What is the Department of Perfusion?

It is the branch of science that manages extracorporeal blood circulation using a heart-lung machine under the supervision of relevant specialist physicians during interventions on the heart and/or major vessels. Members of this profession are awarded the title of Perfusionist. Within the framework of the Ministry of Health regulations, to become a perfusionist, it is mandatory to complete either a 4-year undergraduate degree in perfusion or a master's degree in perfusion.

What Courses Are Taken in the Department of Perfusion?

The Department of Perfusion offers a four-year curriculum aiming to graduate well-equipped Perfusionists with theoretical knowledge and practical skills, alongside foundational sciences and profession-specific courses. Broadly speaking, the courses provided in this program include foundational scientific courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Pharmacology. In addition to these, there are specific profession-oriented courses such as Introduction to Perfusion, Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Blood Products Transfusion and Blood Conservation Techniques, Cardiac Anesthesia, Extracorporeal Life Support and Monitoring, Heart Diseases, Perfusion in Adult and Pediatric Patients, as well as a summer internship and field practice in the 4th year.

What Are the Career Fields for Perfusionists?

Upon graduation, students of the Department of Perfusion can work in public hospitals, university hospitals, training and research hospitals, private healthcare organizations, and the medical sector.

Perfusion | Üsküdar University

Continuous Support for Life: Perfusion – The Profession of Today and Tomorrow

A perfusionist is a highly specialized healthcare professional who sustains a patient's life during cardiac and major vascular surgeries, or in patients requiring artificial heart and/or lung support, by maintaining blood circulation outside the body using advanced medical devices. Backed by a strong legal framework, the profession requires graduation from a four-year bachelor's degree in Perfusion or a master's degree in Perfusion.

The Perfusionist's Role in the Operating Room: Authority and Responsibilities

Perfusionists undertake one of the most critical roles during cardiac surgery, carrying a high level of professional responsibility:

Life Support Management: Operate and manage extracorporeal circulation equipment and artificial heart-lung support systems (ECMO/ECLS) with precision.
Cardiac and Systemic Protection: Regulate the patient's body temperature and perform specialized procedures to protect the heart and other organs throughout the operation.
Critical Monitoring: Continuously monitor the patient's vital parameters, blood gas values, and biochemical indicators during surgery.
Saving Lives Beyond the Operating Room: Preserve donor organs and tissues for transplantation and accompany critically ill patients during inter-hospital transfers when extracorporeal life support is required.

What are the Courses in the Perfusion Program?

First Year: The curriculum begins with foundational medical sciences, including Basic Health Sciences and Medical Terminology, Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Sterilization and Immunology, and Biochemistry.

Second Year: This stage focuses on the technical foundations of the profession. Students complete courses such as Extracorporeal Circuit Design and Equipment, Pathophysiology of Extracorporeal Circulation, Adult and Congenital Heart Diseases, and Coagulation and Blood Conservation Methods. During the second semester, students continue with specialized subjects including Principles of Adult Perfusion, Extracorporeal Circulation Techniques, Perfusion Hematology, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), Cardiac Anesthesia, and Blood Chemistry.

Third Year: As professional coursework becomes more intensive, students gain hands-on experience through Simulation Laboratory I and Simulation Laboratory II. The curriculum also includes Extracorporeal Life Support Systems I and II, Principles of Pediatric Perfusion, Biophysics of Extracorporeal Circulation, Specialized Perfusion Applications, and Life-Threatening Complications, preparing students to manage complex clinical scenarios.

Fourth Year: In the final year, students maximize their clinical competence through extensive practical training. During both the fall and spring semesters, they actively participate in operating room practice as part of Clinical Practice I and Clinical Practice II, gaining intensive real-world experience. In addition, students complete Graduation Project I and Graduation Project II, successfully concluding their undergraduate education.

Why Choose Perfusion? Unlimited Employment and Career Opportunities

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death both worldwide and in Türkiye. Over the next decade, the number of patients with coronary heart disease is expected to double. As a result, the demand for cardiac surgery centers and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/Extracorporeal Life Support (ECMO/ECLS) units continues to grow rapidly.

What Awaits You After Graduation?

Extensive Career Opportunities: Employment opportunities in all public and private hospitals with Cardiovascular Surgery Departments and ECMO/ECLS Intensive Care Units.
Academic Advancement: Opportunities to pursue graduate and postgraduate education in Türkiye or abroad, specialize in the field, and build a career as an academic.
A Competitive Career Advantage: Due to the growing shortage of qualified perfusionists, graduates have the opportunity to begin their careers immediately under highly favorable employment conditions.

The Heart of Perfusion Beats at Üsküdar!

The Department of Perfusion within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Üsküdar University is a leading institution shaping the future of the profession in both Türkiye and the international arena through its unique educational opportunities.

World-Class Technology: Gain hands-on experience before graduation in Türkiye's only and one of the world's most advanced Califia 3.0 Perfusion Simulator Laboratory, providing a realistic operating room environment.
Distinguished Academic Faculty: Learn from experienced experts who are recognized leaders in both clinical practice and academic research.
A Dynamic Learning Community: Benefit from monthly scientific meetings organized by the Üsküdar Perfusion Club and annual national and international perfusion congresses hosted by the Department of Perfusion.
Continuity Education: Study within the only institution offering Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs in Perfusion under one academic structure, ensuring continuity in education and professional development.

If you want to shape your future and become part of a life-saving team, you are invited to Üsküdar, which is place where the heart of perfusion beats!