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Perfusionist Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Perfusionist Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$37

$97

$175

How much do perfusionist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for perfusionist assistant in Washington is $97.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75.96 and $106.44 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Perfusionist jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Perfusionist Assistant jobs in Washington?

For Perfusionist Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Perfusionist Assistant jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Perfusionist Assistant jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Perfusionist Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Perfusionist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Perfusionist Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $202,453 per year, or $97.3 per hour.

Pathologist Assistant

Inova

Falls Church, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus is looking for a dedicated Pathologists Assistant to join the team. This role will Full Time, Day Shift: Monday-Friday, Hours may vary. Sign-on Bonus & Relocation Available.

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation.

Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
  • Work/Life Balance: offering paid time off, paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and remote and hybrid career opportunities.
  •  

Pathologists Assistant Job Responsibilities

  • Performs special procedures such as coronary artery perfusion studies, central nervous system perfusion studies and enucleations.
  • Assists in the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology conferences and attends departmental business meetings.
  • Obtains clinical history (e.g. scans, X-rays, laboratory data, etc.) as indicated after consulting with the Pathologist.
  • Under the direction of a Pathologist, cuts and stains frozen section tissue adequately for proper diagnosis.
  • Confers with the Pathologist to identify any special techniques/procedures that will be necessary (e.g. histochemical, immunofluorescence, toxicological, viral or electron microscopic studies, cultures, smears, etc.) and notifies all personnel directly involved.
  • May perform additional duties as assigned.
  •  

Minimum Requirements: 

  • Minimum Education: Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program within the last five years
  • Certification: Must be PA (ASCP) certified or eligible and pass the board exam within 24 months of hire.
  • Years of Experience: Per College of American Pathologists (CAP): three months of experience including; Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the AAPA,  NAACLS or other organization approved by HHS (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed within Education notes) or at least three months of recorded laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing. No experience required if graduated from an accredited Pathologist Assistant Program.

We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 26,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare. 

Inova Health System is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.


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