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Perfusionist Trainee Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Perfusionist Trainee information

See Georgia salary details

$28

$72

$130

How much do perfusionist trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for perfusionist trainee in Georgia is $72.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.63 and $79.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a perfusionist trainee?

A Perfusionist Trainee is an entry-level position for individuals training to become certified perfusionists. Perfusionists operate heart-lung machines and other equipment during cardiac surgery to maintain a patient's circulatory and respiratory functions. As a trainee, you will work under the supervision of experienced perfusionists, learning how to monitor blood flow, manage oxygenation, and handle emergency situations. This role involves both classroom education and hands-on clinical training in a hospital setting. Successful completion of the training program is required to become a certified perfusionist.

What does a perfusionist trainee do?

As a Perfusionist Trainee, your day typically involves assisting senior perfusionists with preparing and operating heart-lung machines during cardiovascular surgeries, monitoring patient blood parameters, and maintaining sterile equipment. You may participate in preoperative briefings, document perfusion data, and respond to real-time emergencies under supervision. The role is highly collaborative, with close interactions alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other operating room staff. Over time, trainees are entrusted with more hands-on responsibilities as their expertise grows, making each day filled with learning and practical skill development.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a perfusionist trainee?

To thrive as a Perfusionist Trainee, you need a solid background in biological sciences, attention to detail, and the ability to follow strict protocols, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with heart-lung machines, monitoring devices, and sterile techniques, along with basic life support certifications, are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and stress management skills help trainees adapt and excel during complex surgical procedures. These capabilities are vital to ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes in high-pressure operating room settings.

How hard is it to find a job as a perfusionist trainee?

Finding a job as a perfusionist trainee can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the role and limited openings. Candidates typically need relevant education, certification, and clinical experience, which can influence job availability and ease of entry.

Is there a shortage of perfusionist trainees?

There is a growing demand for perfusionist trainees due to an increasing number of cardiac surgeries and advancements in medical technology. This has led to a shortage of qualified trainees in some regions, prompting efforts to expand training programs and certification opportunities.

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

The most popular types of Perfusionist jobs in Georgia are:

What are popular job titles related to Perfusionist Trainee jobs in Georgia?

For Perfusionist Trainee jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Perfusionist Trainee job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $150,935 per year, or $72.6 per hour.

Manager, Donor Care Unit (Organ Recovery/Surgical Services)

Norcross, GA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

We Are LifeLink…

Our Vision is to maximize the gift of life while giving hope to donor families and transplant patients. Our Mission is to honor donors and save lives through organ and tissue donation.

Our Values are: Compassion. Excellence. Legacy. People. Quality.

Why choose LifeLink?   We offer the following:

  • Amazing culture since 1982
  • Company paid Medical, Dental, Disability & Life Insurance
  • Generous company paid Pension Plan for your Retirement
  • Paid Vacation, Sick Days & Holidays
  • Encouraging career track
  • Fitness Membership Reimbursement
    …much more!

Join our team of dedicated professionals who are committed to saving lives.

Summary:

Primarily responsible for daily oversight, and management of the Donor Care Unit and Surgical Coordinators. They will be mentoring, providing ongoing education, and evaluation of Recovery Staff and other assigned staff while working within established LifeLink Foundation, OPO, Piedmont Healthcare and regulating agency policies and protocols. Ensures that organ donor management, and all organ recoveries that take place in the recovery center are coordinated to provide appropriate space, staff, supplies and equipment to preform recoveries in a timely and effective manner that meets all recovery expectations. Acts as a liaison to Piedmont Healthcare for all Donor Care Unit-specific needs. As a member of the clinical leadership, team will serve as clinical expert for organ donation and transplantation issues within the donor care unit.

Responsibilities:
  • Serves on LifeLink and Piedmont committees to ensure efficient practice and compliance with UNOS, LifeLink and Piedmont policies.
  • Provides Donor Care Unit Operations and Perfusion Lab Oversight
  • Acts as a Recovery Operations and Perfusion Lab Resource
  • Recommends and implements revisions in procurement protocols to provide continuous improvement with the work environment by actively participating in the Policy Review Committee.
  •  Participate in and manage overall daily operations of Surgical Coordinators, as appropriate, ensuring that they have the tools, training, and support necessary to direct the internal and external resources available to bring about successful donation for transplantation once a potential donor has been identified.
  • Provides ongoing staff training to ensure compliance with policies and staff development.
  • Collaborates with Manager of Recovery Services in oversight of training, developing training protocols for the recovery center operations and monitoring trainee staff performance and compliance.
  • Works closely with the Supervisor of QA/PI and Recovery Services leadership to collaboratively design and implement projects (e.g., PDSA’s) to measure performance and implement innovative and effective performance improvement methods and tools to drive key organizational goals.
Requirements 
  • BSN, RN, or PA, or equivalent. Four years of experience as a Surgery center, hospital operating or ICU management or experience in material management or other positions with similar responsibilities preferred. Required previous supervisory experience and proven leadership skills.
  • Strong organizational, problem analysis and decision-making skills. Demonstrated ability to motivate peers and achieve cooperation.
  • Able to work a minimum of 40 hours per week and participate in 24-hour call. Required to work for extended periods with few breaks.
  • Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and meet deadlines with a growing degree of autonomy.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

LifeLink is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).