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UO
University of California - San Francisco
Perfusionist
Career Insights for Cardiovascular Technician / Technologist
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What they do
A Cardiovascular Technician or Technologist uses imaging technology and other procedures to diagnose cardiac (heart) and vascular (blood vessel) problems in patients. Works closely with cardiologists and medical sonographers. Works in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
$85,878 / year median in California
+14% projected growth
Job Description
Perfusionist University of California - San Francisco Represented United States, California, San Francisco 505 Parnassus Avenue (Show on map) Aug 17, 2026 Under direction of the attending physician, the Perfusionist provides routine and specialized patient care services requiring extracorporeal circulation and/or oxygenation. Responsibilities include the selection, preparation, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of cardiopulmonary bypass systems and ancillary equipment utilized during cardiac surgery and other circulatory support procedures. The Perfusionist participates in the provision of myocardial and organ protection, blood component and drug/fluid administration, blood conservation and concentration, and mechanical circulatory support. Incumbents provide patient support throughout the hospital including operating rooms, intensive care units, catheterization laboratories, and other patient care settings. The Perfusionist is responsible for the knowledge, operation, and maintenance of a wide variety of technical perfusion equipment utilized in cardiac surgery as well as other circulatory support devices, and for close cooperation with the attending physician in extra-corporeal perfusion practices. The primary working area is the operating room, but incumbents are expected to provide patient support in many areas throughout the hospital. Incumbents may participate in equipment evaluation and procurement; maintain records pertaining to equipment use and maintenance; participate in research programs involving testing, and evaluation of experimental techniques and equipment; participate in formal training programs and perform the normal range of duties outlined in the job description. The Senior Perfusionist performs all duties of the Perfusionist classification and serves as an advanced clinical resource responsible for independently managing complex adult, pediatric, neonatal, transplant, and mechanical circulatory support cases. Senior Perfusionists exercise advanced clinical judgment, provide consultation to physicians and staff, lead quality improvement activities, and serve as preceptors and mentors for staff and students. The main operating room delivers patient care through provision and management of capital supplies, instrumentation and technological support as well human resources in collaboration with medical and paramedical staff to effectively manage patients undergoing elective, urgent, and emergent surgical intervention. Clinical perfusionists are members of the open-heart surgery team, working primarily in cardiac operating theatres, as part of a team which includes cardio-thoracic surgeons, anesthetists, cardiologists, healthcare scientists working in cardiac sciences, theatre nurses and operating department practitioners.
LEVELING GUIDELINES
PERFUSIONIST NEX (Job Code 9028)- Entry to journey-level professional classification.
- Performs routine perfusion services under established protocols.
- Participates in adult, pediatric, and neonatal perfusion procedures with increasing independence based upon demonstrated competency.
- Participates in ECMO, VAD, and other circulatory support activities under established departmental guidelines.
- Assists with quality improvement initiatives, data collection, education, and research activities.
- Consults with senior staff regarding unusual or complex clinical situations.
SENIOR PERFUSIONIST NEX
(9027)- Advanced professional classification.
- Independently manages complex adult, pediatric, neonatal, transplant, and high-acuity cardiac procedures.
- Provides expert consultation regarding perfusion strategies, equipment selection, extracorporeal support modalities, and patient-specific clinical considerations.
- Independently manages and troubleshoots ECMO, ventricular assist devices, and other advanced circulatory support systems.
- Serves as a clinical preceptor, mentor, and resource to staff, students, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Leads quality improvement initiatives, protocol development, operational projects, and research activities.
- Exercises advanced clinical judgment and decision-making authority within scope of practice.
NOTE:
This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus We are looking to fill ten (10) total positions This position will serve multiple hospitals within the USCF Health networkDUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
% of time Essential Function (Yes/No) Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor) 30 Yes Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Advanced Perfusion Support- Selects, assembles, tests, and operates cardiopulmonary bypass equipment and associated devices.
- Determines appropriate oxygenators, circuits, cannulae, pumps, and ancillary equipment based upon patient needs.
- Independently initiates and manages extracorporeal circulation procedures.
- Determines appropriate blood and fluid management strategies.
- Monitors and interprets hemodynamic, physiologic, laboratory, anticoagulation, and blood gas parameters.
- Assesses patient responses and communicates recommendations to physicians and surgical teams.
- Provides myocardial protection through administration of cardioplegia solutions.
- Operates hemoconcentration devices and blood conservation systems.
- Performs advanced perfusion techniques including hypothermia, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, retrograde cerebral perfusion, and organ preservation procedures.
Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:
- All of the above plus:
- Independently manages highly complex adult, pediatric, neonatal, transplant, and re-operative procedures.
- Provides consultation regarding non-routine perfusion strategies and equipment selection.
- Serves as the clinical resource for advanced perfusion techniques and specialty procedures. 25 Yes Mechanical Circulatory Support (ECMO/VAD/IABP)
- Operates, monitors, and troubleshoots extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), ventricular assist devices (VAD), intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), and related support systems.
- Assesses patient status and device performance.
- Maintains communication with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary care teams.
- Participates in transport and emergency deployment of circulatory support systems.
Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:
- All of the above plus:
- Independently initiates, manages, and troubleshoots ECMO and mechanical circulatory support systems.
- Advises physicians regarding cannulation strategies, device selection, and management approaches.
- Leads emergency deployment and advanced support activities. 15 Yes Emergency and On-Call Clinical Services
- Responds to emergent clinical situations requiring extracorporeal support.
- Participates in emergency cardiac and respiratory support procedures.
- Provides on-call coverage as assigned.
- Collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary teams during emergent patient care situations. 10 Yes Education, Training, and Professional Development
- Participates in continuing education activities.
- Assists with orientation and training of staff and students.
- Maintains required certifications and competencies.
Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:
- All of the above plus:
- Functions as a clinical preceptor and mentor.
- Develops educational content and competency programs.
- Provides formal and informal education to staff and interdisciplinary teams.
- Assists leadership with competency validation and professional development initiatives. 10 Yes Department Operations and Resource Management
- Maintains inventory and supply levels.
- Assists with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Participates in quality assurance and regulatory compliance activities.
- Maintains accurate clinical and operational documentation.
Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:
- All of the above plus:
- Assists with operational planning and implementation of departmental initiatives.
- Coordinates equipment evaluations and assists with capital planning.
- Provides leadership support during operational challenges. 10 Yes Quality Improvement, Research, and Program Development
- Participates in data collection and quality improvement activities.
- Assists with implementation of departmental protocols and performance improvement initiatives.
- Participates in research activities as assigned.
Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:
- All of the above plus:
- Leads quality improvement projects and protocol development.
- Assists with analysis of clinical outcomes and operational metrics.
- Participates in research design, implementation, and publication activities.