chicoborja said:
Anybody have any opinions on the field of perfusion technology? I think most programs are either a post-bacc certificate or an M.S. It seems like maybe potential candidates would be those who are resp therapists, nurses, biology majors, etc. (maybe similar applicant pool to that of P.A. or A.A. programs). I think they make a pretty good salary, maybe around 60 or 70 k. Hope thats not too far off. Just curious about the field. Anyone have any interest or opinions on the field?
I thought I might be able to answer some of chicoborja's questions. I am currently a clinical pediatric perfusionist and have worked as a perfusionist since 2000.
I have a very positive outlook on the perfusion career outlook, but I can tell you that there are some perfusionists who feel that our profession is in jeopardy due to new techniques in cardiac surgery such as off pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). As well as advances in medical technology like drug eluting stents. OPCAB's have reduced the number of CABG's that are performed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), in some practices the % of CABG's done off pump are close to 100%. However, currently all valve, and aortic surgeries still ultilize CPB. In addition the repair of most congenital heart defects still require the services of a perfusionist.
As far as salary, the most current perfusion survey states that the average salary is $94,000 and range from ($48,000 to $225,000). Those very few people who say they are making $225K are most likely perfusionist who own a private company and who are paying a lot of new grads $48k. I think a more realistic range is somewhere in the neighborhood of 70K to 120k. However, as it is with most careers the pay scale can vary greatly depending on who you work for (hospital, surgeon, private practice) as well as where you work.
There was some discussion about what we actually do as perfusionists. The majority of the time we are "pumping cases", but this is not just sitting there watching a machine. Most perfusionists have standing orders which allow them to administer anticoagulants, vasoactive drugs, diuretics, as well as drugs to maintain proper acid-base status. Other clinical activities perfusioinst perform include: heart, lung, and liver transplant, autotransfuion, ECMO, ECLS, VAD's, and IABP.
Some perfusionists work very long hours as a previous poster has stated and you may come in before the sun rises and leave long after it has set. On the other hand some perfusionists are usually done with their cases by noon and are out the door.
As far as having a master's degree, I did get one from my program. I can't say that it helps me, in fact I have never brought it up when I have interviewed for a job or when I talk about what I do. I think that as far as getting a masters degree Perfusion school offers one of the quickest ways to get that degree. Most programs are 2 years, Texas Heart has a program that is 1 year (not a Master's Level program). At the school I attended in addition to the perfusion classes we also took pathology with the PA's and Pharm D's. The pharmacology class we attended was the same as the PA's as well. We also had classes with PT students. So that should sort of give you an idea of what the typical class structure is for Perfusion students.
I find Perfusion to be a rewarding career, with opportunities to perform research and publish papers and use some of the newest technology in surgery (robotics and lasers).
Sorry about the long post, I enjoy perfusion and think its a great profession.
