Perfusionist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical Perfusionists operate circulation equipment during medical situations when it is necessary to temporarily and artificially replace the patients circulatory or respiratory functions. This occurs during heart surgery and similar operations. Perfusionists also control the temperature of patients during surgery. Their duties include:

·    Operating heart-lung machines.

·    Administering some types of anesthesia.

·    Administrating some types of medication.

Average Salary: $50,000

Educational Requirements: A high school diploma with a strong background in biology and chemistry is required to be accepted in in perfusionist training programs. Admissions preference is given to students witth college science work or experience in respiratory therapy and medical terminology.

Prefusionist training programs are given at academic health centers and medical schools and universities. They emphasize hands on training, practical training.