How to Become a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist

Perfusion technologists set up and operate the heart-lung machine and other sophisticated equipment used in the operating room. In addition, perfusionists, directed by the surgeon and anesthesiologist, are responsible for regulating the patient's levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide; for measuring selected laboratory values such as blood cell count; and for monitoring circulation. At times, perfusionists administer anesthetic or other pharmaceutical agents through the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit.

Things You'll Need

• Training Tuition

Instructions

1. Obtain an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. In order to apply to cardio-pulmonary perfusionist training programs you must have a four-year undergraduate degree.

2. Take the prerequisite courses. Most programs require 2 semesters of chemistry, 2 semesters of biology, anatomy, physics, algebra and statistics. These classes must be taken prior to enrolling in a cardio-pulmonary perfusionist training program.

3. Apply to a training program. Most medical schools offer programs in perfusion technology. The course generally lasts about a year, and trains students in the use of the equipment used for open heart surgery, and allows them to will gain experience in the operating room.

4. Perfusion technology training will provide advanced classes in anatomy, pathology, physiology and pharmacology. You will also gain hands on experience working under the supervision of certified cardio-pulmonary perfusionists.

5. Take the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion exam. Most states require a license to work as a cardio-pulmonary perfusionist, which requires applicants to pass the exam. Graduates of most schools can begin work while awaiting their exam results on a provisional license.

6. Find a job. Most schools will provide assistance finding a job, so contact your school for leads. Cardio-pulmonary perfusionists work in all major hospitals that perform open heart surgeries.