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Perfusionist Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Indiana University Health

Perfusionist

Columbus, IN · On-site

Maintain compliance with certification requirements and stay current with innovations and best practices in perfusion and cardiopulmonary support. Assist with training and mentoring staff, and ...

Indiana University Health

Perfusionist

Columbus, IN · On-site

... Assist with training and mentoring staff, and contribute to maintaining a safe and efficient ... perfusion certification required; incumbents trained after April 15, 1981, must maintain ...

Franciscan Health

Chief Perfusionist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Assemble and operate extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ventricular assist devices ... Certified Clinical Perfusionist - American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) upon hire ...

All JobsPerfusionist JobsPerfusionist Assistant JobsPerfusionist Assistant Jobs in Indiana

Perfusionist Assistant information

See Indiana salary details

$31

$81

$147

How much do perfusionist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for perfusionist assistant in Indiana is $81.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63.80 and $89.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a perfusionist assistant?

Perfusionist Assistants are healthcare professionals who support perfusionists in operating heart-lung machines and other equipment during cardiac surgeries. They help set up, monitor, and maintain extracorporeal circulation equipment, ensuring the proper oxygenation and circulation of a patient's blood while the heart is stopped. Their responsibilities may include preparing equipment, managing supplies, and assisting with patient care under supervision. Perfusionist Assistants play a vital role in the surgical team, contributing to patient safety and the smooth operation of cardiovascular procedures.

What does a perfusionist assistant do?

A perfusionist assistant works alongside a clinical perfusionist during cardiac surgery to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and allow the perfusionist to focus on the patient. In this career, you perform the setup of equipment, assist the perfusionist by handling supplies, monitor the patient, and perform cleanup and waste disposal at the end. Your responsibilities focus on the health of the patient's heart and lungs during the surgery. Your duties also include sterilizing the machine and equipment, ordering supplies, loading the cart with essential gear before the procedure, checking vitals, maintaining medical records, and helping the perfusionist in any way necessary.

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

To thrive as a Perfusionist Assistant, you need foundational knowledge in biological sciences, familiarity with cardiovascular procedures, and often an associate degree or relevant certification. Proficiency in using heart-lung machines, blood gas analyzers, and electronic medical records is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These abilities are essential for supporting perfusionists in critical surgical settings and ensuring patient safety during complex procedures.

What are some typical responsibilities of a perfusionist assistant during cardiac surgery procedures?

Perfusionist Assistants play a crucial supporting role during cardiac surgeries by preparing and managing equipment such as heart-lung machines, setting up sterile workstations, and ensuring all necessary disposables and solutions are readily available. They monitor equipment performance, assist with circuit assembly, and help troubleshoot technical issues under the supervision of a certified perfusionist. This collaboration allows the surgical team to focus on patient care, while the assistant ensures the smooth operation of life-support devices, making attention to detail and strong communication skills essential in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Perfusionist Assistant vs Perfusionist?

AspectPerfusionist AssistantPerfusionist
CredentialsTypically requires a certificate or associate degree, some states may require certificationRequires a bachelor's degree, advanced certification (e.g., CCRP), and licensure in many states
Work EnvironmentAssists perfusionists in operating heart-lung machines during surgeriesLeads perfusion procedures, manages complex equipment, and makes clinical decisions
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, cardiac unitsHospitals, specialized cardiac centers, research institutions

The main difference between a Perfusionist Assistant and a Perfusionist lies in their level of responsibility and required credentials. Perfusionist Assistants support perfusionists during surgeries, often with less formal education, while Perfusionists independently manage complex procedures and require advanced certifications and licensure. Both roles are vital in cardiac surgery settings, but Perfusionists hold more advanced clinical responsibilities.

Are perfusionist assistants still in demand?

Perfusionist assistants are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for cardiac surgeries and the specialized skills required for assisting perfusionists. Employment opportunities are often available in hospitals and surgical centers, especially for those with relevant certifications and experience working with extracorporeal circulation equipment.
More about Perfusionist Assistant jobs

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Perfusionist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Perfusionist Assistant job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $170,093 per year, or $81.8 per hour.

Perfusionist

Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Health
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 466 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Indiana University Healthexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Location: On-site at Methodist Hospital 

Position: Perfusionist  

Shift: Monday - Friday with call on weekends and Holidays 

 

IU Health is Indiana's largest and most comprehensive healthcare system, and the #1 ranked healthcare provider in the state. We are seeking a dedicated professional to provide specialized perfusion services, supporting complex cardiopulmonary procedures and ensuring optimal patient outcomes.  

________________________________________ 

Position Overview: 

 

The Perfusionist performs clinical perfusion functions necessary for supporting or treating the cardiopulmonary/circulatory system of patients. They operate extracorporeal circulation equipment during medical procedures requiring support or replacement of the patient's cardiopulmonary/circulatory functions, ensuring proper management of physiologic variables through monitoring. The Perfusionist maintains equipment, troubleshoots technical issues, and supports surgical teams to facilitate successful outcomes in open heart surgeries and other cardiovascular procedures. This role requires technical expertise, clinical experience, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.  

________________________________________ 

Key Responsibilities:  

 

Operate extracorporeal circulation and blood salvage equipment during surgeries and procedures supporting the cardiopulmonary system.  

Monitor physiologic variables and manage equipment to ensure patient safety and optimal physiological support.  

Troubleshoot and maintain a wide range of cardiovascular perfusion, life support, and blood salvage equipment.  

Support surgical teams by preparing, operating, and managing perfusion equipment during procedures.  

Maintain compliance with certification requirements and stay current with innovations and best practices in perfusion and cardiopulmonary support.  

Assist with training and mentoring staff, and contribute to maintaining a safe and efficient clinical environment.  

 

________________________________________ 

Qualifications & Requirements:  

 

Education & Certification:  

  - Completion of clinical and didactic coursework from an accredited perfusion training program.  

  - Cardiovascular perfusion certification required; incumbents trained after April 15, 1981, must maintain certification or be eligible to take the certification exam.  

Licensure & Certifications:  

  - Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA). 

  - Additional advanced life support certifications may be required per department policies.  

Experience & Skills:  

  - Significant perfusion experience, including open heart surgery and surgical perfusion procedures.  

  - Knowledge of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, physiology, anatomy, and perfusion equipment.  

  - Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain perfusion and life support equipment. 

  - Strong understanding of biology, chemistry, and physiology relevant to clinical perfusion.  

________________________________________ 

Why Join IU Health? 

 

Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance 

Retirement savings plan with employer match 

Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities 

Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives 

Supportive work environment committed to safety and excellence 

To learn more about our benefits, visit: careers.iuhealth.org/pages/benefits-designed-for-you

  • Indiana University Health has nearly 40,000 team members, including more than 3,600 physicians and 1,200 advanced practice providers, and we're home to the largest nursing network in Indiana with more than 9,000 nursing team members at over 800 sites of care.
  • IU Health is ranked No. 1 in Indiana by U.S. News & World Report, Riley Children's Health is ranked among the top children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
  • A unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine - one of the nation's largest medical schools - gives patients access to groundbreaking research and innovative treatments, and it offers team members access to the latest science and the very best training - advancing healthcare for all.
  • With 15 hospitals, including seven with Magnet designation and eight with Pathways to Excellence designation, our team members are leading the way through excellence.
  • At Indiana University Health, your personal and professional growth is a top priority. You will have access to many diverse opportunities to learn and develop in meaningful ways that matter most to you, such as advanced clinical training, leadership development, promotion opportunities and cross training development.
  • Indiana University Health is invested in the lives of Hoosiers, leading the transformation of healthcare to make Indiana one of the nation's healthiest states.
Indiana University Health is Indiana's most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. We're looking for team members who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day.

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