What are the Benefits of being a Perfusionist?

The role of a perfusionist is to work the heart lung machine during open heart surgery and other operational procedures. During open heart surgery, the heart isn't pumping, so the machine is used to keep blood flowing and oxygen going through your blood. The perfusionist is responsible for ensuring that the machine is working properly throughout the procedure.

Helping to Save People

One of the great benefits of working in perfusion. Working in this field, you will be playing a vital role for keeping the patients alive while they're receiving their operation. Without having the knowledge of how to operate the machine, patients wouldn't be able to live during the operations. You will be working as part of a cardiac surgical team. It is important that you stay alert at all times.



Education

To work in this field, you will have to obtain a lot of formal training and education. You will have to get a bachelor's degree and study in courses that involve nursing, respiratory therapy, biology, medical technology and other related fields before they are able to get into a program for perfusion. Here, you will begin learning more specifically about the skills and knowledge needed for this industry.

Outlook

This is said to be a very competitive field to work in, but it does offer great job security. It is expected that this field will become more in demand as the population continues to age and need cardiac health care.

The Challenge

Not many people enter into this field, so if you decide to enter into it, you can feel proud of the work you're doing. You will have to stay certified in order to stay abreast of the skills needed in this field.
Salary

The annual salary for this field is between $65,000 and $98,000, with an average of $86,000.