What does a perfusionist do?
Perfusionists are members of cardiovascular surgical teams. They are responsible for the operation of heart-lung machines and other cardiovascular devices that are connected to patients during open-heart surgery and other procedures. During surgeries in which a patient’s heart must be stopped, a perfusionist utilizes the heart-lung machine to oxygenate the blood and return it to the body’s tissues while bypassing the heart and lungs. In addition to operating rooms and surgical centers, perfusionists may provide assistance in cardiac intensive care units. Perfusionists also administer medications that allow a patient’s heart function to cease during surgery.
Perfusionist skills and qualifications
A certified professional perfusionist should possess a wide range of skills and qualifications that meet the specific criteria of your job opening, including:
- Mental and physical stamina and a strong ability to stay completely focused during lengthy medical procedures
- Strong communication skills to communicate effectively with surgeons, physicians, nurses and other medical staff
- Ability to demonstrate precise attention to detail when monitoring the vital signs of patients during surgeries
- Efficient time-management skills to ensure all duties are met on a daily basis
- Strong problem-solving skills to handle potential challenges that may arise with equipment during surgical procedures
- Ability to exhibit good bedside manner when speaking with patients and their family and/or loved ones
- Willingness to complete continuing education courses and learn about new equipment and technologies that pertain to their field
- Thorough understanding of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Perfusionist experience requirements
Like all medical professionals, perfusionists must complete specific educational requirements before pursuing their careers. To work in medical settings, perfusionists must be certified and complete all required clinical training, which includes performing up to 75 perfusions under guided supervision. Some hospitals may accept entry-level perfusionists for positions in which they assist experienced technicians during surgical procedures, while other hospitals may only hire those with a certain amount of clinical experience.
Perfusionist education and training requirements
Perfusionists are required to complete two years of academic study and two years of clinical rotations at minimum. Some perfusionists choose to obtain bachelor’s or master’s degrees in perfusion, while others stay with the required education requirements through accredited schools.
In addition to earning a four-year degree, perfusionists must pass the Perfusion Basic Science Exam and the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Exam. Passing both exams allows students to become Certified Clinical Perfusionists. While specific regulations can vary per state, perfusionists are generally required to complete continuing education courses and obtain at least 15 CE credits every three years.
Perfusionist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average annual base salary for a perfusionist is $122, 509. Factors that may lead to higher or lower salaries include experience levels, geographical location and overall caseloads and work hours, ie: part-time vs. full-time, salaried vs. hourly pay, etc.
Perfusionist salary expectations
-
Common salary:
5132.33 WEEKLY -
Typical salaries range from
2200.00 -9100.00 WEEKLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
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Perfusionist job description FAQs
Is a perfusionist considered a doctor?
Perfusionists are not licensed physicians. However, they are certified medical professionals who play essential roles in the operating room by ensuring that heart-lung machines are working efficiently during surgical procedures.
Can registered nurses become perfusionists?
Since many registered nurses already work in surgical and intensive care settings, their experience allows for easy comprehension of perfusionist duties. Registered nurses who have already earned four-year degrees in nursing and completed all required nursing training can become certified perfusionists by taking perfusionist training courses.
Who does a perfusionist report to?
Perfusionists assist surgeons and other cardiovascular team members during surgical procedures, so they generally report to the surgeons and surgical service directors who oversee the daily operating room procedures. A perfusionist may also report to the Chief of Staff of the hospital in which they are working.
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