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Perfusionist
| Duties and Responsibilities: |
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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. Their duties include:
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Operating heart-lung machines
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Administering some types of anesthesia
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Administering some types of medication
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| Average Salary: $50,000 |
| Educational Requirements: |
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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.
Perfusionist training programs are given at academic health centers
and medical schools and universities. They emphasize hands-on, practical
training. Course length varies, but for the school to be recognized
by the American Academy of Cardiac Perfusionists, the curriculum must include
the supervised performance of 150 procedures to include 20 pediatric and
infant cases. |
| For More Information: |
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American Academy
Cardiovascular Perfusion
PO Box 468
Pell City, AL 35125
(205) 338-6355
OfficeAACP@aol.com
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