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Perfusionist Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Chief Perfusionist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$170 - $210/hr

... mentor/assist staff. Education * Bachelor's Degree Certification/Licensure * Certification in Cardiovascular Perfusion (CCP) - Certification-American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP ...

Chief - Perfusionist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$200K - $235K/yr

Chief Perfusionist - Reston, VA - $20k Sign On Bonus About SpecialtyCare Start Your Journey with SpecialtyCare Our versatile experts assist in a broad range of surgeries in ORs across the country ...

Chief - Perfusionist

Reston, VA · On-site

$200K - $235K/yr

Chief Perfusionist - Reston, VA - $20k Sign On Bonus About SpecialtyCare Start Your Journey with SpecialtyCare Our versatile experts assist in a broad range of surgeries in ORs across the country ...

Chief - Perfusionist

Great Falls, VA · On-site

$200K - $235K/yr

Chief Perfusionist - Reston, VA - $20k Sign On Bonus About SpecialtyCare Start Your Journey with SpecialtyCare Our versatile experts assist in a broad range of surgeries in ORs across the country ...

Chief Perfusionist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

... assist staff.**Education:*** Bachelor's Degree**Certification/Licensure:*** Certification in Cardiovascular Perfusion (CCP) - Certification-American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP)

... mentor/assist staff. Education: * Bachelor's Degree Certification/Licensure: * Certification in Cardiovascular Perfusion (CCP) - Certification-American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP ...

We offer a portfolio of solutions that include neuromonitoring, perfusion, surgical assist, autotransfusion, minimally invasive surgical support, and sterile processing. SpecialtyCare's clinicians ...

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Carry out molecular and cellular techniques, including molecular cloning, brain sectioning, cardiac perfusion, and immunohistochemistry. Conduct tissue culture and assist in viral vector (AAV ...

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Perfusionist Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$32

$85

$153

How much do perfusionist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for perfusionist assistant in Virginia is $85.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66.49 and $93.17 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.

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

The most popular types of Perfusionist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Perfusionist Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Perfusionist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Perfusionist Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,218 per year, or $85.2 per hour.

$170 - $210/hr

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Sentara Health rating

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Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 412 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Chief Cardiac Perfusionist

Sentara Heart Hospital located in Norfolk, Virginia is looking for a Chief Cardiac Perfusionist to join the team.

The Sentara Heart Hospital, a 112-bed care facility, is #2 for Cardiology services and Heart Surgery in the State of Virginia and ranks #24 in the nation for best heart programs.

The Chief Perfusionist is responsible for directing and coordinating the perfusion service. In addition to the clinical duties of performing perfusion services in the operating room, the role has administrative and leadership duties such as supervising perfusion services staff, coordinating quality and customer service activities, assisting in the development and monitoring of the departmental budget, serving as a technical/clinical resource to team members, performing work assignments as needed to provide appropriate coverage and to mentor/assist staff.

Education
  • Bachelor's Degree
Certification/Licensure
  • Certification in Cardiovascular Perfusion (CCP) - Certification-American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP)
Experience
  • 1 year of administrative experience.
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