ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Weekend Perfusionist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ProTouch Staffing

Radiology Physician

Des Moines, IA

$312K - $390K/yr

No Weekends * No Holidays * Strong Work-Life Balance * Night Shift Premium Compensation * Higher ... CTA perfusion and stroke workups Additional responsibilities include: * Providing timely and ...

UnityPoint Health

RN - Cardiac Cath Lab

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Shift: 2 x 9 hours shifts per week; 7 to 9 standby call days per month including every 3rd weekend ... Perfusion equipment: intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), Impella heart pump * Coronary interventional ...

All JobsPerfusionist JobsWeekend Perfusionist JobsWeekend Perfusionist Jobs in Iowa

Weekend Perfusionist information

See Iowa salary details

$31

$80

$145

How much do weekend perfusionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend perfusionist in Iowa is $80.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.98 and $88.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Weekend Perfusionist, you need in-depth knowledge of cardiovascular physiology, perfusion techniques, and a degree in perfusion technology or related field, typically with board certification (CCP). Familiarity with heart-lung machines, extracorporeal circulation systems, and patient monitoring technology is essential. Strong attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in this critical role. These abilities ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes during high-stakes cardiac surgeries, especially during weekend shifts when resources may be limited.

Can you make 300k as a perfusionist?

Experienced perfusionists, including those working as weekend perfusionists, can potentially earn around $300,000 annually, especially with advanced skills, certifications, and working in high-demand or specialized settings. However, salaries vary based on location, experience, and employer, and such high earnings are typically associated with senior roles or those with significant expertise. Most perfusionists earn between $80,000 and $150,000 per year, with top earners reaching higher figures through overtime, bonuses, or leadership positions.

What is the difference between Weekend Perfusionist vs Cardiac Perfusionist?

AspectWeekend PerfusionistCardiac Perfusionist
CertificationsCertified Perfusionist (CCP), BLS, ACLSCertified Perfusionist (CCP), BLS, ACLS
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, primarily during weekendsHospitals, surgical centers, full-time or part-time
Work ScheduleWeekend shifts, on-callRegular weekday shifts, on-call
Industry UsageUsed for weekend surgeries or staffing gapsStandard role in cardiac surgeries

The main difference between a Weekend Perfusionist and a Cardiac Perfusionist lies in their work schedule and usage. Weekend Perfusionists typically work during weekends or as part of on-call teams to support weekend surgeries, while Cardiac Perfusionists usually work full-time during regular weekdays. Both roles require similar certifications and skills, but their scheduling and operational focus differ.

Will AI replace perfusionist?

AI is unlikely to fully replace perfusionists, as the role requires complex decision-making, hands-on skills, and real-time problem-solving during surgeries. While automation and advanced technology can assist with monitoring and data analysis, perfusionists' expertise in managing cardiopulmonary bypass systems remains essential for patient safety and effective outcomes.

Do perfusionists work weekends?

Perfusionists often work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours because they provide critical support during cardiac surgeries and other medical procedures. Their schedules depend on hospital needs and emergency cases, requiring flexibility and readiness to work outside typical weekday hours.

What are Weekend Perfusionists?

Weekend perfusionists are specialized healthcare professionals who operate heart-lung machines and other equipment during surgeries that require cardiopulmonary bypass, particularly on weekends. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical staff to ensure the patient's blood and oxygen levels are properly managed during complex procedures. Their role is critical in maintaining circulatory and respiratory function when a patient's heart or lungs are temporarily stopped during surgery. Weekend perfusionists typically work shifts that cover Saturdays and Sundays, providing essential support when full-time weekday staff may not be available.

Can you make 200k as a perfusionist?

Experienced perfusionists, including those working in specialized or high-demand settings, can potentially earn around $200,000 annually, especially with overtime, bonuses, or working in certain regions. However, typical salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, with many earning between $80,000 and $150,000 per year.

What are some unique challenges a Weekend Perfusionist might face compared to weekday roles?

Weekend Perfusionists often encounter unpredictable case volumes and may need to respond quickly to emergency surgeries, making flexibility essential. They typically work with rotating surgical teams, which requires strong communication skills to adapt to different team dynamics and protocols. Additionally, weekend shifts can include extended hours or on-call responsibilities, so effective time management and resilience are important to maintain patient safety and personal well-being.
What are the most commonly searched types of Perfusionist jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Perfusionist jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Weekend Perfusionist jobs in Iowa? For Weekend Perfusionist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weekend Perfusionist jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Weekend Perfusionist jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Weekend Perfusionist jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Weekend Perfusionist job openings:
Weekend Perfusionist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Perfusionist job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Locum Tenens, 4% Internship, 2% As Needed, 30% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 12% Physical, and 88% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $167,895 per year, or $80.7 per hour.
Perfusionist-Surgery-Methodist

Perfusionist-Surgery-Methodist

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

306th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
Join Our Life-Saving Team as a Perfusionist!
Are you ready to play a vital role in life-saving cardiovascular care? We're looking for a skilled and passionate Perfusionist to join our high-performing surgical team and make a real difference every single day.
Why This Role Matters
As a Perfusionist, you are at the heart of the operating room, ensuring patients safely undergo complex cardiac procedures. Your expertise keeps life flowing-literally-while surgeons focus on healing.
What You'll Do
  • Operate and manage cardiopulmonary bypass (heart-lung) equipment during surgical procedures
  • Monitor and regulate patient circulation and respiratory function throughout surgery
  • Ensure all perfusion equipment is properly set up, tested, and compliant with regulatory and manufacturer standards
  • Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR teams to deliver exceptional patient outcomes
  • Support clinical excellence through staff education and continuous professional development
  • Maintain strict adherence to patient safety protocols and best practices

Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
  • Performs Cardiopulmonary Bypass and related extracorporeal functions as ordered by physicians
  • Assembles, calibrates, operates, monitors and maintains heart-lung machines, blood pumps, oxygenators, water heater/coolers and related life-support equipment for patients requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support. Related equipment includes (but is not limited to): cardioplegia delivery systems, blood-gas and electrolyte monitors, flow monitors, anti-coagulation monitors, temporary external pacemakers, intra-aortic balloon pumps, blood salvage machines, VAD/ECMO circuits and portable CPB apparatus.
  • Maintains legible, precise, accurate and timely documentation of all procedures performed utlilizing standard departmental and perfusion team forms.
  • Properly handles and disposes of waste and/or contaminated materials and substances. Cleans, disassembles and stores equipment at the end of each procedure. Monitors and restocks the operating room's perfusion cart, storeroom and office.
  • Provides input for the ongoing development, selection and usage of new life-support equipment, supplies, techniques and protocols by meeting with other perfusionists, physicians, administrators, medical/technical staff, nursing personnel and sales representatives.
  • Utilizes critical thinking in making independent judgment, and maintains responsibility for the knowledge of conditions of assigned patients.
  • Consistently utilizes a holistic approach, considering physical, psych/social, spiritual, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in the assigned service area.
  • Consistently delivers high quality care demonstrating knowledge and clinical skills of the specialty required in accordance with established policies and procedures and within the scope of practice for clinical perfusionists set forth by the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT).
  • Practice reflects knowledge of HIPAA, JCAHO, DNV, OSHA, AAMI and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
  • Demonstrates the ability to meet the department work schedule.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Perfusion Technology, Circulation Technology, or acceptable healthcare sciences equivalent.
  • Successful completion of accredited perfusion training program.
    • Eligible to sit for CCP or CCT certification and become certified within 1 year of employment
    • BCLS within 90 days
    • Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

UnityPoint Health logo

About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

View All UnityPoint Health Jobs

Apply