J Extra Corpor Technol 2026, 58, 95--99 Ó The Author( s), published by EDP Sciences, 2026 https:// doi. org / 10.1051 / ject / 2025062
Available online at: ject. edpsciences. org
CASE REPORT
Predictive factors for determining first-attempt success on the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion Certification Exams for graduates of a master’ s level perfusion education program
Amber M. Palmer( EdD, CCP, FPP) *
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA Received 25 March 2025, Accepted 12 October 2025
Abstract – Background: As demand for perfusionists grows due to increased cardiac procedures and retirements, improving first-time pass rates is essential to addressing workforce shortages. This quantitative study analyzed academic, demographic, and clinical variables as predictors of success on the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion( ABCP) exam. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 103 students enrolled in the master’ s- level Carlow University--University of Pittsburgh Medical Center( UPMC) Cardiovascular Perfusion program between 2017 and 2022( IRB # 02232024-1). Student-level variables included undergraduate GPA, grades in prerequisite courses, clinical experience hours, and admission status( graduate vs. undergraduate). Associations between these variables and first-time ABCP exam success were examined. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher performance in Introduction to Cardiac Perfusion( B = 1.002, p =. 008) and Hematology( B =. 636, p =. 028) significantly predicted first-time success on the ABCP exam. Admission as an undergraduate student was also a significant predictor( p =. 004). However, neither the number of clinical experience hours nor the student’ s cohort year showed statistical significance( p >. 05). Conclusion: Academic performance in key foundational courses and student background( such as admission status) were significantly associated with first-time ABCP exam success. In contrast, the amount of clinical experience did not demonstrate a meaningful impact on pass rates. Further research should utilize a richer dataset that captures a more comprehensive view of perfusion program curricula, including detailed clinical training components. This would help clarify how specific educational experiences contribute to ABCP exam success and overall program outcomes.
Key words: Board certification, First-time pass rate, Perfusion coursework, American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion( ABCP) Exam.
Introduction
While the volume of cardiac cases involving perfusionists continues to increase, the need to replace the aging workforce is imperative due to the retirement of the baby boomer population [ 1 ]. Due to the change in the number of providers, perfusionists are in high demand, creating a competitive market for recruiting reliable candidates. Nearly 44 % of certified perfusionists are over the age of 50, leading to an annual net loss of about 100 clinicians as retirements outpace new graduates. High vacancy and turnover rates worsen the shortage, highlighting the urgent need for effective recruitment and retention efforts [ 2 ]. While the perfusion workforce is continuously progressing, the current needs and changes have not been studied in depth regarding the aging workforce, staffing demands,
* Corresponding author: palmeram3 @ upmc. edu educational and certification requirements, and advancements in extracorporeal technology [ 3 ]. With a limited number of available seats in perfusion programs, administrators strive to investigate academic and non-academic variables that best predict the success of a student in terms of program completion and board certification achievement [ 4 ]. Over the last decade, perfusionists’ roles have expanded beyond heart surgery to include managing ECMO in critical care, supporting organ preservation with technologies like“ organs in a box” and normothermic regional perfusion( NRP), and assisting with mechanical circulatory devices. While these growing responsibilities have opened up new opportunities, they have also highlighted the urgent need for strategic efforts to address workforce shortages and maintain high-quality patient care [ 5 ]. Each year, approximately 140 to 150 students graduate from perfusion programs in the United States. However, 200 to 250 new professionals enter the field annually, as some individuals take
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