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Entry Level Perfusionist Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Perfusionist information

See Texas salary details

$30

$80

$144

How much do entry level perfusionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level perfusionist in Texas is $80.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.50 and $87.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level perfusionist?

An entry level perfusionist is a healthcare professional who operates the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery and other medical procedures that require cardiopulmonary bypass. They are responsible for managing the patient’s physiological and metabolic needs while the heart is stopped, under the supervision of a senior perfusionist or surgeon. Entry level perfusionists have recently completed an accredited perfusion education program and are typically working toward certification. Their duties also include preparing and maintaining perfusion equipment, monitoring patient status, and assisting in emergency situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level perfusionist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Perfusionist, you need a solid background in biomedical sciences, completion of an accredited perfusion program, and certification or eligibility for certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. Familiarity with cardiopulmonary bypass machines, blood gas analyzers, and patient monitoring systems is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in high-pressure surgical environments. These abilities ensure patient safety, precise operation of complex equipment, and effective collaboration with surgical teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level perfusionists during their first year on the job?

Entry level perfusionists often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced surgical environment, mastering complex perfusion equipment, and developing effective communication with surgical teams. Balancing the technical demands of operating heart-lung machines with ensuring patient safety can be daunting at first. Additionally, new perfusionists may need to quickly learn hospital protocols and build confidence in making critical decisions under pressure. Support from experienced colleagues and ongoing training are key to overcoming these initial hurdles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Perfusionist vs Perfusionist?

AspectEntry Level PerfusionistPerfusionist
Required CredentialsCertification (e.g., ELSO, NBME), Bachelor's degree in health sciencesSame as entry level, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, cardiac surgery teamsSame as entry level, with increased responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, cardiac centersSame as entry level, with more autonomy
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Perfusionist and a Perfusionist is experience and responsibility. Entry level professionals are just starting their careers, focusing on learning and supporting surgical teams, while experienced Perfusionists handle complex procedures independently. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the Perfusionist typically has more autonomy and advanced skills.

Is an entry level perfusionist in high demand?

Entry level perfusionists are in moderate demand due to the specialized nature of the role and the need for certification and training. Job opportunities are generally stable in hospitals and surgical centers, with growth driven by an aging population and advances in cardiac surgery. Strong technical skills and certification from recognized boards can improve employment prospects.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry level perfusionist?

Entry level perfusionist positions can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the role, which requires a degree in perfusion technology or a related field, along with certification. Gaining relevant clinical experience and strong technical skills can improve job prospects, but openings may be limited and vary by region and healthcare facility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Perfusionist jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Perfusionist jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Perfusionist jobs in Texas?

For Entry Level Perfusionist jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Perfusionist jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Perfusionist jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Entry Level Perfusionist jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Entry Level Perfusionist job openings:

Entry Level Perfusionist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Perfusionist job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,535 per year, or $80.1 per hour.

Surgery Veterinary Technician

Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description
Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital - South
  • Veterinary Nurse - Surgery/Anesthesia
  • Full-Time
  • Four 10-Hour Shifts (Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM-6:00 pm)
  • On-Call Required

Please note: Department hours are subject to change based on the needs of the hospital.
About Us
Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital- South Austin is a fast-paced, 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital providing advanced surgical care for both scheduled elective procedures and emergency cases. Our Surgery Department is committed to delivering exceptional patient care through advanced nursing, collaboration, and clinical excellence.
We are seeking an experienced, highly skilled Veterinary Nurse with a strong foundation in anesthesia and perioperative nursing. This is not an entry-level surgical position. The ideal candidate is an established veterinary nurse who thrives in a specialty environment, possesses advanced critical thinking skills, and is passionate about providing exceptional patient care.
About You
You are an experienced veterinary nurse who is confident managing anesthesia independently and understands the unique demands of specialty and emergency surgery. You possess excellent technical skills, remain composed in high-pressure situations, and recognize subtle patient changes before they become critical.
You enjoy working alongside surgeons, emergency clinicians, and fellow nurses in a collaborative environment where teamwork and communication are essential. You take pride in delivering high-quality patient care while maintaining a positive attitude and supporting those around you.
Because we are a collaborative hospital, you are also willing to assist other departments during slower surgical periods to ensure exceptional patient care throughout the hospital.
Required Experience & Qualifications
  • Minimum 3 years of recent veterinary nursing experience
  • Minimum 2 years of veterinary surgical/anesthesia experience in a specialty, emergency, or high-volume surgical setting preferred
  • Demonstrated experience independently managing anesthesia for ASA I-IV patients
  • Advanced understanding of anesthetic pharmacology, physiology, pain management, and patient monitoring
  • Strong knowledge of perioperative nursing from patient admission through recovery
  • Experience with emergency surgical procedures and critically ill patients preferred
  • Proficient in venipuncture, IV catheter placement, urinary catheter placement, and sample collection
  • Strong medical mathematics skills, including advanced drug calculations
  • Experience calculating, preparing, and managing Continuous Rate Infusions (CRIs), including vasoactive medications, analgesics, and anesthetic adjuncts
  • Comfortable interpreting patient trends and responding appropriately to anesthetic complications
  • Working knowledge of surgical instrumentation, aseptic technique, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory procedures
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills
  • Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced emergency environment
  • Positive attitude with a strong commitment to teamwork and continuous learning
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Credentialed Veterinary Technician (LVT/RVT/CVT) preferred but not required

Essential Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Independently manage anesthesia for a wide range of elective, specialty, and emergency surgical procedures.
  • Creating anesthetic protocols for safe and effective anesthesia/analgesia
  • Safely anesthetize and monitor patients ranging from ASA Physical Status I through IV, recognizing and responding appropriately to anesthetic complications.
  • Calculate, prepare, administer, and monitor anesthetic agents, emergency medications, CRIs, blood products, and intravenous fluids.
  • Calculate and manage CRIs, including analgesic, anesthetic, cardiovascular, and critical care infusions.
  • Perform comprehensive pre-anesthetic assessments and ensure patients are properly prepared for surgery.
  • Place intravenous catheters, obtain diagnostic samples, and perform other advanced nursing procedures.
  • Continuously monitor ECG, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, capnography, temperature, ventilation, perfusion, and anesthetic depth throughout procedures.
  • Provide exceptional perioperative nursing care, including patient positioning, aseptic preparation, recovery, pain assessment, and post-operative monitoring.
  • Recognize patient deterioration early and communicate effectively with the surgical team.
  • Maintain accurate anesthetic records and complete medical documentation.
  • Prepare surgical suites, anesthesia equipment, and monitoring devices to specialty standards.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot anesthesia machines, ventilators, monitoring equipment, and surgical instrumentation.
  • Educate and communicate compassionately with pet owners regarding surgical procedures, anesthesia, recovery expectations, and discharge instructions as directed.
  • Maintain strict adherence to hospital safety, anesthesia, and infection-control protocols.
  • Foster a positive, collaborative work environment by supporting fellow team members and contributing to departmental success.
  • Assist other hospital departments during slower surgical periods as patient care demands require

What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who:
  • Demonstrates advanced nursing knowledge and sound clinical judgment.
  • Is confident in managing complex anesthesia cases with minimal supervision.
  • Maintains composure during emergency procedures and rapidly changing patient conditions.
  • Is energetic, dependable, and brings a positive attitude to the team every day.
  • Takes initiative and enjoys teaching, mentoring, and learning.
  • Values collaboration and understanding that excellent patient care is achieved through teamwork.
  • Is committed to maintaining the highest standards of specialty veterinary medicine.

Benefits
  • Complimentary Short-Term Disability
  • Complimentary Life Insurance; with options to purchase additional voluntary benefits for self or family
  • Company Sponsored Employee Assistance Program (Headspace)
  • 401K with 100% company match up to 3% and 4% company match for your 5% of contributions, eligible after 6 months of employment
  • Florida Blue Insurance Plans with 3-tiered options; Kaiser for CA Residents
  • Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Account options
  • United Healthcare Dental Insurance; includes a 100% paid premium option for team members
  • United Healthcare Vision Insurance options
  • Long Term Disability option (paid for by employee)
  • Progyny-Fertility and Family Building Support
  • Team Member Discounts for Pet Care
  • Paid time off-inclusive of sick, personal, and vacation
  • Digital Musculoskeletal Support
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • DailyPay on Demand
  • Pay: up to $25/hr, depending on experience

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