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This major is a program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and nurses, to operate extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment during medical procedures and surgeries where the support or temporary replacement of a patient's own respiratory or circulatory system is required.
Includes instruction in equipment selection and operation, physician and medical team consultation, patient condition monitoring, procedural techniques, and principles of respiratory and circulatory physiology.
What can you do with a major/degree in Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist Major?
If you work as a Perfusionist, you are responsible for operating a cardiopulmonary bypass machine (an artificial blood heart-lung pump) during open-heart or related surgeries to maintain a patient’s heart and lung functions. You may also be responsible for dispensing the drug to the patient that stops their heart so the surgeon can operate.
If you work as a Perfusion Technologist, you likely assist a Perfusionist during surgery requiring the use of heart-lung by-pass equipment.
Job opportunities for perfusionists are very good in the future as this career subsector is expected to see a seven percent (7%) growth 2018-2028.
Certification is necessary to enter this job field. To enter a certificate program, you need a bachelor's degree. The Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs provides accreditation information for cardiopulmonary perfusionists. As well, specialized, formal training is essential.
Trade Associations and Professional Organizations in Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist Major
Professional associations are groups of professionals dedicated to topics in specific fields. Professional associations provide a wealth of online resources, some of which are geared specifically towards students. These organizations typically also host conferences and events, providing great opportunities for learning and networking across your field of interest.
- The American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion
- American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion
- The American Society for Extracorporeal Technology
Publications/Magazines in Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist Major