

Perfusionists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who operate the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery and other procedures requiring extracorporeal circulatory support. They are entrusted to manage the patient’s haemodynamics, oxygenation, and circulation while the surgeon operates on the heart. It’s a critical role that requires a deep understanding of the underlying sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and physics, as well as equipment and technology.

Perfusionists play a vital role in:

• Cardiopulmonary bypass during complex cardiac surgery
• ECMO delivery, management, and support in ICU, ED, and CTOT
• Organ preservation and ECMO retrieval
• Organ transplantation, including heart, lung, and liver
• Ventricular Assist Device delivery, management, and support
• Safe delivery of intrathoracic/intraperitoneal chemotherapy
• Intraoperative cell salvage in emergency haemorrhagic cases in various surgical fields such as orthopaedics, obstetrics, neurosurgery, vascular and cardiac procedures.

You need an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as medical science, with undergraduate level prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology and physics.

You need to secure a trainee perfusionist position before or concurrently with enrolling in the 2 years Master’s degree in perfusion. This is because the training is heavily hands-on and requires practical experience in a clinical setting.

The Monash MCP Program requires:

1. 1. A relevant undergraduate degree (Health/Medical Science, Paramedicine, Biomedicine etc)  with undergraduate level prerequisites in

• • • • Anatomy
      • Physiology
      • Physics 
      • Chemistry
        
        

      3. Secured a traineeship at an ANZBP accredited training institution. The list can be found here.

               4. Domestic Applicant (Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident) at the time of application.

The focus for your efforts should be to apply for trainee positions. You will only be offered a place in the training program, once a confirmed and registered trainee with the Australian and New Zealand Board of Perfusion. 

If you are serious about getting a trainee perfusion position, ensure that you have completed all undergraduate prerequisites, the WAM, and are eligible to enrol in the course, prior to applying for positions. Transcripts will be requested and the eligibility for the program will often be a selection criteria for interview. 

Applicants must have completed at least one undergraduate level prerequisite unit (>6 CP) in each of the following disciplinary areas;

1. Anatomy – eg. human body systems anatomy

2. Physiology –  eg. human body systems physiology

3. Chemistry – eg. general/organic or biochemistry relevant to health sciences

4. Physics – eg. Medical/biophysics or general physics with clinical/health applications
   
   

If you are planning to pursue a career in perfusion, choosing the right undergraduate degree is a great starting point. Clinical health and medical science degrees are an excellent foundation, as they are likely to cover most, if not all, of the necessary prerequisite subjects required for entry into a perfusion training program.

Other common pathways include degrees in biomedical science and paramedicine, which also provide a strong scientific and medical background.

Nursing degrees are also considered, and while they offer valuable clinical experience, it is crucial for nursing graduates to ensure they complete all specific prerequisite subjects (such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, etc.), as these may not always be comprehensively covered within a standard nursing curriculum.

In any health or science-related undergraduate degree, to increase your chances of gaining a trainee position and entry into the MCP program, please ensure that you have completed all prerequisite subjects. There is no currenly confirmed or official bridging courses for these subjects. 

The training pathway is unique due to the hands-on and technical nature of the profession. You can’t just enrol in the Master’s program and then look for a job. You need the trainee position first, or at least concurrently. 

This work-integrated learning approach is essential for developing the necessary skills and fulfilling the clinical component required to become eligible to sit the ANZBP Board Certification Exams and qualify as a Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP ANZ).

The trainee position is essential as you will need to fulfil a clinical component for eligibility to sit Board certification exams that includes:

• A minimum of 200 supervised CPB cases with the completion of supervisor case assessment forms every 20 cases.
• Observing a number of cases at different units
• Presenting a research project at the ANZCP ASM Conference

This is often the biggest hurdle and the most frequently asked question. Trainee positions are competitive and not always readily available, as they are currently based on workforce movements. It often takes 1-2 years, sometimes even longer, to secure one. It is up to the individual to seek out and secure a trainee position, and the ANZBP does not find a position for you currently.

Here’s what you can do:

• Set up job alerts: Keep an eye out for trainee perfusionist positions advertised online.
• Network: Reach out to chief perfusionists and attend conferences and workshops. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive immediate responses; perfusionists are often very busy.
• Be prepared to move and possibly permanently relocate: Keep an eye out for all trainee positions across Australia and New Zealand.
• Gain experience: Working in a related healthcare field (critical care nursing, paramedicine, allied health, etc.) can be a huge asset. It demonstrates your commitment to healthcare and provides valuable clinical experience. This also shows maturity and resilience, qualities highly valued in perfusion.
• Be persistent and patient: Don’t give up! Keep applying for positions and building your network. Patience is absolutely key in this field.
• Embrace maturity: Perfusion is a demanding field. Maturity, resilience, and the ability to handle pressure are vital. Highlight these qualities in your applications, along with your relevant clinical experience.

The training program itself, takes roughly 2 years to complete, but depends upon the clinical case load of the training unit.

The longest part of the entire process can often be between starting your search for a trainee position to securing a position, which can take anywhere from 3-5 years or even longer.

These opportunities typically arise when current perfusionists retire or move on to other roles. So, they are not often predictable unfortunately.

The pathway to becoming a clinical perfusionist can be long and challenging, but it’s definitely worth it! Remember to be patient, persistent, and proactive in your job search. The competitive nature of this field means it can take time. Focus on building your skills, experience, and network. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goal of becoming a clinical perfusionist.

It’s highly competitive, particularly for trainee positions.

There may often be hundreds of applicants for one trainee position. Be prepared for a challenging job search and be persistent in your efforts. Consider applying for every job interstate, across Australia and New Zealand, although keep in mind that some hospitals will have a retention clause in the contract that may require you to stay for a period of time. 

That’s ok, and it’s actually less common to secure a trainee position immediately. Many aspiring perfusionists spend 1-2 years, or even longer, searching for the right opportunity. It’s important to have a backup plan, gain related experience, and remain persistent in your job search. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy and challenging process however it will be worth it in the end.

Focus on building your resume! Gain clinical experience, network with perfusionists, and continue learning about the field. Consider taking related courses or certifications, such as the ANZBP Autotransfusion Course. Gaining experience in related clinical fields is a strategic advantage. Given the competitive job market, this not only provides a backup plan and reduces your reliance on a single career path, but also strengthens your applications when perfusion positions become available.

Our current trainees come from a variety of backgrounds, including nursing (ICU/ECMO/Critical Care Nursing), paramedicine, cardiac sonography, and even cardiac research. Past trainees have come from other professions that may not require additional education such as biomedical engineering, blood bank/laboratories, cardiac physiology and more.

Maturity and clinical experience are highly valued by hiring managers, given the level of stress and emotional maturity often required in the perfusion space. It is also important to understand and not get discouraged that there may be units, for example, at a busy pediatric unit, where they want more mature people with a breadth of clinical experience who can handle the emotional toll and burden specific to that centre.

It’s tough to say definitively what your individual likelihood is, but it’s crucial to have realistic expectations about the competitive nature of this field. As mentioned, the number of trainee positions is very limited each year, and many highly qualified candidates apply.

It’s not uncommon for dedicated individuals to apply for positions for two to five years or even longer before successfully securing a trainee role. This demonstrates that perseverance is often required.

Given this reality, perfusion is not for everyone. If you are serious about this career path, you must be prepared for a potentially lengthy and challenging application process. It is highly advisable to continue pursuing and developing backup plans for your career. Do not put all your aspirations into this single path without having other viable options. Maintain and advance your skills in your current field or explore related health professions while you continue your search. This approach will provide you with ongoing professional development and career security, regardless of how long it takes to secure a perfusionist trainee position.

A great way to connect with perfusionists is through professional platforms like LinkedIn or via email. If you’re considering reaching out about potential job opportunities or to learn more about the field, here’s how to make the best impression:

• Be Polite and Respectful of Their Time: Perfusionists work in demanding, high-pressure environments. Their time is incredibly valuable. Always approach them with courtesy and respect for their busy schedules.

• Do Your Research First: Before making contact, thoroughly research the profession, the training pathway in Australia and New Zealand, and all the information provided in this FAQ. Asking questions that are easily answered through a quick search or are directly addressed here can unintentionally show a lack of awareness, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability—all qualities highly desirable in a perfusionist.

• Keep it Brief and to the Point: Your initial message should be concise. Clearly state your interest in perfusion and why you are reaching out. Avoid being pushy or demanding, or writing long emails. Hiring managers receive many enquiries a week.

• Understand Their Limitations: It’s important to know that perfusionists are very busy, and many institutions have strict restrictions on shadowing or direct work experience due to patient safety and privacy policies. Be prepared for the possibility that they may not be able to accommodate your specific request for shadowing or may not have any job opportunities at that moment. 

• Seek Advice, Not Just Opportunities: Even if direct shadowing isn’t possible, a perfusionist might be willing to answer some of your questions, offer career advice, or share insights into the profession. This indirect form of mentorship can be incredibly valuable.

• Avoid AI-Generated Content: Sending an email that appears to be written by an AI tool like ChatGPT can do a disservice to your application. It often suggests a lack of genuine effort and personal initiative, which are critical attributes for aspiring perfusionists.

By demonstrating your initiative, attention to detail, and respect for their profession, you’ll make a much stronger and more positive impression in your pursuit of a trainee position.

Shadowing is a great way to get a firsthand look at the profession, but it can be difficult to arrange. Depending on the case load, many perfusionists can be quite busy and unable to have observers, and hospitals can often have restrictions in place due to patient privacy.

If you’d like to pursue shadowing, you can try contacting chief perfusionists directly via email or LinkedIn but understand that they may not be able to accommodate your request. The day-to-day tasks of a perfusionist are quite varied, so they may be able to accommodate someone to visit one week and may not be able to do something similar for a few months for the next person.

Shadowing opportunities can help you decide if you want to pursue perfusion, they do not necessarily give you an increased chance in getting a position. There are a number of resources and videos online of the daily activities of a perfusionist. 

In the meantime, we highly recommend focusing on other valuable activities, such as gaining clinical experience in a related field or even networking with perfusionists at conferences. These activities can be just as beneficial for your applications.

Strong applications highlight relevant clinical experience, demonstrate a genuine passion for the field, showcase strong communication and interpersonal skills, and emphasise qualities like seriousness of purpose, resilience, adaptability, and a strong attention to detail.

It is important to understand that securing a perfusionist trainee position in Australia/New Zealand is highly competitive. Perfusion is a highly specialised and relatively small profession, meaning there are a limited number of trainee positions available each year across Australia and New Zealand. Demand often far outweighs the supply of training opportunities.

To be a strong candidate, you will need:

• Excellent Academic Performance: A strong academic record in your undergraduate degree, particularly in relevant science subjects, is crucial.

• Demonstrated Commitment: Active efforts to understand the profession, such as shadowing (where possible, though often difficult to arrange) or deep research into the role, will highlight your genuine interest. Chief perfusionists have specifically commented that common errors such as spelling mistakes in a resume, or demonstrating a lack of understanding about what a perfusionist actually does, strongly indicate a lack of attention to detail, passion, initiative, and autonomy – all critical skills required for success in this role.

• Relevant Experience: While not always mandatory, any experience in a clinical or hospital environment (e.g., as a nurse, paramedic, or in another allied health role) that demonstrates your ability to work in high-pressure medical settings, understand patient care, and function within a multidisciplinary team will significantly strengthen your application.

• Strong Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills: Perfusionists work in highly collaborative and demanding surgical environments. Your ability to communicate effectively under pressure, problem-solve collaboratively, and maintain composure in critical situations is paramount.

• Resilience and Adaptability: Given the unpredictable hours, on-call demands, and intense nature of the work, demonstrating your understanding of these challenges and your capacity to adapt will be key.

Successful applicants are typically those who not only meet the academic prerequisites but also clearly exhibit the maturity, dedication, and personal attributes required for this rigorous and high-stakes role. Be prepared for a challenging application process, and understand that many excellent candidates apply for these limited positions.

No, the primary pathway for perfusion training in Australia requires concurrent completion of an educational program such as the Master of Cardiovascular Perfusion offered by Monash University, As this course is currently only available for domestic Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents, you will not be eligible.

This also generally extends to clinical trainee positions within Australian and New Zealand public hospitals, where they will prioritise local applicants over overseas applicants. 

If you are an overseas-trained perfusionist, it’s important to understand that securing a local ‘trainee’ position in Australia or New Zealand is not the standard pathway for you. Local trainee positions require concurrent entry into the Master of Cardiovascular Perfusion program which is currently limited exclusively to Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents. There is also a requirement of 2 years of clinical milestones of 200 supervised cases. 

As an overseas-trained perfusionists, you are generally not eligible for these domestic trainee programs. Instead, your pathway to working as a perfusionist in Australia or New Zealand involves the recognition of your existing qualifications and experience through the Australian and New Zealand Board of Perfusion (ANZBP) via their “Overseas Trained Perfusionist Policy.” This process involves a rigorous assessment of your credentials, clinical experience, and often requires undertaking supervised clinical practice in Australia/NZ to fulfil all local training criteria and become a registered OTP. You will also be required to undertake Board exams to determine equivalency of your education.

You are required to directly pursue the ANZBP’s assessment and certification pathway for overseas-trained professionals, rather than seeking a new trainee position.

Feedback from current and recent perfusion trainees consistently highlights that the training program is extremely challenging but ultimately incredibly rewarding. Trainees often speak about the significant demands placed upon them:

• Long and Unpredictable Hours: Expect very long days, often extending into late nights due to complex or emergency cases. On-call requirements mean you are always on standby, which can disrupt personal life and lead to irregular sleep patterns.

• Intense Academic Load: On top of demanding clinical hours, trainees are required to undertake a Master’s program concurrently. This means balancing a full-time, high-stakes clinical role with postgraduate academic study, requiring exceptional time management and discipline, with family and personal life also. 

• “Life on Hold” Feeling: Many trainees express that for the two-year duration of the core training program, it can feel like their personal lives and social activities are put on hold due to the sheer commitment required.

• High Pressure and Responsibility: The immense responsibility for patient well-being during bypass procedures is a constant source of pressure, demanding unwavering focus and the ability to perform under stress.

Despite these challenges, trainees universally describe the experience as immensely fulfilling. The satisfaction of directly contributing to saving lives, the intellectual stimulation of mastering complex physiology and technology, and the strong camaraderie within the perfusion team are often cited as powerful motivators that make the sacrifices worthwhile. It truly is a career that demands your all, but gives back in profound ways.

Once you secure a trainee position, the clinical expectations are incredibly high and demand continuous dedication. To best prepare for and succeed in your traineeship:

• Master Foundational Knowledge: Before and during your traineeship, maintain a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and relevant physics principles. Your academic coursework will be paramount, but you’ll need to actively apply it in a clinical context.

• Develop Strong Attention to Detail: Perfusion is a field where tiny errors can have massive consequences. Practice meticulousness in all tasks, from daily routines to complex problem-solving. This includes being highly organised, following protocols rigorously, and double-checking everything.

• Cultivate Resilience Under Pressure: You will be operating in high-stakes environments where patients lives are in your hands. Develop strategies to remain calm, focused, and effective under extreme pressure, often with significant time constraints.

• Embrace Continuous Learning & Self-Correction: The learning curve is steep and ongoing. Be proactive in asking questions, seeking feedback from your clinical supervisors, and identifying areas for improvement. Every case is a learning opportunity. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something, and always be open to constructive criticism.

• Strong Teamwork and Communication: You will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary team. Practice clear, concise, and assertive communication, especially during critical moments. Learn to anticipate the needs of the surgical and anaesthetic teams and respond effectively.

• Be Proactive and Take Initiative: Don’t wait to be told.  This proactive approach will set you apart and accelerate your learning.

• Physical and Mental Stamina: Prepare for long, unpredictable hours and the emotional demands of the role. Prioritise your own well-being to ensure you can sustain the intense focus required.

The traineeship involves rigorous clinical milestones, including a high number of supervised cases (e.g., 200 cardiopulmonary bypass cases, with direct supervision for the initial cases as per ANZBP guidelines). Your commitment to theoretical learning combined with hands-on practical application and a strong professional demeanour will be essential for successfully navigating these requirements and ultimately achieving certification.

No, you should not contact the College or Board for a trainee position. The Australian and New Zealand College of Perfusion (ANZCP) and the Australian and New Zealand Board of Perfusion (ANZBP) are the accreditation and certification bodies for perfusionists. They are responsible for setting standards, accrediting training programs, and certifying qualified perfusionists.

They cannot help you in any way to find a trainee position. It is entirely up to you to monitor job advertisements and apply directly for trainee perfusionist positions as they arise at individual hospitals or healthcare institutions. You will typically find these advertised through hospital career portals, job websites, or sometimes directly on the ANZCP website’s job board if available.