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Perfusion Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Perfusion Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$36

$101

How much do perfusion assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for perfusion assistant in Raleigh, NC is $36.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.03 and $48.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Perfusion Assistant, you typically need a background in healthcare or life sciences, familiarity with cardiovascular anatomy, and knowledge of sterile techniques. Experience with perfusion equipment, cardiopulmonary bypass machines, and basic laboratory systems is highly valuable, and some positions may require certification in Basic Life Support (BLS). Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you excel in assisting perfusionists and surgical teams under pressure. These competencies are vital to ensure patient safety, precise support during surgeries, and efficient collaboration within the operating room environment.

What does a typical workday look like for a Perfusion Assistant?

As a Perfusion Assistant, your day often begins with equipment checks and preparation for surgical procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass or other advanced circulatory support. You’ll assist perfusionists in setting up, operating, and maintaining perfusion machines, monitor patient status, and manage disposable supplies in a sterile environment. Expect to work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other operating room staff, often in high-stress situations requiring quick thinking and strong teamwork. This dynamic role offers valuable hands-on experience in cardiac surgical care and can be a stepping stone to advanced positions in perfusion or related healthcare specialties.

What is a Perfusion Assistant job?

A Perfusion Assistant supports Perfusionists during cardiovascular surgeries by preparing and maintaining perfusion equipment, monitoring supplies, and ensuring a sterile environment. They help set up heart-lung machines, blood pumps, and other devices critical for bypass procedures. Their role is essential in maintaining patient safety and operational efficiency in the surgical team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Perfusion jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Perfusion jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Perfusion Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Perfusion Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Perfusion Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Perfusion Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Perfusion Assistant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Perfusion Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Perfusion Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, and 91% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,296 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
Perfusionist - UNC Medical Center

Perfusionist - UNC Medical Center

UNC HEALTH

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

$63.97 - $91.95/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.
Hours: 40hrs/week, on call required
UNC Medical Center is hiring a full-time clinical perfusionist to join our highly collaborative team in Chapel Hill, NC. You will be joining a team of experienced perfusionists, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and allied health professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care.
  • Work in a dynamic academic medical center that offers exposure to a broad spectrum of cardiac surgery and advanced cardiovascular therapies
  • Supportive environment where leadership prioritizes employee engagement, open communication, professional recognition and shared decision making
  • Enjoy a variable schedule while participating in a shared on-call rotation to support emergent and after hours cardiovascular services
  • Contribute to the education and mentorship of perfusion students, residents, fellows and other health professionals in an academic teaching environment

Summary:
This is highly technical work in providing circulatory support for patients undergoing open-heart surgery and long-term cardiac and pulmonary support such as extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation and ventricular assist through mechanical assistance. Employees work independently under the general supervision of the Chief Perfusionist.
Responsibilities:
1. Assists surgeons and anesthesiologists in the operating room during open-heart surgery to maintain all patient temperatures and pressures as directed by physicians.
2. Cleans equipment and has it serviced for any malfunctions observed.
3. Contributes to continuous quality improvement which focuses on customer satisfaction, outcomes, and cost
4. Provides patient and support staff training related to ancillary equipment.
5. Reviews patient's history, physical and heart catheterization data prior to surgery to determine appropriate circuit required. Maintains the perfusion record during each case.
6. Sets-up, processes, and disposes of cell saver supplies as outlined in the perfusion manual for autotransfusion.
Other Information
Other information:
Education Requirements:
• Graduation from an accredited school of Perfusion Technology.
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
• Certified Perfusionist or eligible to be certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
• BLS required
• North Carolina Perfusion License or Provisional License required.
Professional Experience Requirements:
• No prior experience required.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:
Job Details
Legal Employer: STATE
Entity: UNC Medical Center
Organization Unit: Perfusion
Work Type: Full Time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
Salary Range: $63.97 - $91.95 per hour (Hiring Range)
Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity
Work Assignment Type: Onsite
Work Schedule: Variable
Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill
Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: Yes
This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health.
Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.