International Perfusionist Equivalency Assessment (IPEA)

IPEA 1 is the first of three mandatory one-credit courses in the International Perfusion Equivalency Assessment (IPEA) process. Each course includes a blend of self-assessments and a comprehensive final exam. A minimum score of 60% on the final exam is required to advance to IPEA 2. IPEA 1 examines applicants on the essential and requisite knowledge for clinical perfusionists, focusing on the normal physiology and pathophysiology of body systems, including the circulatory, cerebral, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, hematological, immune, and endocrine systems. It also assesses understanding of metabolism and temperature regulation. Additionally, it will test the concepts and applications of pharmacology as they pertain to the clinical practice of cardiovascular perfusion, as well as cardiac anesthesia and the care of cardiac patients in the operating room setting.​
Prerequisite(s):

• Acceptance approval from the Canadian Clinical Society of Perfusionists (CSCP).

​IPEA 2 is the second of three mandatory one-credit courses in the International Perfusion Equivalency Assessment (IPEA) process. Each course includes a blend of self-assessments and a comprehensive final exam. A minimum score of 60% on the final exam is required to advance to IPEA 3. ​ IPEA 2 assesses the applicant's requisite and essential knowledge required to deliver safe cardiopulmonary bypass during all phases of cardiothoracic surgery, including initiation, maintenance, and weaning. It will examine their understanding of the physiological principles of extracorporeal circulation, its systemic effects, and crucial aspects of metabolism, anticoagulation, and CPB impacts. Additionally, it covers hemodynamic monitoring for cardiovascular and pulmonary status, pediatric perfusion techniques, and the embryological development of the heart.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in IPEA 7610

​IPEA 3 is the third and final mandatory one-credit courses in the International Perfusion Equivalency Assessment (IPEA) process. Each course includes a blend of self-assessments and a comprehensive final exam. A minimum score of 60% on the final exam is required to advance to the clinical component of the IPEA Statement of Completion. This final component of the knowledge assessment will evaluate applicants’ mastery of the program learning outcomes, with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and the integration of knowledge. Emphasis will be placed on applying theoretical concepts to practical scenarios and making informed clinical decisions to deliver high-quality, safe, person-centered care during cardiopulmonary bypass and related procedures. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in IPEA 7610 and 60% in IPEA 7620
• Acceptance approval from the Canadian Clinical Society of Perfusionists (CSCP).

​This is the final component of the IPEA Statement of Completion and will be comprised of 6-8 weeks of clinical training within the employer site. Applicants will be immersed within the clinical setting to assess their competence in the delivery of safe high-quality person-centered care essential to the practice of clinical perfusion. Over a maximum of 8 weeks, twenty satisfactory cases must be pumped and no more than 4 non-critical failures are permissible. BCIT clinical criteria, aligned with the CSCP National Competency Profile will be used for evaluation purposes and accessible through Comptracker. Clinical assessment will be conducted by an experience Clinical Perfusionist within the site of employment, except for the final evaluation, which will be overseen by an external evaluator appointed by the CSCP Board of Directors.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in IPEA 7610 and 60% in IPEA 7610 and 60% in IPEA 7630