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Perfusion Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Organ Recovery Coordinator

Altoona, IA · On-site

$64K - $80K/yr

Oversees the organ recovery process in the operating room including, aiding surgeons during recovery, preservation of organs using perfusion machines, recovery of tissues and organs for transplant ...

Radiology Physician

Des Moines, IA

$312K - $390K/yr

CTA perfusion and stroke workups Additional responsibilities include: * Providing timely and accurate diagnostic reports * Collaborating with referring physicians and healthcare teams * Participating ...

Collaborate with pathologists to determine appropriate special techniques (e.g., tumor triage, frozen sections, toxicology, perfusion, etc.) * Ensure accurate specimen accessioning and documentation

Collaborate with pathologists to determine appropriate special techniques (e.g., tumor triage, frozen sections, toxicology, perfusion, etc.) * Ensure accurate specimen accessioning and documentation

Collaborate with pathologists to determine appropriate special techniques (e.g., tumor triage, frozen sections, toxicology, perfusion, etc.) * Ensure accurate specimen accessioning and documentation

Perfusion equipment: intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), Impella heart pump * Coronary interventional equipment: rotational and pulse wave atherectomy * Advanced hemodynamic monitoring systems

Perfusion equipment: intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), Impella heart pump * Coronary interventional equipment: rotational and pulse wave atherectomy * Advanced hemodynamic monitoring systems

Perfusion equipment: intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), Impella heart pump * Coronary interventional equipment: rotational and pulse wave atherectomy * Advanced hemodynamic monitoring systems

Perfusion information

See Iowa salary details

$31

$80

$145

How much do perfusion jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for perfusion in Iowa is $80.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.98 and $88.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Perfusion vs Cardiovascular Technologist?

AspectPerfusionCardiovascular Technologist
CredentialsCertified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP), specialized trainingRegistered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) or similar
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms during bypass surgeries, cardiac proceduresCardiac catheterization labs, diagnostic imaging
Industry UsageHospitals, surgical centers, specialized cardiac facilitiesHospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers

Perfusionists focus on operating heart-lung machines during cardiac surgeries, requiring specialized certification. Cardiovascular Technologists assist with diagnostic procedures like catheterizations, often with different certifications. While both roles work in cardiac care, perfusionists are more involved in surgical support, whereas cardiovascular technologists handle diagnostic imaging and testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Perfusionist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Perfusionist, you need a thorough understanding of cardiovascular physiology, medical technology, and a degree in perfusion science or related field, often with certification from organizations like the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). Mastery of heart-lung machines, blood gas analyzers, and ECMO systems is typical in this role. Attention to detail, composure under pressure, and strong communication skills are crucial for working in high-stakes surgical environments. These competencies ensure safe, effective patient support during complex surgeries and contribute to optimal surgical outcomes.

What are some common challenges perfusionists face during complex surgical procedures?

Perfusionists often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing patient conditions, managing unexpected complications like air embolisms or equipment malfunctions, and maintaining precise control of blood flow and oxygenation under pressure. They must stay vigilant during long and demanding surgeries, collaborating closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and operating room staff to ensure patient safety. Adaptability, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills are essential for navigating these high-stress situations effectively.

What are perfusionists?

Perfusionists are specialized healthcare professionals who operate the heart-lung machine and other advanced equipment during surgeries that require cardiopulmonary bypass, such as open-heart procedures. They are responsible for managing the patient’s circulatory and respiratory functions while the heart is stopped, ensuring that oxygenated blood continues to flow to the body. Perfusionists work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical staff in the operating room. Their expertise is essential for patient safety during complex surgical procedures.
What are the most commonly searched types of Perfusion jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Perfusion jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Perfusion jobs in Iowa? For Perfusion jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Perfusion jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Perfusion jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Perfusion jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Perfusion job openings:
Infographic showing various Perfusion job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,895 per year, or $80.7 per hour.
Perfusionist-Surgery-Methodist

Perfusionist-Surgery-Methodist

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 hours ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Join Our Life-Saving Team as a Perfusionist!
Are you ready to play a vital role in life-saving cardiovascular care? We're looking for a skilled and passionate Perfusionist to join our high-performing surgical team and make a real difference every single day.
Why This Role Matters
As a Perfusionist, you are at the heart of the operating room, ensuring patients safely undergo complex cardiac procedures. Your expertise keeps life flowing-literally-while surgeons focus on healing.
What You'll Do
  • Operate and manage cardiopulmonary bypass (heart-lung) equipment during surgical procedures
  • Monitor and regulate patient circulation and respiratory function throughout surgery
  • Ensure all perfusion equipment is properly set up, tested, and compliant with regulatory and manufacturer standards
  • Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR teams to deliver exceptional patient outcomes
  • Support clinical excellence through staff education and continuous professional development
  • Maintain strict adherence to patient safety protocols and best practices

Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
  • Performs Cardiopulmonary Bypass and related extracorporeal functions as ordered by physicians
  • Assembles, calibrates, operates, monitors and maintains heart-lung machines, blood pumps, oxygenators, water heater/coolers and related life-support equipment for patients requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support. Related equipment includes (but is not limited to): cardioplegia delivery systems, blood-gas and electrolyte monitors, flow monitors, anti-coagulation monitors, temporary external pacemakers, intra-aortic balloon pumps, blood salvage machines, VAD/ECMO circuits and portable CPB apparatus.
  • Maintains legible, precise, accurate and timely documentation of all procedures performed utlilizing standard departmental and perfusion team forms.
  • Properly handles and disposes of waste and/or contaminated materials and substances. Cleans, disassembles and stores equipment at the end of each procedure. Monitors and restocks the operating room's perfusion cart, storeroom and office.
  • Provides input for the ongoing development, selection and usage of new life-support equipment, supplies, techniques and protocols by meeting with other perfusionists, physicians, administrators, medical/technical staff, nursing personnel and sales representatives.
  • Utilizes critical thinking in making independent judgment, and maintains responsibility for the knowledge of conditions of assigned patients.
  • Consistently utilizes a holistic approach, considering physical, psych/social, spiritual, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in the assigned service area.
  • Consistently delivers high quality care demonstrating knowledge and clinical skills of the specialty required in accordance with established policies and procedures and within the scope of practice for clinical perfusionists set forth by the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT).
  • Practice reflects knowledge of HIPAA, JCAHO, DNV, OSHA, AAMI and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
  • Demonstrates the ability to meet the department work schedule.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Perfusion Technology, Circulation Technology, or acceptable healthcare sciences equivalent.
  • Successful completion of accredited perfusion training program.
    • Eligible to sit for CCP or CCT certification and become certified within 1 year of employment
    • BCLS within 90 days
    • Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995