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Perfusionist Tech Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Perfusionist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: 09/21/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel As a Perfusionist, you are a ...

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Perfusionist Tech information

What is a perfusionist tech?

Perfusionist techs, also known as perfusion technologists, are allied health professionals who assist perfusionists during cardiac surgeries and other procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. They help set up, operate, and maintain heart-lung machines and other equipment that temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs. Their responsibilities may also include monitoring patient vital signs, preparing necessary solutions, and ensuring equipment is functioning properly throughout the procedure. Perfusionist techs play a vital role in supporting the surgical team and ensuring patient safety during complex cardiac operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a perfusionist tech?

To excel as a Perfusionist Tech, a strong background in biological sciences, cardiovascular physiology, and completion of an accredited perfusion technology program are essential. Familiarity with heart-lung machines, blood gas analyzers, and ECMO systems, often supported by certification such as CCP (Certified Clinical Perfusionist), is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring patient safety and supporting surgical teams during complex cardiovascular procedures.

What are the typical responsibilities of a perfusionist tech during a cardiac surgery procedure?

As a Perfusionist Tech, you play a critical support role during cardiac surgeries by assisting the perfusionist in operating and maintaining the heart-lung machine and related equipment. Your responsibilities often include preparing perfusion equipment, monitoring inventory of necessary supplies, ensuring proper sterilization, and assisting with patient setup. The role also involves real-time troubleshooting of equipment issues and clear communication with surgical and anesthesia teams to ensure patient safety. This hands-on position requires attention to detail, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and a strong commitment to teamwork in a high-stakes environment.

What is the difference between Perfusionist Tech vs Cardiovascular Technologist?

AspectPerfusionist TechCardiovascular Technologist
Required CertificationsTypically requires certification as a Perfusionist Tech or related credentialUsually requires certification as a Cardiovascular Technologist or Cardiovascular Sonographer
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, assisting with perfusion during surgeriesCardiac catheter labs, diagnostic labs, assisting with imaging and procedures
Industry UsagePrimarily in cardiac surgery and perfusion supportBroader cardiovascular procedures, diagnostics, and imaging

Perfusionist Techs focus on supporting perfusion during cardiac surgeries, often requiring specialized certification. Cardiovascular Technologists have a broader role in diagnostic and imaging procedures related to the cardiovascular system. While both work in medical settings and require related certifications, Perfusionist Techs are more specialized in perfusion support during surgeries.

Is a perfusionist a high paying job?

Perfusionists typically earn a high salary compared to many healthcare support roles, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually depending on experience, location, and work setting. The profession requires specialized training and certification, which can also influence earning potential.

What does a perfusionist tech do?

A perfusionist technician assists perfusionists by preparing and maintaining equipment used during cardiac surgeries, such as heart-lung machines. They monitor machine functions, ensure proper operation, and support the surgical team in managing patient blood flow and oxygenation throughout procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Perfusionist Tech jobs in Tennessee?

For Perfusionist Tech jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Perfusionist Tech jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Perfusionist Tech jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Perfusionist Tech jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Perfusionist Tech job openings:

Senior Cardiopulmonary Perfusionist (Multiple Openings)

Nashville, TN • On-site


Vanderbilt Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

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Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health: With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region's largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you'll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.
Organization:
Adult Cardiac Surg Perfusion
Job Summary:
Performs functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement, or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and circulatory system of patients during routine and/or long term (ventricular assist and /or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) support. Active participation in the Vanderbilt Cardiovascular Perfusion Technology Program as a clinical, didactic and simulation instructor. Performs ancillary administrative, research, and simulation responsibilities.
Department Summary:
Vanderbilt continues to be a national leader in healthcare, and our team has achieved some incredible milestones recently:
  • One of the nation's busiest critical care centers
  • Home to the world's busiest heart, lung and liver transplant program
  • Successful NRP program for organ procurement
  • Established ECMO program that supports all areas of the hospital and transports to VUMC
  • A hub for cutting-edge biomedical research
  • A record-breaking 918 solid organ transplants in FY25 across adult and pediatric programs
The Jim Ayers Tower is VUMC's largest expansion to date:
  • 180 new inpatient beds
  • State-of-the-art operating rooms, radiology and acute care facilities
  • Expanding heart and lung transplant

Key Responsibilities:
• Prepares for clinical procedures and safely, accurately and effectively operates perfusion equipment while monitoring patient physiology according to established VUMC perfusion policies, protocols, and procedures.
• Participates in the Vanderbilt Cardiovascular Perfusion Technology Program (CVPT) through two or more of the following: Clinical, Didactic, and/or Simulation Instruction.
• Researches through academic collaborations, data collection and analysis and publication.
• Develops or enhances quality standards in cardiovascular perfusion that promotes safety and protection of patients.
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.
Technical Capabilities:
• Equipment Maintenance (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery of preventive maintenance in practical applications of a difficult nature. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully maintaining equipment, products, or systems without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to conduct predictive maintenance on core products and equipment.
• Medical Terminology & Documentation (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery of medical terminology and documentation in practical applications of a difficult nature. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering results without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to train and educate by setting the example, giving instruction, providing leadership, and generally raising the level of performance of others while on the job.
• Procedures Knowledge (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery of procedures knowledge in practical applications of a difficult nature. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering procedures knowledge services without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to train and educate by setting the example, giving technical instruction, providing leadership, and generally raising the level of performance of others while on the job.
• Cardiopulmonary Perfusion (Advanced): Demonstrates the uppermost levels of expertise in applying cardiopulmonary perfusion knowledge in challenging and complex situations. Often takes a lead role in highly pressurized situations when there is a need to achieve results. Consistently delivers cardiovascular services in a creative and imaginative manner while setting a standard for others. Actively participates in outside professional organizations and forums. Contributes in the development of cardiovascular knowledge best practices for the organization.
Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.
These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health's reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.
Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.
Core Accountabilities:
Organizational Impact: Independently delivers on objectives with understanding of how they impact the results of own area/team and other related teams. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes multiple sources of data to analyze and resolve complex problems; may take a new perspective on existing solution. Breadth of Knowledge: Has advanced knowledge within a professional area and basic knowledge across related areas. Team Interaction: Acts as a "go-to" resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small project teams.
Core Capabilities :
Supporting Colleagues: - Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance e and gain knowledge in new areas. - Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships. - Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them. - Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality; directly addresses quality issues promptly. - Ensures Continuous Improvement: Applies various learning experiences by looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes of problems and identifies ways to resolve them. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands all aspects of providing a safe environment and performs routine safety checks to prevent safety hazards from occurring. Managing Resources Effectively: - Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities. Fostering Innovation: - Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches. - Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges. - Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.
Position Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Certifications:
Certified in Cardiovascular Perfusion - American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, LIC-Clinical Perfusionist - Tennessee
Work Experience:
Relevant Work Experience
Experience Level :
5 years
Education:
Graduate of an approved discipline specific program
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.


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