Perfusionist

Duties and Responsibilities: Clinical perfusionists operate circulation equipment during medical situations when it is necessary to temporarily and artificially replace the patient’s circulatory or respiratory functions.  This occurs during heart surgery and similar operations.  Perfusionists also control the temperature of patients during surgery.  

Salary: $50,000

Education: A high school diploma with a strong background in biology and chemistry is required to be accepted in perfusionist training programs.  Admissions preference is given to students with college science work or experience in respiratory therapy and medical terminology. 

Reflection: Do you think you would like to be one? Why? Why not?

I wouldn’t like to have this as a job because I wouldn’t like to see someone go in surgery because it kind of grosses me out.