How to Be Perfusionist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 6, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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One of the key causes of the increasing demand for perfusionists is the rise in the number of cardiovascular-related surgeries. As more patients are being diagnosed with heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease and heart failure, more cardiovascular surgeries are being performed. This has led to a surge in the demand for perfusionists, who are highly skilled and specialized healthcare professionals.

They are responsible for operating cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machines, which provide critical care support to the patient during heart surgery. The perfusionist is critical in maintaining the patients blood flow, oxygenation, and temperature during the procedure, thus ensuring the safety of both the patient and the surgeon. they provide support to the anesthesiologist and monitor the patients vital signs to ensure proper care is provided.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a perfusionist is to earn a bachelors degree in a field such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. A degree in a related field such as nursing, respiratory therapy, or cardiovascular technology may also be acceptable.
Get Certified. After completing an undergraduate degree, the next step is to become certified in the field of perfusion technology. In order to do this, individuals must pass the certified clinical perfusionist (CCP) exam, which is administered by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP).
Find a Job. After passing the CCP exam, individuals can begin the process of finding a job as a perfusionist. Job openings for perfusionists are typically posted on job boards and in medical journals.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Most employers require that new perfusionists complete a period of on-the-job training before they are fully qualified to perform all duties. This may include shadowing experienced perfusionists, attending lectures and seminars, and gaining hands-on experience with various types of equipment and techniques.
Obtain a State License. Depending on the state, individuals may need to obtain a license in order to practice as a perfusionist. The requirements for licensure vary by state, but typically include completing additional educational courses and passing an examination.

The role of a perfusionist is to monitor and operate a heart-lung machine during surgical procedures. To be an ideal and capable perfusionist, one must possess certain skills and qualities. These include an in-depth knowledge of the human cardiovascular system, excellent technical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

strong communication skills and an aptitude for teamwork are essential, as perfusionists often work with other healthcare professionals to provide the best patient care. Having a commitment to safety, attention to detail, and a passion for learning are also important traits for a successful perfusionist. With these qualities, a perfusionist can best serve their patients and contribute to the success of the operating room team.

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Job Description

Monitor and adjust patient's vital signs during cardiac and vascular procedures.
Operate and maintain complex medical equipment, such as heart-lung bypass machines, dialysis machines, and perfusion systems.
Prepare and administer medications, such as anticoagulants, anesthetics, and antibiotics, before and during procedures.
Monitor patient's reactions to the medication and procedure, adjusting flow rates and other variables as necessary.
Manage blood transfusions and blood product administration.
Observe patient's physiological data and report irregularities to the physician performing the procedure.
Educate patients and their families on the risks and benefits of procedures.
Maintain accurate records of all procedures and equipment used.
Maintain a sterile environment in the operating room.
Perform equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Expertise in cardiovascular perfusion
Understanding of medical terminology
Ability to operate and maintain perfusion equipment
Ability to read and interpret patient data
Knowledge of pharmacological principles
Ability to evaluate patient responses to treatments
Ability to provide patient education
Knowledge of infection control protocols
Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals
Good communication skills
Attention to detail
Problem-solving skills
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to prioritize tasks

The ability to have strong attention to detail is a very important skill for a perfusionist to have. This is because a perfusionist is responsible for maintaining a patient's life during a surgical procedure. Every detail must be monitored and adjusted to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.

Attention to detail helps the perfusionist to not only monitor the patient's vital signs, but also to adjust the equipment and settings in order to keep the patient's blood and oxygen levels stable. Attention to detail also helps a perfusionist to better understand the anatomy of the heart and lungs, as well as how to properly operate the equipment and set up the procedure. Finally, having the ability to accurately record data and analyze results is also very important for a perfusionist, as this helps them to make informed decisions about how to best provide care for their patients.

All of these skills are essential for a perfusionist to have in order to ensure patient safety and successful outcomes.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in perfusion technology?
Describe your experience with managing and troubleshooting the various types of extracorporeal circuits used in perfusion.
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in perfusion technology and techniques?
What are the most important competencies for a successful perfusionist?
Describe a time when you had to work with a team to solve a difficult clinical problem.
How do you handle the stress of working in a fast-paced environment?
What do you consider to be the most important safety protocols when working with extracorporeal circuits?
Describe a time when you had to think quickly and make an important decision under pressure.
How would you go about educating and training new perfusion staff members?
What challenges have you faced in your current perfusion practice and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). A mechanical device that helps pump blood from the heart, such as the HeartMate 3. (eg: used to help pump blood during open heart surgery)
Autotransfusion System. A system that collects, stores, and re-transfuses the patient's own blood. (eg: used to reduce a patient's blood loss during surgery)
Blood Gas Analyzer. A device for analyzing the composition of a blood sample. (eg: used to measure levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH in a patient's blood)
Cardiopulmonary Bypass System. A machine that circulates and oxygenates a patient's blood outside of their body during heart surgery. (eg: used to maintain circulation and oxygen delivery during complex cardiac procedures)
Hemodialysis Machine. A device that removes waste products and extra fluid from the blood of patients with renal failure. (eg: used to filter the blood of dialysis patients)
Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Instruments. Specialized instruments used in cardiovascular or thoracic surgery. (eg: used to access and operate on the heart and lungs in open heart surgery)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology (AmSECT)
International Society for Perfusion Technology (ISPST)
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Network (CTSNet)
Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA)
Cardiac and Vascular Anesthesia Special Interest Group (CVASIG)
American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS)
The American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP)
International Society for Clinical Perfusion Science (ISCP)
European Society of Cardiovascular Perfusionists (ESCP)
American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusionists (ABCP)

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Common Important Terms

Cardiopulmonary bypass. A technique used to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs during certain medical procedures.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A procedure that provides long-term life support by taking over the function of the lungs and heart.
Cardiac catheterization. A procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions, involving the insertion of a catheter into a blood vessel.
Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). A device used to support circulation and decrease the workload on the heart during certain medical procedures.
Coagulation monitoring. Monitoring of blood clotting factors to identify and treat any clotting problems.
Hemodialysis. A procedure used to remove waste and toxins from the blood for patients with kidney failure.
Autotransfusion. A procedure in which a patient's own blood is reused for transfusions during surgery.
Blood salvage. A procedure in which a patient's own blood is collected, filtered, and reused during surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Perfusionist?

A Perfusionist is a healthcare professional who operates and maintains a heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery.

What degree do I need to become a Perfusionist?

To become a Perfusionist, you must have an undergraduate degree in a science field, such as biology, chemistry, or healthcare technology, and have completed a one-year, accredited perfusion technology program.

Are Perfusionists in high demand?

Yes, Perfusionists are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupational outlook for Perfusionists is expected to grow by 17% from 2018 to 2028.

What are some of the duties of a Perfusionist?

The primary duties of a Perfusionist include operating and monitoring the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery, adjusting settings on the machine to maintain blood flow and oxygen levels, and ensuring that all equipment is functioning properly.