CaliforniaPerfusionist License Requirements

Perfusionists must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited perfusion education program (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs). Most programs are at the master's level, though some bachelor's-level programs exist. Training includes didactic coursework in cardiovascular physiology, pharmacology, hemodynamics, and coagulation, along with extensive clinical rotations performing cardiopulmonary bypass and other extracorporeal circulation procedures. Students must complete a minimum number of clinical perfusion cases before graduation.

The ABCP (American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion) grants the CCP (Certified Clinical Perfusionist) credential, which is the national standard for the profession. Approximately 20 states require state licensure or registration in addition to ABCP certification. In states without licensure requirements, ABCP certification is universally expected by hospitals and cardiac surgery programs. All perfusionists must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited perfusion education program and pass the ABCP certification examination.

The ABCP (American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion) certification examination is the national standard for perfusionists. The exam covers cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, myocardial protection, pharmacology, hemodynamics, coagulation management, ECMO, and mechanical circulatory support. Candidates must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program before sitting for the examination. No states currently require an additional state-specific examination beyond the ABCP certification.

Additional Notes

California regulates perfusionists through a title protection statute (Business and Professions Code Sections 2590-2596) rather than a traditional licensure model.

Approximately 20 states require licensure or registration for perfusionists. In states without licensure, ABCP certification (Certified Clinical Perfusionist) serves as the national professional standard. Perfusionists operate heart-lung machines during cardiac surgery, manage ECMO circuits, and provide other extracorporeal circulatory support. All perfusionists must work under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.

Perfusionists are specialized healthcare professionals who operate heart-lung machines (cardiopulmonary bypass) during cardiac surgery, manage ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) circuits, perform autotransfusion and cell salvage, and assist with ventricular assist devices and isolated limb perfusion. They work in hospital settings with cardiac surgery programs, transplant centers, and ECMO programs. All perfusionists must practice under the direct supervision of a licensed physician, typically a cardiac surgeon or anesthesiologist.

CE Details

California requires completion of ABCP continuing education requirements or maintenance of active ABCP certification for continued use of the perfusionist title (BPC Section 2594).

Regulatory Board

Perfusionist licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state licensing board. Most states require biennial renewal with 30-40 continuing education hours per cycle. CE requirements typically cover cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, ECMO management, patient safety, new perfusion technologies, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice. ABCP certification also requires ongoing CE for maintenance of the CCP credential.

Reciprocity Requirements

• •Hold a current, active perfusionist license or ABCP certification
• •Provide verification of licensure/certification from the original state
• •Pass a criminal background check
• •Pay the application and endorsement fees
• •Have passed the ABCP certification examination

ABCP certification (CCP) is portable across all states, making it easier for perfusionists to practice in multiple jurisdictions. States that require licensure generally offer reciprocity or endorsement for perfusionists who hold current ABCP certification and are licensed in another state. Requirements typically include verification of credentials, background check, and payment of fees. In states without licensure, facility credentialing processes apply.