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Perfusionist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sentara Healthcare Inc

Chief Perfusionist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$170 - $210/hr

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 ...

SpecialtyCare

Perfusionist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Perfusionist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Duration: Ongoing * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours * Employment Type: Staff Come be the Heart of the Operation We are seeking an ...

SpecialtyCare

Chief - Perfusionist

Reston, VA · On-site

$200K - $235K/yr

Perfusionist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Duration: Ongoing * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours * Employment Type: Staff Come be the Heart of the Operation We have an exciting new ...

SpecialtyCare

Chief - Perfusionist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$200K - $235K/yr

Perfusionist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Duration: Ongoing * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours * Employment Type: Staff Come be the Heart of the Operation We have an exciting new ...

SpecialtyCare

Chief - Perfusionist

Great Falls, VA · On-site

$200K - $235K/yr

Perfusionist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Duration: Ongoing * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours * Employment Type: Staff Come be the Heart of the Operation We have an exciting new ...

Centra Health

PERFUSIONIST

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$133K - $199K/yr

Perfusionist A perfusionist is a highly skilled, allied health professional who is qualified by academic and clinical training to operate complex, life-sustaining, extracorporeal circulation devices.

Sentara Health

Cardiac Perfusionist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Under medical supervision, the Cardiac Perfusionist prepares appropriate perfusion equipment for surgery, monitors equipment during surgery, performs pre and post-operative maintenance on perfusion ...

Sentara Healthcare

Cardiac Perfusionist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Under medical supervision, the Cardiac Perfusionist prepares appropriate perfusion equipment for surgery, monitors equipment during surgery, performs pre and post-operative maintenance on perfusion ...

Sentara Health Plans

Chief Perfusionist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

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 ...

US Government Jobs

Clinical Perfusionist

Richmond, VA · On-site

Clinical Perfusionist The Clinical Perfusionist's main responsibility is to manage the physiologic and metabolic needs of the surgical patient while on Cardiopulmonary Bypass or Extra Corporeal ...

Sentara Healthcare

Chief Perfusionist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

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 ...

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Perfusionist information

See Virginia salary details

$32

$85

$153

How much do perfusionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for perfusionist 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 the difference between Perfusionist vs Cardiovascular Technologist?

AspectPerfusionistCardiovascular Technologist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion)Post-secondary education, certification varies
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms during cardiac surgeriesDiagnostic labs, cath labs, operating rooms
Industry UsageHospitals, surgical centersHospitals, diagnostic centers
Job FocusManaging heart-lung machines during surgeryPerforming diagnostic procedures and assisting in surgeries

Perfusionists specialize in operating heart-lung machines during cardiac surgeries, requiring specific certification. Cardiovascular technologists assist with diagnostic tests and support surgical teams but typically do not operate perfusion equipment. While both roles work in cardiac care, perfusionists have a more specialized focus on perfusion management during surgeries.

What are some common challenges perfusionists face during cardiac surgeries, and how do they address them?

Perfusionists often encounter challenges such as managing sudden changes in a patient's physiological status, equipment malfunctions, and the need for quick decision-making under pressure. They must remain highly vigilant throughout procedures, communicate closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists, and be prepared to troubleshoot issues with the heart-lung machine or blood flow monitoring. Continuous education and simulation training help Perfusionists stay up-to-date with best practices and maintain readiness to address these challenges efficiently.

What does a perfusionist do?

A perfusionist operates heart-lung machines and other equipment during cardiac surgeries to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation. They monitor patient vital signs, manage the extracorporeal circuit, and work closely with surgical teams to ensure patient safety throughout procedures. Certification and technical skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a perfusionist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Perfusionist, you need a solid background in cardiovascular physiology, biomedical sciences, and successful completion of an accredited perfusion education program, along with certification (such as CCP) or licensure where required. Familiarity with heart-lung machines, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and patient monitoring systems is essential for the technical aspects of the role. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for effective decision-making during complex surgical procedures. These skills ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes during cardiovascular surgeries, where precise management of circulatory and respiratory functions is vital.

Is there a high demand for perfusionists?

Perfusionists are in high demand due to the increasing number of cardiac surgeries and advanced medical procedures requiring extracorporeal circulation. Job growth for perfusionists is projected to be faster than average, and the profession often requires specialized certification and training, contributing to its strong employment outlook.
More about Perfusionist jobs

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

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Perfusionist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Perfusionist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 63% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,218 per year, or $85.2 per hour.

Clinical Perfusionist

Veterans Health Administration

Richmond, VA • On-site, Remote

$142K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,004 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Summary
The Clinical Perfusionist's main responsibility is to manage the physiologic and metabolic needs of the surgical patient while on Cardiopulmonary Bypass or Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation. He/she is independently responsible for the conduct of perfusion and ensuring the safe management of cardio-respiratory function of the patient during those procedures so deemed by the Cardiac Surgeon.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Clinical Perfusionist Duties:
  • Perform clinical perfusion practice independently and with varying levels of complexity and/or difficulty, utilizing perfusion principles and techniques to maintain best practices.
  • Assesses and creates a pre-surgical evaluation and plan, presents his/her findings and recommendations to the surgeon and/or the anesthesiologist of the patient before surgery to ensure proper quality and timeliness of care for the patient. This may require instant and continuous modification to limit and alleviate surgical side effects and complications.
  • Operates, manages, troubleshoots, and evaluates parameters of the heart lung machine to ensure best practices of perfusion for patient care.
  • Manages life support systems other than the heart lung machine, including, but not limited to LVAD, RVAD, and ECMO.
  • Instructs/aids other perfusionists, students, and other medical professionals on perfusion related equipment, perfusion principles and techniques by providing educational programs and material.
  • After concurrence with the plan by the cardiothoracic surgeon, initiation of the planned clinical perfusion support and technique(s) which may require instant and continuous modification to limit and alleviate surgical side effects and complications.
  • Induction of complete perfusion support ensuring circulatory and ventilator support are adequate.
  • Adjustment of anesthetic drugs, anticoagulation therapy, pressor support and techniques utilized during the cardiothoracic surgical procedure.
  • Manages emergence from complete circulatory support after discussion and concurrence from cardiothoracic surgeon and anesthesiologist.- May provide emergency perfusion case management throughout the facility, i.e. ER, Cath Lab, SICU.
  • Participation in staff meetings, cardiothoracic multi-disciplinary conferences and other committees as assigned by the Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon or Chief Anesthesiologist.
  • Maintains perfusion equipment in constant readiness and cleans equipment in accordance with hospital guidelines, SOPs, manufacturer's recommendations and CDC guidelines.
  • Prepares pharmacologic agents properly for use in clinical perfusion casework administration.
  • Attends in-service and continuing education programs. Assists in in-service educational programs regarding perfusion care.
  • Precepts students
  • Adheres to OR/clinical perfusion safety regulations/procedures and infection control policies.
  • Complies with Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals- Fully complies with medical center Correct Site/Universal Protocol requirements, including pausing activities during pre-operative time-out.
  • Complies with VA and Joint Commission documentation requirements.
  • Performs all aspects of perfusion documentation, both paper and electronic, to include creation, update, implementation, and maintenance of perfusion records, charts, databases, policies/procedures, preference cards and storage of documents according to established guidelines, requirements and protocols.
  • Instructs/aids other perfusionists, students, and other medical professionals on perfusion related equipment, perfusion principles and techniques by providing educational programs and material.
  • Provide in-service and didactic teaching to ensure competency of staff.
  • Aptitude of operation of all perfusion equipment, including quality control and troubleshooting as needed.
  • Support, maintain and share evidence-based and goal directed perfusion to improve clinical practice and utilize pertinent medical literature to enhance patient care to the cardiothoracic team.
  • Expert level of knowledge of current perfusion best practices and familiar with standard of care in the perfusion field.
  • Perform quality control and internal reviews as required on all lab equipment utilized by the perfusion team.
  • Perform improvement studies on all perfusion equipment as needed. This shall be done by collecting metrics in databases and analysis with software for quality performance of perfusion devices.
  • Participation in staff meetings, cardiothoracic multi-disciplinary conferences and other committees as assigned by the Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
  • Maintains perfusion equipment in constant readiness and cleans equipment in accordance with hospital guidelines, SOPs, manufacturer's recommendations and CDC guidelines.
  • Prepares pharmacologic agents properly for use in clinical perfusion casework administration.

The above list is not all inclusive
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7am-3:30pm with some evening/ weekend call coverage
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • Citizenship. Be a Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.g., this part.) See 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3); 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(B); 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
  • Education. Candidates must hold a degree in perfusion as described below in paragraphs (1) and (2) that has been accredited by either CAAHEP or EQualTM Canada at the time the program was completed.

  1. Bachelor's or master's degree in perfusion from a program in the United States or Canada accredited by the CAAHEP or EQualTM Canada. OR,
  2. Bachelor's or master's degree in addition to a post-baccalaureate certificate in perfusion from a program accredited by CAAHEP or the EQualTM Canada.

NOTE: The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. The degree is to be verified by submitting a request to mail@caahep.org. The request must include the name of the school, city, state, and graduation date of individual.
  • Board Certification. Persons hired or reassigned to CP positions in VHA must be board-certified in the field of clinical perfusion as a Certified Clinical Perfusionist by the ABCP. The board certification must be current, and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education.

  1. Loss of Board Certification. Once board certified, a CP must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted board certification to remain qualified for employment. Loss of licensure, credential, or required certification will result in removal from the GS-0601CP occupation and may result in termination of employment.

  • Licensure. None required, but a license or license eligibility or State required credential is strongly preferred.
  • English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

GRADE REQUIREMENTS. Grade Determination. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
  • Clinical Perfusionist, GS-12 Experience, Certification and Education. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one year of CP experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and have obtained their ABCP certification as a CCP. License is preferred, but not required.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:

  1. Ability to apply the principles of program management and oversight required to develop program goals and objectives, administer and monitor programs, evaluate program outcomes/accomplishments, set, and redefine priorities and implement effective solutions as needed to present findings and recommendations to the appropriate management officials.
  2. Ability to provide oversight, judgement, and management of the application of clinical perfusion to patient care, organization processes and/or systems and long/short range goals, with a focus on delivering patient care and achieving program outcomes.
  3. Expert level of knowledge of best practice in the perfusion profession.
  4. Ability to validate or identify barriers to safe effective care, and manage all aspects of clinical perfusion, technical, fiscal, and administrative including daily assignments and call schedule preparation.
  5. Ability to serve as a liaison, interfacing with other departments to incorporate the expertise of all disciplines in a comprehensive, integrated approach to patient care.
  6. Ability to develop, coordinate, review organizations and accrediting agencies, and manage a perfusion regulatory program including follow-up actions to ensure departmental compliance with regulatory agencies as required. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a CP or Medical Instrument Technician (Perfusion), GS-0649 on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including education and/or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following apply:
(1) Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(2) Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher-grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher-grade levels.
(3) CPs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
(4) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all the basic requirements of the qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(5) CPs who are converted to the occupational series 0601 title 38 hybrid status under this policy and provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a CP.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is 12.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Hand

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About Veterans Health Administration

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

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