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Cardiovascular Perfusionist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities The Cardiovascular perfusionist is primarily focused on clinical support with the management of cardiopulmonary bypass, supporting mechanical circulatory technologies as well as ...

Cardiovascular Perfusionist

Middletown, NY · On-site

$96.15 - $120.19/hr

Responsibilities The Cardiovascular perfusionist is primarily focused on clinical support with the management of cardiopulmonary bypass, supporting mechanical circulatory technologies as well as ...

Guidance and support toward successful American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) certification. New graduates will work alongside a CCP until they are fully trained and boardcertified ...

Guidance and support toward successful American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) certification. New graduates will work alongside a CCP until they are fully trained and board-certified ...

Elevate Your Perfusion Career in the Heart of the Midwest! Perm, Temp-to-Perm, or Locums Opportunities Available Are you a skilled Cardiovascular Perfusionist looking for great work-life balance ...

CCP Certification in Cardiovascular Perfusion by ABCP or eligible (Certification required within 2 years of date of Hire). Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) * Knowledge of special ...

Perfusionist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$168K - $320K/yr

The Cardiovascular Perfusionist is a professional employee responsible for extracorporeal life support. The Perfusionist uses his / her clinical expertise, specialized knowledge of extracorporeal ...

Perfusionist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$168K - $320K/yr

The Cardiovascular Perfusionist is a professional employee responsible for extracorporeal life support. The Perfusionist uses his / her clinical expertise, specialized knowledge of extracorporeal ...

The Cardiovascular Perfusionist is a professional employee responsible for extracorporeal life support. The Perfusionist uses his / her clinical expertise, specialized knowledge of extracorporeal ...

Job Details The Per Diem Perfusionist is responsible for providing comprehensive perfusion services ... Participate in emergency call coverage and respond promptly to emergent cardiovascular procedures

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Job Details The Per Diem Perfusionist is responsible for providing comprehensive perfusion services ... Participate in emergency call coverage and respond promptly to emergent cardiovascular procedures

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Cardiovascular Perfusionist information

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$33

$85

$154

How much do cardiovascular perfusionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cardiovascular perfusionist in the United States is $85.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67.07 and $93.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cardiovascular Perfusionist job?

A Cardiovascular Perfusionist is a specialized healthcare professional responsible for operating the heart-lung machine during surgeries that require cardiopulmonary bypass, such as open-heart procedures. They manage blood circulation, oxygenation, and temperature regulation to maintain a patient's vital functions while the heart is temporarily stopped. Perfusionists work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical staff to ensure the patient's safety during complex procedures. They also monitor and adjust blood flow parameters, administer medications, and operate specialized equipment like ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) for patients with severe heart or lung conditions. Their expertise in physiology, hemodynamics, and medical technology makes them a crucial part of the surgical team.

Can you make 300k as a perfusionist?

Cardiovascular perfusionists typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, with top earners in specialized or high-demand regions reaching around $200,000. Earning $300,000 is uncommon and usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-cost-of-living areas or private practices. Achieving this level may also involve overtime, leadership roles, or additional responsibilities.

What's harder, perfusionist or cRNA?

A cardiovascular perfusionist operates heart-lung machines during surgeries and requires specialized training, certification, and technical skills. A cRNA (clinical research associate) typically works in clinical trials, focusing on study protocols and data management. Comparing difficulty depends on individual skills and interests, but both roles demand rigorous training and attention to detail.

What does a typical day look like for a Cardiovascular Perfusionist in a hospital setting?

As a Cardiovascular Perfusionist in a hospital, your day often starts well before scheduled cardiac surgeries to set up and calibrate the heart-lung machine and related equipment. During operations, you are responsible for operating and closely monitoring extracorporeal circulation, ensuring optimal patient oxygenation and blood flow. You work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, adjusting perfusion parameters in real time and responding to critical changes as they arise. Outside the operating room, you may assist in equipment maintenance, documentation, and continuing education activities. The role requires strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay composed during high-stress situations.

Do perfusionists make more than RNs?

Cardiovascular perfusionists typically earn higher salaries than registered nurses due to specialized training, advanced skills, and the complexity of their role in operating heart-lung machines during surgeries. While RN salaries vary based on experience and location, perfusionists often have higher earning potential, especially with certification and experience in cardiac surgery settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cardiovascular Perfusionist position, and why are they important?

A Cardiovascular Perfusionist must have a strong background in cardiovascular physiology, patient monitoring, and management of extracorporeal circulation, typically attained through completion of an accredited perfusion education program and national certification (CCP). They utilize sophisticated equipment such as heart-lung machines and other extracorporeal devices and must maintain up-to-date certifications in CPR and advanced life support. Excellent problem-solving skills, calmness under pressure, and strong communication abilities are highly valued soft skills in this role. Mastery of these skills and qualities is critical to ensure patient safety during complex cardiac surgeries and effective collaboration with surgical teams.

Are cardiac perfusionists in demand?

Cardiac perfusionists are in high demand due to the ongoing need for cardiovascular surgeries such as bypass and valve procedures. The role requires specialized training and certification, and job opportunities are generally stable in hospitals and surgical centers worldwide.
More about Cardiovascular Perfusionist jobs
What cities are hiring for Cardiovascular Perfusionist jobs? Cities with the most Cardiovascular Perfusionist job openings:
What states have the most Cardiovascular Perfusionist jobs? States with the most job openings for Cardiovascular Perfusionist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cardiovascular Perfusionist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cardiovascular Perfusionist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cardiovascular Perfusionist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $178,751 per year, or $85.9 per hour.

Cardiovascular Perfusionist

Kootenai Health

Coeur D Alene, ID

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Kootenai Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 1,054 rated hospitals


Job description

Join a High-Performing Cardiovascular Team

Kootenai Health is seeking an experienced Cardiovascular Perfusionist to join our growing Heart Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside highly skilled cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and cardiovascular specialists in a collaborative, patient-centered environment committed to delivering exceptional outcomes.

As a Cardiovascular Perfusionist, you will play a vital role in supporting complex cardiac surgical procedures by managing extracorporeal circulation and ensuring the physiological stability of patients throughout surgery. Your expertise will directly contribute to life-saving interventions and outstanding patient care.

Position Summary

The Cardiovascular Perfusionist is responsible for the setup, operation, and management of the heart-lung machine and other extracorporeal circulation equipment used to temporarily replace or support a patient’s circulatory and respiratory functions during cardiac surgery and other specialized procedures.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Set up, operate, and monitor the heart-lung machine during cardiovascular surgical procedures.
  • Operate extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment whenever temporary circulatory or respiratory support is required.
  • Continuously monitor and manage the patient’s physiological and metabolic status throughout procedures.
  • Collaborate closely with cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and the multidisciplinary surgical team to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
  • Maintain responsibility for the circulatory and respiratory support functions provided by the heart-lung machine.
  • Participate in cardiothoracic donor organ procurement activities for transplant procedures as needed.
  • Ensure all perfusion equipment is maintained, tested, and prepared according to established standards.
  • Maintain accurate clinical documentation and comply with all regulatory, accreditation, and organizational requirements.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
  • Maintain regular, reliable attendance and provide care that meets the age-specific needs of the patients served.
Minimum Qualifications

Required

  • Graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Perfusion training program.
  • Certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP).
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or equivalent.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of cardiovascular perfusion experience.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of current perfusion concepts, practices, and technologies.
  • Strong critical thinking, communication, and clinical decision-making skills.

Preferred

  • Bachelor’s degree in Perfusion Technology or related field.

Kootenai Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex. Kootenai Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex.


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