Cardiovascular perfusion program receives initial accreditation
Kim Chaudoin |
The Lipscomb University cardiovascular perfusion program has been awarded initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The initial accreditation will be in effect through 2028.
“Our mission is to prepare learners for purposeful lives through rigorous academics and transformative experiences,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “As we seek to lead as a top-tier, nationally recognized institution, this accreditation is another indicator of the quality of our academic programs and a reflection of our drive for continuous improvement.”
Housed in the College of Health Sciences, Lipscomb launched its Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program in fall 2021. It is offered through numerous clinical partners locally in the state of Tennessee and throughout the nation. Its first cohort is on target to graduate in May. CAAHEP accreditation qualifies Lipscomb perfusion graduates to sit for the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) board examinations. Certification by the ABCP is a nationally recognized standard for cardiovascular perfusion care.
“This is a significant milestone for both program and students,” said David Webb, professor and director of Lipscomb’s program. “This reflects the quality of our educational offering and clinical partnerships. I am thankful for the vision of Lipscomb Health, the commitment of our faculty, and the support from our staff to build a program over the last two years that is preparing our students at the highest level to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Program accreditation follows a rigorous two-year process that includes a self-study submission followed by an on-site evaluation. The Accreditation Committee - Perfusion Education (AC-PE) is responsible for assuring program compliance with standards and making recommendation for accreditation to the CAAHEP. The accreditation process involves a thorough review of Lipscomb’s perfusion curriculum, resources, faculty, instruction spaces, clinical affiliation documentation and assessment measures. The requirements for the initial CAAHEP accreditation were completed in December, consistent with the program’s strategy. All accredited cardiovascular perfusion programs are re-evaluated every five years unless the program fails to meet the outcome quality standards, which are reported to the AC-PE on an annual basis.
The accreditation standards are established by CAAHEP, AC-PE, ABCP, American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Society of Extracorporeal Technology, Perfusion Program Directors’ Council, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects the diligent work of a number of individuals. I am grateful for the leadership of David Webb and Dr. Quincy Byrdsong (vice provost of health affairs) throughout this process and am particularly pleased about the impact this will have on our students,” said Lipscomb Provost Jennifer Shewmaker.
Perfusionists play a vital role on cardiac surgical teams, ensuring that a patient’s blood continues to flow throughout the body by utilizing artificial pumps during open-heart and other procedures. Currently there are only 15 schools in the nation that offer a perfusion sciences degree. According to the ABCP, there are a little over 4200 certified cardiovascular perfusionists, and not enough practitioners to meet the clinical demand.
Students in Lipscomb’s 22-month perfusion program are trained in small class sizes utilizing the state-of-the-art Health Simulation Center, equipped with patient simulators to provide hands-on learning in a low-risk environment during the didactic phase of training. The center includes a newly designed and specialized laboratory dedicated to perfusion technology instruction. Learn more about Lipscomb’s cardiovascular perfusion program.
CAAHEP is a programmatic post-secondary accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CAAHEP carries out its accrediting activities in cooperation with 25 review Committees on Accreditation. For more information, visit www.caahep.org.