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Perfusionist Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Perfusionist Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$32

$83

$150

How much do perfusionist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for perfusionist assistant in Raleigh, NC is $83.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65.19 and $91.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a perfusion assistant?

To become a perfusion assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as biology or nursing, along with specialized training in perfusion technology. Gaining certification from a recognized organization and acquiring hands-on experience through internships or clinical training are also important steps in qualifying for the role.

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.

How much do perfusionist assistants make?

Perfusionist assistants in New York City typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the healthcare facility. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, with some positions offering overtime pay for extended hours or on-call duties.

Can you make 300k as a perfusionist?

Perfusionists typically earn salaries below $300,000 annually, with most earning between $70,000 and $150,000 depending on experience, location, and work setting. Reaching a $300,000 salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand or specialized environments, such as leadership roles or private practices.

What is a perfusion assistant?

A perfusion assistant supports perfusionists in operating heart-lung machines and other life-support equipment during cardiac surgeries. They assist with equipment setup, maintenance, and monitoring, often requiring knowledge of sterile procedures and relevant certifications. The role typically involves working in a hospital operating room environment and may require familiarity with medical devices and teamwork skills.

What are Perfusionist Assistants?

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 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.

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 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.
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Infographic showing various Perfusionist Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $173,751 per year, or $83.5 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 10 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.