Careers in the Licensed Professions
Perfusionists operate heart-lung machines—the equipment that replaces a patient’s circulatory and respiratory functions during open-heart surgery. This includes the following responsibilities, as directed by the heart surgeon:
- redirecting the circulation of a patient’s blood outside of the body and through artificial organs (heart, lung, and kidney)
- administering medications to stop the heart and protect it while it is stopped
- monitoring and managing the patient’s breathing and circulation
- re-starting the heart and circulation after surgery
- providing expertise in devices such as artificial hearts and lungs
Education |
Bachelor’s or higher degree in a Department-registered perfusion licensure program, or the equivalent. |
Examination |
Certification exam of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. |
Visit the Office of the Professions for a listing of all options and requirements.
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Salary and Projected Growth
- Median salary: $114,000 in the U.S.
- Salary range: $82,700-$150,000 in the U.S.
- Salaries in NY are expected to be higher
- Projected growth: faster than average
Where Could I Work?
- Hospitals
- Colleges and universities
- Research and development
Your Interests and Abilities
- Basic and medical sciences
- Manual and technical skills
- Participation in surgical procedures
Professional Skills
- Concern for others
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Mental and physical endurance
What Interests You?
Match your interests and personality to career options! Explore a free career tool at mynextmove.org/explore/ip
: try searching for mentoring programs—talk to a perfusionist about what they do and how they got started!
