Perfusionist Jobs

Take a look at Vivian's Perfusionist Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.

Perfusionists, also called cardiac perfusionists, are allied health professionals who specialize in operating and recording the function  of a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, also known as a heart-lung machine. Although perfusionists aren’t physicians or nurses, they’re a vital part of the cardiovascular surgical team because they’re responsible for ensuring essential oxygen-rich blood reaches patients’ brains and other vital organs during open-heart surgeries. They also may monitor and manage patients receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in the ICU.  Cardiac perfusion is a high-stress job but it’s one of the more lucrative allied health careers and perfusionists are in great demand due to their necessary involvement in most open-heart surgeries.

Perfusionists may hold Basic Life Support (BLS), among others.