The definition of a perfusionist by the Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary is that of a certified medical technician, responsible for and maintenance of equipment (as a heart-lung machine). (Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary ’95 edition) The perfusionist is the heart and the lungs of the patient while they are having open heart or by-pass surgery. A perfusionist has a daily routine similarly to those found in other professions. Also they are required to receive a college degree to be qualified to perform their job. For the hard work put into school and into their profession, the salaries are rewarded handsomely. The perfusionist may obtain his or her certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. To attain this certification, the perfusionist must have a satisfactory performance on two examinations. The first examination is that of Perfusion Basic Science Examination, after successful completion of this examination a second examination must be taken called, Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination. Once a passing score is obtained on the final exam, a perfusionist obtains his or her CCP or Certified Clinical Perfusionist status. To be eligible to take the Perfusion Basic Science Examination the applicant must have graduated from or is enrolled in accredited School of Cardiovascular Perfusion and must graduate at least four weeks prior to the date of the examination. A clinical education record documenting seventy-five (75) clinical cases must also be completed before the applicant will be considered for the examination process. To be eligible to sit for the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination the perfusionist must have first passed the Perfusion Basic Science Examination portion. In addition to this requirement, additional fifty independent clinical perfusions must be performed. (American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion)Some of the daily preparations that are performed...
