Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of advanced medical technology, the importance of Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionists has never been more paramount.

As medical science progresses, so does the demand for proficient individuals who can master and enhance our cardio-pulmonary care systems.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of cardio-pulmonary care,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist Duties and Responsibilities

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionists play a crucial role in the success of surgeries involving the heart and lungs.

They operate the cardiopulmonary bypass machine, which takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery, allowing surgeons to operate on a still heart.

The duties and responsibilities of a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist include:

• Operating the cardiopulmonary bypass machine during heart surgeries
• Monitoring the patient’s blood flow and oxygen levels during surgery
• Managing the patient’s physiological and metabolic needs during cardiopulmonary bypass
• Administering prescribed medications into the patient’s circulatory system during the procedure
• Performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as blood gas analysis, coagulation testing, and hemodilution
• Setting up and operating extracorporeal circulation equipment, intra-aortic balloon pumps, cell savers, and other advanced life support machines
• Collaborating with the surgical team to plan for patient care before, during, and after surgery
• Maintaining and repairing perfusion equipment
• Documenting all aspects of the perfusion process for medical records

 

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a skilled Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist to join our medical team.

The candidate will be responsible for operating the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and other related equipment during surgical procedures that involve the heart or lungs.

The ideal candidate should have an in-depth knowledge of perfusion technology, excellent hand-eye coordination, and the ability to handle stressful situations.

The primary duty is to ensure the safe management of physiologic functions by monitoring and adjusting equipment settings as necessary.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate the cardiopulmonary bypass machine during heart surgery and other related procedures
• Monitor and adjust the equipment to ensure appropriate settings
• Administer blood products, anesthetic agents and medications as required
• Collaborate with surgeons and anesthesiologists before, during and after surgical procedures
• Conduct preoperative patient assessments
• Perform blood gas analysis, chemistry tests and coagulation tests
• Maintain a sterile environment and adhere to safety procedures
• Document all perfusion related information during surgery
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in perfusion technology

 

Qualifications

• Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) certification is required
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Perfusionist
• Knowledge of relevant medical equipment and procedures
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and physical stamina
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in high-stress and fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist
• Work Environment: Hospital setting with potential for long hours and on-call shifts. Regular exposure to surgical environments.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery or Department Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist Do?

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionists, also known as Clinical Perfusionists, are specialized healthcare professionals who operate extracorporeal circulation equipment during medical procedures that require temporarily supporting or replacing a patient’s circulatory or respiratory function.

They primarily work in cardiac surgery where they manage the patient’s physiological needs by controlling the heart-lung machine, which sustains the patient’s circulation and oxygen content while the heart is stopped for surgery.

Their tasks include monitoring vital signs, blood gases, and blood temperature, adjusting the machine’s settings as required.

Perfusionists also administer medications, blood products, and anesthetic agents through the heart-lung machine.

Additionally, they may also be involved in procedures such as blood conservation, long-term respiratory support, and equipment selection.

Beyond the operating room, they play a key role in the clinical team, participating in patient assessment and management pre and post-surgery.

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionists are critical to the success of surgeries involving the heart and lungs, and their role requires a high degree of precision, vigilance, and technical knowledge.

 

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist should possess a range of skills and qualifications that align with the role, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of the heart-lung machine and other related medical equipment for open-heart surgeries and procedures.
• Strong understanding of cardio-pulmonary physiology and pathophysiology to assess patient condition and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Excellent technical skills to operate complex medical equipment, including the ability to troubleshoot and maintain said equipment.
• Exceptional analytical skills to interpret patient data and monitor their physiological status during procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effectively interacting with patients, their families, and the broader healthcare team.
• Ability to maintain a calm and focused demeanor in high-stress, emergency situations.
• Experience in handling blood products and understanding the principles of transfusion medicine.
• Detail-oriented and organized, capable of maintaining accurate records and reports of procedures.
• Ability to adapt and learn quickly, as technology and procedures in this field advance rapidly.

 

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist Experience Requirements

The path to becoming a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist typically starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related medical field, such as biology, nursing, or respiratory therapy.

This is followed by graduation from an accredited Perfusionist program, which includes significant clinical experience under the supervision of experienced professionals.

Entry-level Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionists may have 1 to 2 years of experience gained during their clinical rotations as part of their Perfusionist program.

This experience includes hands-on application of classroom theories and techniques, as well as involvement in actual patient cases.

Perfusionists with more than 3 years of experience often have a greater depth of knowledge in patient care and are well-versed in handling complex cases.

They should have mastered the usage of extracorporeal circulation equipment, autotransfusion devices, and related medical equipment.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have been exposed to a wide variety of heart and lung procedures, and have developed a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of extracorporeal circulation.

They may also have some leadership experience, such as supervising junior perfusionists or managing a team, and are typically considered for senior or managerial positions within the department.

Regardless of years of experience, all Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionists are required to maintain their certification by completing regular continuing education.

This ensures they remain up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies in the field.

 

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist, candidates must first complete a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or anatomy.

This is usually followed by specialized training in a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited perfusion education program.

These programs provide students with a deep understanding of physiology, pathology, and principles of perfusion.

They also offer practical clinical experience in a supervised setting.

The training in these programs typically lasts between one to two years and leads to a certificate or a master’s degree in perfusion science.

After graduation, candidates must pass a certification exam by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) to become a Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP).

Continuing education is necessary to maintain the certification, and perfusionists are required to recertify every three years.

This involves ongoing learning and staying abreast of developments in the field through professional development courses and seminars.

Having a master’s degree or additional clinical training may enhance a candidate’s employment prospects and offer opportunities for career advancement.

It’s also beneficial for perfusionists to have strong manual dexterity, technical skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

 

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist Salary Expectations

A Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist earns an average salary of $128,595 (USD) per year.

The salary may fluctuate depending on the individual’s experience, level of education, geographical location, and the size and type of the employing hospital or clinic.

 

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist need?

A Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist needs a Bachelor’s degree in science or nursing followed by a specialized certification or Master’s program in perfusion technology.

They must also be certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion or an equivalent certification body.

 

What skills are necessary for a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist?

Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionists must have a strong understanding of cardiovascular physiology and perfusion technology, and be able to operate complex medical equipment.

They also need excellent attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under high stress during surgeries.

Good interpersonal skills are also needed, as they will be working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist?

A Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist usually starts their day by reviewing the schedule of surgeries.

They then prepare the heart-lung machines and other equipment needed for the surgeries.

During a surgery, they monitor the patient’s vital signs, adjust the machine settings as necessary, and report any issues to the surgical team.

After the surgery, they often assist in stabilizing the patient’s condition and cleaning and maintaining the equipment.

 

What are the typical working hours for a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist?

The working hours for a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist can be irregular due to the nature of surgical procedures.

They may have to work nights, weekends, and be on-call for emergencies.

However, the actual number of hours worked in a week can vary depending on the hospital or clinic’s schedule.

 

How demanding is the role of a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist?

The role of a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist can be physically and mentally demanding due to the critical nature of the job.

They must be able to stand for long periods during surgeries and work under high-stress situations.

However, the role can also be highly rewarding, as their expertise plays a pivotal role in saving and improving patients’ lives during heart and lung surgeries.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the veil on what it means to be a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about operating heart-lung machines.

It’s about orchestrating the rhythm of life, one heartbeat at a time.

With our indispensable Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But why stop at ready?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for meticulously tailored listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every heartbeat matters in the grand scheme of life.

Let’s create that rhythm. Together.

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