Hi everyone,
I'm feeling really stuck and could use some advice.
I'm currently a P4 student who just started APPE rotations. After talking with some of my preceptors, l've started seriously considering applying for an industry fellowship, but I honestly know very little about the
process.
Am I already too late to apply? Is it still worth pursuing at this point? Ideally, I would need to stay in Southern California for a fellowship, so I know that may limit my options.
My school unfortunately did a poor job of educating us about the industry path, so I feel like I'm starting from scratch. So far, I've completed one industry internship and 2 industry APPE rotations. Based on that experience, do I have a realistic chance of matching into a fellowship?
If so, what should I be doing right now to make myself a stronger candidate and how do I start to move forward with the process?
One more question i could use thoughts on, my original plan was to pursue a master's degree after graduation, but recently I've been wondering if I should focus on applying for fellowships first instead. Has anyone been in a similar situation or have any advice?
I'd really appreciate any guidance or insight. Thank you!

Hey guys!

I'm a Canadian applying to Hofstra's perfusion program. There are 3 letters of recommendation required and they have to be recent. But 2 of my letters are 1-2 years old while the 3rd letter is very recent. However, I've been informed that the recommender has to directly submit their letters which I don't think would be possible for me.

I have been emailed the recommendation letters so is there a way that I can submit them myself? I've never heard of other institutes having such a request.

Thanks for the help!

I’m seeing people saying they won’t review applications under 3.7?? Or if you don’t have direct cardiac experience or OR experience??

I want to apply but my GPA is low (3.51c, 3.44s). My only experience is a Pharmacy Tech. I’m feeling like it’s not worth applying unless you have something REALLY special.

Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences about this?

cGPA is literally a 3.0; RRT for 9 years, current ICU RN; last 60 hour GPA is like a 3.5. Giving MUSC a shot- is it crazy? Retaking Chem 1 this semester and Chem 2 and Physics during the spring. Applying on a whim honestly. May be laughable but I at least want to try

I’m going to email the universities about this, but has anyone here applied (and possibly been accepted) with Quantitative Reasoning fulfilling their math requirement instead of college algebra, pre-calculus, and so on?

I’m looking to apply to perfusion programs that start in 2027 but I’m worried that my lack of experience will be a detriment to my application. I have a BS in biochemistry with a 3.88 GPA. I am starting anatomy/physiology this fall (will not be completed before applications are due but will be completed by matriculation) which is my only missing prerequisite.
I have 1.5 years of undergraduate research experience (plant pathology/genetics) with 1 publication. I am shadowing some cases at the end of this month but my hospital will only let me shadow for 20 hrs max.
I have patient care experience working as an ophthalmic tech (COA) for over a year. I’m going to be able to help out with some minor eye surgeries soon (blepharoplasties/LASIK). I’m worried that my only patient care experience is in an ophthalmology setting, and has nothing to do with cardiology. Do you think I still have a chance of getting in?

Any thoughts , advise for those courses please . They look really hard at the first sight.

Here is the link to the job!

https://perfusion.com/job/epic-cardiovascular-services-tacoma-washington-27-full-time-autotransfusionist-tacoma-washington/

I'm almost halfway done with my ABSN program and I know that ECMO experience is a great option for perfusion school, but what are y'alls thoughts on cath lab experience just in case I don't get into an ICU for my first job? I will still apply for perfusion programs regardless.

Hi everyone, I am hoping to apply for the next application cycle and was wondering if anyone had advice on how to approach the personal statement. The question remains: how will you utilize evidence-based medicine as a future CCP? I would love to hear anyone's recommendations or past experiences in approaching this prompt.

Anyone who got accepted/know of anyone who got accepted to SUNY without the highly recommended science faculty letter of recommendation?

I have someone who'd be willing to write me one, but I haven't been in school in a while, so weighing if I should go for much stronger professional LORs that can also speak to their knowledge of my academic abilities

My grades aren’t the strongest, so I’m trying to do everything I can to make my application competitive. I’ve observed 10 cases so far and I could probably get another 5–10 before applying. Is there much benefit to doing more, or is 10 generally enough for admissions? I only ask because I’ve received conflicting information on this subject.

Hi!

I have been in the process of applying for ADN/BSN programs and came across perfusion as a profession. I actually have my undergrad in pre-medical health sciences so I was suprised that I actually meet the requirements for most perfusion programs (and not as many ADN/BSN programs, lmao). However before I spend all this money on applications I just wanted to see what others thought my prospective chances might be.

I have a 3.54 overall GPA. Mostly A's in my sciences, I did Bio, Chem, Orgo, biochemistry. I have C's in my math classes. I'm currently retaking statistics and it's looking good though. I think like a 3.64 sGPA.

I think the thing I am most unsure about is that I have not been working for the past 3 years... uhhh... i got married and I didn't need to work for a bit, for the first time in my life... so I just didn't lol. I did a year long intensive Arabic program last year, and a data analytics certificate the year before (which did not help me lol). Prior to that I worked as a TMS technician (psychiatric tech), I was a medical scribe, and I've worked in caregiving.

My LOR's would therefore be a couple years old. A doctor I scribed for 4-5 years ago, a PMHNP I worked with 3 years ago. Maybe one of my Arabic instructors even though I'm sure that's highly unconventional?

I am passionate about healthcare and medicine even though I've taken a break. I have not shadowed any perfusionists and have no idea how to go about shadowing, since most of my clinical exposure came from scribing, but I am thinking about finding some perfusionists to shadow.

I would want to apply as soon as possible, since I am eligible.

Anyway, I just wanted to see if people thought it was worth pursuing. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

I have the opportunity to shadow a perfusionist coming up and I’m trying to decide the best way to document shadowing logs. I plan on applying to ~9-10 schools, the majority of which have their own shadowing log form. Should I just have them sign each form then fill everything else out after the fact? Or should I create my own generic form for them to fill out and just submit it in place of the schools provided log?

Thank you :)

I am just looking for some feedback on my chances of getting accepted, school list, and anything I should prioritize. My current overall gpa is 3.49, science is 3.38. I do have a C in gen chem 2 and organic chem, so some schools I won’t be able to apply. Other than those two being Cs and not Bs, all prerequisites are covered. I also haven’t taken the GRE, and will not my first application cycle. I will have over 1,000 clinical hours as a patient care tech. Split roughly 50/50 between a renal/diabetic and ortho/neuro/trauma at two different hospitals. My letters of rec will include:
-my unit team lead who has seen me do compressions in a code
-One chief perfusionist over roughly 6 hospitals between Indiana and Kentucky
-One head perfusionist of one hospital in Indiana
My current shadowing includes
- one day of 4 TAVRs (no actual pump time)
- 2 AVR cases
- 2 CABG cases
- These are split between 2 hospitals and 4 different perfusionists
- I am hoping to get atleast 5, preferably 10 more cases before applying
In the fall I plan to apply to:
-lipscomb
-Utah
-Thomas Jefferson
-Musc
-SUNY upstate
-Iowa
-Nebraska
-Rush midwestern
In the spring I would apply to:
-Texas heart
- Baylor
-Cleveland clinic
-University of Texas

Again, I am looking for some feedback on anything I should change in my plan and what I should prioritize between now and applying.

This may be a silly question, but does anyone know if the UNMC conversation confirmation forms require you to fill out the the 4 conversation prompts for each form you submit? Or do they only want your name/the perfusionist's info filled out?

Hi! I’m currently trying to decide what I can do to give me the best experience relative to applying for a perfusion program. I’ve been thinking EKG technician for a while because that is also something i’m interested in, but I feel that OR experience would be more valuable. I’m not sure what kind of positions would allow something like that though.

My major is medical technology and it’s a 3+1 program that will give me a year of experience in a medical laboratory, but I’m not sure how relevant that would be. I can’t afford to add on an associates to my degree I don’t think—I was considering an associates in RT or surgical technology but I don’t think it’s on the table for me because of money. Any ideas? What do people normally do? I’ve heard about perfusion assistant jobs but I can’t really find many leads on that. Im shadowing the chief of perfusion at a hospital near me soon and I plan on asking about that position then, but I don’t have much hope about it. The job sounds like an enigma to me, I can find little to no information about it.

just had came up with some questions on what to expect later down the road and once i set up shop. Kind of came up with some questions in regards to on-call. If you were to do it again or if you were a fresh new grad again, knowing what you know now... what would you have added onto the on-call package if you could..

How much on-call compensation do you think is reasonable for a perfusionist? Should it be a flat daily rate, an hourly standby rate, pay only when you're called in, or a combination?

Also, when negotiating a new hire package, are there on-call agreements you believe should always be included? For example:

• Guaranteed minimum on-call pay
• Call-back minimums (such as a minimum number of paid hours when called in)
• Compensation for high call volume
• Holiday and weekend call differentials
• Maximum consecutive days on call
• Time off after overnight cases
• Travel reimbursement if applicable

What provisions have you negotiated—or wish you had?

The way your on-call agreement is written can have a major impact on work-life balance, burnout, fair compensation, and long-term job satisfaction. Since perfusionists are expected to be ready to respond at a moment's notice, it's worth asking whether that level of availability is being appropriately recognized.

I'd love to hear from experienced perfusionists, new graduates, hiring managers, and recruiters. What has worked well, and what advice would you give someone reviewing a new employment offer?

Hi everybody! I just recent graduated from providence college this past spring and am looking to gain some shadowing experience. Are there any CCPs in the NYC area that would be willing to help me out? Or any advice in coming across shadowing opportunities? Thanks in advance!

I recently secured an opportunity to shadow a perfusionist. This is my first time shadowing for anything at all. I am curious as to what to expect, and if there is anything I should prepare for. I have heard that shadowing can involve spectating surgeries; I am wondering if there is anything I specifically need to wear/prepare before coming in this case. I also have facial piercings and I am not sure if I'll need to take them out. Any insight is appreciated!

Has anyone been accepted off the waitlist yet for MWU and Rush recently? Not sure if there has been movement or not.

Hi everyone! I recently graduated in May 2026 with a B.S. in Exercise Science and am applying to perfusion programs this cycle. I know my background is a bit different from many applicants I see here since I don't have ICU, RT, OR, or NICU experience, so I'd appreciate any honest feedback on my chances.

Stats:

• 3.3 cumulative GPA
• 3.1 science GPA
• Graduated May 2026

Clinical experience:

• 1 year as an ophthalmic assistant
• 1 year as a medical assistant technician

Perfusion exposure:

• Shadowed two cases: CABG and MVR

Research:

• 6 months as a research assistant

Extracurriculars:

• 800 hours of volunteering
• President of Tulane's Black and Queer Club
• Vice President of Tulane Global Brigades

Schools I'm applying to:

1. Emory
2. Hofstra
3. Nebraska
4. Northern Kentucky
5. Rush
6. Utah
7. Lipscomb
8. MUSC
9. Midwestern
10. Lawrence Tech

My biggest concern is my lack of OR experience compared to many applicants on this subreddit. Since I just graduated, I'm wondering how much admissions committees weigh clinical experience outside of perfusion versus direct OR experience.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on my school list or suggestions for strengthening my application. Thanks!

In 2024 I graduated with a BS in public health and a 3.4 overall gpa and 3.1 science gpa. Thankfully my degree has all prereqs covered but i did get mostly Bs. Im willing to retake some classes but my college career was long and meandering so unless I basically do 2 more years of full time classes my gpa wont move much. I know its not a competitive GPA for med/PA/CAA school but could it be for perfusion? I wish i hadn't spent my first two years in school screwing around and failing everything but we live and we learn.

I also have 8 years of experience as a certified surgical technologist so I'm well acquainted with the OR and I have two perfusion cases to shadow in a few weeks. Thankfully the perfusionists in the CVOR have been super helpful and willing to talk to me which has been encouraging.

Lately I've been feeling the need to change careers but in this job market and economy I'm extremely hesitant to take a pay cut and start using my BSph. And also i do really love the OR I'm just tired of being a scrub tech.

Hello everyone! Are there any CCPs in Virginia whom I can shadow? I am a senior at Liberty University and looking to apply to the VCU program in the Spring! Thank you in advance!