According to the WPS Bylaws, the purpose of the Society is to:

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• ​Provide an Opportunity for Continuing Education

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• Pursue and maintain a system for State Perfusion Licensure

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• To act in accordance with the Articles of Association governing tax exempt organizations – IRC 501 (c,6)

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2020 WPS Membership Profile

 

In order to be a member of the WPS, one does not need to be actively practicing perfusion in the state of Wisconsin. In fact, one does not even need to be a Perfusionist! The WPS has several different membership classes to include all individuals interested in extracorporeal technology.

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WPS Membership Classes

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Class A (Wisconsin Active) Perfusionist - 46

Class A/R (Retired Wisconsin) Perfusionist - 4

Class B (Perfusion Student) - 19

Class C (Outside Wisconsin) Perfusionist OR other Healthcare Related Professional - 39

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The Wisconsin Perfusion Society’s membership is currently 108 strong, comprised of professionals not only from Wisconsin, but throughout the United States.

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The Perfusion Profession and National Credentialing

 

In 1977, the American Medical Association began to recognize Perfusion as an Allied Health Profession. (At that time only 28 AHPs were in existence, now that number is 46.)

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In 1992, California was the first state to credential Perfusionist using a titling process. Texas and Oklahoma soon followed with the first legislations to officially license Perfusionists in 1996.

 

Over the past two decades, many states have also enacted laws requiring individuals to possess a license to practice Perfusion: Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

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The total number of states credentialing Perfusion currently stands at 16.

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Nationwide, about 55% of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) Certified Perfusionists are now recognized as State Licensed or Titled professionals.

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According to the 2016 roster, there are 4,183 Certified Clinical Perfusionists (CCPs) practicing worldwide, 90 of which reside in the State of Wisconsin. As of this year, a total of 189 Wisconsin Perfusion Licenses have been granted since the credential was instituted.