Perfusionist

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Work Tasks

• Setup and operate a heart-lung machine which acts as both the heart and lungs while the heart is stopped during open-heart surgery
• Watch the patient's breathing and heartbeat closely
• Make adjustments if necessary and keep the doctor and surgical team informed
• Operate the heart-lung machine to regulate blood, give drugs, and control body temperature
• Most work in hospitals, but some may work for individual surgeons or equipment companies
• Work with heart-lung machines, equipment for blood pressure and body fluid measurement, pulse rate, blood transfusions, medical histories, and charts

Salary, Size & Growth

• $107,500 average per year ($51.75 per hour)
• A medium occupation (48,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.4% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree and completion of an accredited cardiovascular perfusion education program
• Skills/Courses: College courses include chemistry, biochemistry, pre-calculus math, physics, human anatomy, and physiology.
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is offered.