J Extra Corpor Technol 2025, 57, 178--180 Ó The Author( s), published by EDP Sciences, 2025 https:// doi. org / 10.1051 / ject / 2025029
Available online at: ject. edpsciences. org
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Investing in the future: addressing the rising cost of perfusion education in 2025
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, IA 52242, USA
Received 20 April 2025, Accepted 24 May 2025
Abstract – The demand for allied healthcare professionals has surged, raising concerns about the rising costs of education. Tuition for post-baccalaureate and master’ s programs in perfusion technology ranges from $ 18,000 to $ 106,500 annually, often surpassing $ 100,000 in total expenses. This financial burden presents significant challenges for prospective students, restricting their entry into the field. High costs could lead to a reduction in the number of qualified perfusionists, negatively impacting patient care. To address these challenges, partnerships between academic institutions and healthcare organizations could facilitate the development of scholarships or sponsored work studies. Additionally, policymakers should advocate for increased funding and other initiatives to help alleviate the financial strain allied health professionals face. Creating innovative solutions to these financial challenges may lead to a more diverse group of professionals in the field, enriching perspectives and approaches to patient care. Investing in accessible education will strengthen the healthcare system, benefiting providers and patients.
Key words: Perfusion Education Program, Medical Education, Costs and Cost Analysis, Financial Aid, Scholarship.
Discussion
As the demand for allied healthcare professionals continues to grow, addressing the rising costs of education in specialized fields such as perfusion technology has become increasingly urgent. The financial burden associated with pursuing a career in this specialty has grown substantially, raising concerns among prospective students and within the profession. Previous work has highlighted the rapid expansion of Perfusion Education Programs( PEPs) and emphasized the need for efficient application and educational pathways to support the field’ s growth and sustainability in the U. S. [ 1--4 ].
Over the past decade, higher education costs in the United States have risen in nearly every discipline, particularly in allied healthcare training programs. This increase is partly due to inflation, higher operational expenses, and a greater reliance on tuition as a primary revenue source [ 5, 6 ]. High costs are associated with low student-to-faculty ratios and the need for extensive clinical facilities. Tuition fees for a post-baccalaureate certificate or master’ s degree in perfusion technology range from $ 18,000 to $ 106,500 per year, depending on the institution( Table 1). These figures do not include additional expenses such as clinical rotation fees, textbooks, supplies, and living costs, which can easily push the total cost of education beyond $ 100,000.
* Corresponding author: blaine. johnson @ uchicagomedicine. org
The accumulation of student loan debt poses a significant concern for applicants, as it can take many years to repay, potentially limiting their ability to invest in their careers or pursue further professional development [ 7 ]. These high costs have broader implications. If fewer students can fund their essential training, there may be a lack of qualified perfusionists, ultimately affecting patient care throughout the United States [ 8, 9 ]. With the healthcare system already experiencing workforce deficits across multiple specialties, failure to address rising educational costs could deepen these challenges [ 10, 11 ].
Currently, aspiring professionals can choose between two entry-level degrees: a post-baccalaureate certificate( 24 % [ 6 / 25 ]) or a master’ s degree( 76 % [ 19 / 25 ]). This decision can significantly influence both the cost and duration of their educational journey. While some have proposed making a master’ s degree the standard entry-level credential, post-baccalaureate certificate programs offered by universities and hospitals in the United States present practical alternatives for those seeking a faster and more affordable pathway to education in this field [ 12--14 ]. Master’ s programs typically demand more time and higher tuition, while certificate programs often provide a quicker and more affordable option.
While certificate programs can be completed in as little as 12 months, master’ s programs typically require 18--24 months. This variation in time commitment affects the overall costs of
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License( https:// creativecommons. org / licenses / by / 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.