The Salary Range for Clinical Cardiac Perfusionists

The Salary Range for Clinical Cardiac Perfusionists

A clinical cardiac perfusionist is a critical member of a cardiac surgical team. Using the heart-lung machine, a clinical cardiac perfusionist ensures that the patient’s tissues remain alive by pumping oxygenated blood into the patient. During heart surgery, a perfusionist is also responsible for stopping the heart, at the right time, by administering a special medication. A strong rapport with the surgeon, along with expertise about the equipment and the cardiovascular system is essential for this medical professional.

Job Description

When a cardiac surgeon performs cardiac bypass surgery or grafts an artery, the heart must be free of blood. The medical professional who executes this task is clinical cardiac perfusionist. Working in tandem with the surgeon, the perfusionist keeps the patient alive, while stopping their heart, at just the right time. Clinical cardiac perfusionists are also called upon to assist in treating victims of hypothermia and drowning. When a patient experiences trauma to the heart and lungs, a perfusionist stops the blood flow to these organs, so as to give them time to heal. Resting the working organs is risky and there are incidents that require removing a patient from life support, because the organs have died. Perfusionists primarily work in the operating room, but sometimes they assist in the catheterization laboratory and in intensive care units.

Education Requirements

The requirements for admission to a clinical cardiac perfusion program include an undergraduate degree and a grade-point average designation of proficient in the designated hard science courses. Typically, these courses include biology, anatomy and physiology, biochemistry or microbiology. The clinical cardiac perfusion program involves two years of course work and clinical experience. Academic content includes pharmacology, pathophysiology, cardiovascular perfusion technique, and experience in research labs. In addition, clinical rotations provide an opportunity for observation and practical skill development. The final step in becoming certified as a clinical cardiac perfusionist is to pass the Perfusion Basic Science Examination and the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination.

Industry

In 2015, the U.S. National Library of Medicine reported the annual salary for clinical cardiac perfusionists was $127,600. Compensation packages include full benefits and the bonuses average about $3000 a year. Overtime can add to the total annual wage earned. Reported salaries are 20 percent higher in the Northeast; the lowest are found in the South.

Years of Experience

Compensation for clinical cardiac perfusionists increases over time. A 20-year veteran will make $30,000 more than a perfusionist who has been in the field for four years or more. Seasoned perfusionists have a choice of schedule and have the first crack at overtime.

Job Growth Trend

A surging job market is expected for clinical cardiac perfusionists. Job openings are expected to grow by 15 percent between 2018 and 2024. An increase in people experiencing cardiovascular disease buoys the growth rate of this profession.

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Writer Bio

Dr. Kelly Meier earned her doctorate from Minnesota State Mankato in Educational Leadership. She is the author and co-author of 12 books focusing on customer service, diversity and team building. She serves as a consultant for business, industry and educational organizations. Dr. Meier has written business articles and books for Talico, Inc, Dynateam Consulting, Inc. and Kinect Education Group.