Baylor College of Medicine to offer…

Houston, TX - Jun 8, 2026

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Baylor College of Medicine is the new sponsor of a perfusionist training program, transitioning academic operations from the Texas Heart Institute, which is now a part of Baylor. The Texas Heart Institute Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at Baylor College of Medicine is a non-degree postbaccalaureate certificate program offered through the School of Health Professions.

The 18-month postbaccalaureate program trains students to operate the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and other equipment associated with open heart surgery. Students receive extensive didactic training in cardiopulmonary function and intensive clinical training in the operating room. Graduates are eligible to become a certified clinical perfusionist after taking the national certification examination. Students train at The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine, located within Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center.

"Having this storied perfusion program join the School of Health Professions is tremendously exciting," said Dr. Eric Storch, interim dean of the School of Health Professions. "We are very pleased to be working in collaboration with The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine to support these students and contribute to their success."

"This transition allows us to expand opportunities for our students and brings them closer to a dynamic academic environment while enhancing the clinical depth and innovation that define perfusion education today," said Deborah Adams, CCP, program director and assistant professor at The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine.

The program launched in 1971 at the Texas Heart Institute as the first accredited perfusion program in the country and has graduated more than 1,000 students to date.

Currently enrolled students will become Baylor College of Medicine students. New cohorts of students matriculate in January and July. Learn more about the program.

The Texas Heart Institute Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education (ACPE).