Job Description

• Perfusionists operate sophisticated equipment that draws blood from a patient's body, increases the oxygen level and removes carbon dioxide. Blood is then pumped back into the patient's body and flows to tissues and organs.
  
  

Responsibilities During Surgery

• Perfusionists closely monitor a patient's blood chemistry, circulation and body temperature during surgery. They must communicate any subtle changes to surgeons and be able to quickly calibrate blood flow and oxygen levels if needed.
  
  

Other Types of Care

• Perfusionists use heart-lung pumps to keep heart attack victims alive prior to surgery. They also monitor a patient's circulatory system after surgery while the heart regains the strength needed to pump blood through the body.
  
  

Job Details

• Because of the prevalence of heart disease in the United States, perfusionists are in high demand. Perfusionists attend training programs accredited by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. Admission requirements generally include a Bachelor's degree in science or math. As of 2010, the salary for a certified clinical perfusionist fell between $79,600 and $108,000.