Cardiopulmonary Perfusionist

Cardiopulmonary perfusionists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who operate the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery and other procedures that require cardiopulmonary bypass. They are responsible for monitoring the patient's vital signs, adjusting the settings on the heart-lung machine, and troubleshooting any problems that may arise. They work closely with the surgeon and other members of the surgical team to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.

Education and Training

Cardiopulmonary perfusionists must have a strong educational background in science and math. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in perfusion science or a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or engineering. Some programs offer associate degrees, which take two years to complete. Bachelor's degrees usually take four years to complete. Students gain practical experience through supervised clinical rotations in perfusion.

After completing their formal education, cardiopulmonary perfusionists must obtain certification from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). To be eligible for certification, candidates must pass a written exam and have a certain number of hours of clinical experience.

Job Duties

The primary responsibility of a cardiopulmonary perfusionist is to operate the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery and other procedures that require cardiopulmonary bypass. This involves:

• Monitoring the patient's vital signs
• Adjusting the settings on the heart-lung machine
• Troubleshooting any problems that may arise
• Working closely with the surgeon and other members of the surgical team

Cardiopulmonary perfusionists may also be responsible for:

• Setting up and taking down the heart-lung machine
• Maintaining the heart-lung machine
• Training other healthcare professionals on the use of the heart-lung machine

Work Environment

Cardiopulmonary perfusionists typically work in operating rooms in hospitals. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other members of the surgical team. The work can be stressful and demanding, but it is also rewarding.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for cardiopulmonary perfusionists is expected to be excellent over the next several years. The demand for cardiopulmonary perfusionists is expected to grow as the population ages and the number of heart surgeries increases. This increase in demand is also due to the increasing use of minimally invasive heart surgery, which requires the use of a heart-lung machine.

Personal Qualities

Cardiopulmonary perfusionists should have the following personal qualities:

• Strong critical thinking skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work as part of a team

Online Courses

Many online courses can help students prepare for a career as a cardiopulmonary perfusionist. These courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the field, such as:

• Cardiopulmonary physiology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Medical terminology
• Echocardiography

Online courses can help students prepare for a career as a cardiopulmonary perfusionist in several ways. First, they can provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the field. Second, they can help students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in this demanding profession. Third, they can help students build a network of professional contacts who can help them find a job and advance their careers.

Online courses are not enough to prepare someone for a career as a cardiopulmonary perfusionist. Students must also complete a formal education program and obtain certification from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). However, online courses can provide students with a strong foundation for success in this field.