MEDICAL SUPPORT
Perfusionist
To be a successful Perfusionist you should...
have the ability to concentrate for long periods of time; have the ability to work with all types of people; have the ability to work correctly and quickly in emergency situations and under stress; have emotional stability, especially in handling long hours of work.
What will my job be like?
Perfusionists monitor blood circulation during surgery and keep the surgical team informed of the patient’s condition. Perfusionists must have a thorough knowledge of heart-lung equipment and be able to make adjustments should abnormal conditions arise. Perfusionists are trained to operate special equipment that temporarily takes over a patient’s respiratory (breathing) and/or circulatory (blood movement) functions. This ensures that oxygen reaches the patient’s body through the blood, even when the patient’s lungs and heart are temporarily not functioning.
Where could I work?
Perfusionists usually work at hospitals, although some may be hired by surgeons or medical service groups.
Other workplace settings:
- Equipment Manufacturers
- Private Surgeon Offices
Average Annual Salary
$110,000 per year
What is the future of this career?
Overall employment of diagnostic cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 9,400 openings for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Type of Education/Training
To become a perfusionist, you must complete an education program accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) and pass an examination by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). Programs are generally one to two years in length.
Where could I get the education/training?
- Quinnipiac University
Licensing/Certification
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
More Information
American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion
P.O. Box 47
Fogelsville, PA 18051
484-425-0246
American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 918-3008
The American Society of Extracorporeal Technology
1601 Utica Avenue South, Suite 213
Minneapolis, MN 55416
651.203.7248
