J Extra Corpor Technol 2025 , 57 , 53 – 55 Ó The Author ( s ), published by EDP Sciences , 2025 https :// doi . org / 10.1051 / ject / 2024039
Available online at : ject . edpsciences . org
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The feasibility of a national matching service for perfusion education program applicants
Blaine Johnson ( MBA , CCP ) 1 , 2 ,*
1 Perfusion Services , UChicago Medicine , 5841 S Maryland Ave , Ste E500 , MC5040 , Chicago , IL 60637 , USA 2 Perfusion Education Program , University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine , 200 Hawkins Dr , C43-Z GH , Iowa City 52242 , IA , USA
Received 26 November 2024 , Accepted 13 December 2024
Abstract – The perfusion profession is experiencing rapid advancement , creating an array of new opportunities for professional growth and educational expansion . However , this increase in demand is juxtaposed with a concerning limitation in the availability of positions for prospective students and may leave many qualified applicants without admission . This letter explores how implementing a national matching service alongside a centralized application service could streamline the application process for perfusion education programs in the United States . Over the last two decades , the number of available positions in perfusion education programs has surged significantly . This growth presents new challenges in recruitment due to varying requirements and timelines , often resulting in unstable matches . A national matching service could standardize acceptances , mitigate unfair practices , and enhance applicants ’ and program decision-making . By ensuring a fair and efficient system , the national matching service could support the growing need for qualified healthcare perfusionists and promote the perfusion profession ’ s advancement .
Key words : Perfusion Education Programs , National Matching Services , Quality Improvement , Certification , Accreditation .
Discussion
The demand for perfusion education programs ( PEPs ) is increasing rapidly , significantly outpacing the availability of corresponding enrollment positions [ 1 ]. This mismatch between the increasing number of applicants seeking admission and the limited openings may result in many qualified candidates without admission . The author has previously discussed the growth of PEPs and the potential benefits of centralized application services ( CASs ) [ 2 ]. This current work further explores how introducing a national matching service ( NMS ) alongside a CAS could improve the application process for PEPs in the United States , addressing the need for a more efficient and equitable admission process .
The field of perfusion is advancing rapidly , creating new opportunities for growth and expansion in perfusion practice [ 3 ]. Recent trends show an increased demand for qualified perfusionists in healthcare , primarily driven by the rise in cardiac surgical procedures and concerns about a potential shortage of perfusionists [ 4 ]. The number of positions available for prospective students in PEPs has skyrocketed by 220.6 %, rising from 131 in 2001 to 289 in 2024 , with an anticipated increase to311by2025 [ 5 , 6 ].
Navigating the application process can be overwhelming for applicants and admissions committees , primarily due to non-standardized program requirements , differing timelines , and the limited number of available positions . Implementing an NMS could streamline the process of making and accepting appointment offers , saving valuable time for both applicants and programs [ 7 ]. In current practice with NMS , the commitment is binding once an applicant is matched , and they must accept the position and start their training .
Since all offers , acceptances , rejections , and final placements occur simultaneously , the NMS provides a fair and standardized way to manage acceptances . An NMS helps eliminate unfair practices common in traditional recruitment processes , such as programs issuing extremely time-sensitive offers or applicants holding onto multiple offers [ 8 ]. When an offer is rejected , extending offers to other candidates is often too late , even if alternate choices have been made . The NMS ensures that all decisions are made in a fair and transparent manner , instilling confidence in the integrity of the process [ 9 ].
A market characterized by these challenges is unlikely to produce stable matches because there is insufficient time to make mutually beneficial decisions [ 10 ]. To expedite the process of making offers , PEPs instituted strict deadlines for
* Corresponding author : blaine . johnson @ uchicagomedicine . org
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