Perfusionist

Certified clinical perfusionists (CCPs) are members of an open-heart surgical team. They select, set up, and operate the lung-heart machine that temporarily functions as the patient's heart and lungs during surgery. Perfusionists monitor the patient's circulation during the procedure and in some cases provide long-term support of the patient's circulation after the operation. They may also operate blood salvage equipment during other surgical procedures. The perfusionist is knowledgeable about the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal (outside the body) circulation and helps select the appropriate equipment for the procedure.

Work Environment
Perfusionists are usually employed by hospitals and work under very stressful conditions. A few may be hired by individual surgeons or companies that either provide perfusion services or manufacture perfusion supplies and equipment. They may also work in research and development or marketing and sales companies.

Job Outlook
The demand for perfusionists will increase as the demand for open-heart surgery increases. Graduates of perfusion programs are eligible to work on national and international levels.

Length of Training/
Requirements
A four-year bachelor's degree plus one to two years of perfusionist education are required. There is one perfusion school in Texas that admits approximately 20 students per year.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $45,000 - $90,000+.

Educational Programs
Texas Heart Institute School of Perfusion Technology - Houston

Professional Associations
American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion
P.O. Box 3596
Allentown, PA 18106-0596
610/395-4853

American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP)
Certification Organization
207 North 25th Ave.
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
601/582-2271