Perfusionist

Duties and Responsibilities:

A perfusionist operates a heart-lung machine, which is an artificial blood pump, which propels oxygenated blood to the patient’s tissues while the surgeon operates on the heart. The perfusionist manages the physiological and metabolic demands of the patient while the cardiac surgeon operates on the heart. 

Average Salary:  $50,000

Education Requirements:

Perfusionists have the opportunity to pursue continuing education options in order to meet certification requirements that keep their skills and knowledge up to date. In order to become a Certified Clinical Perfusionist , candidates must pass a two part exam administered by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. The first part is called the Perfusion Basic Science Exam, while the second part is called the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Exam. 

Reflection: I wouldn’t like to work in this because I’m not quite interested in this job.