Cardiovascular perfusionists

Cardiovascular perfusionists, also known as perfusionists or clinical perfusionists, are essential members of the health-care team who provide life-saving support to patients during cardiac surgery and other medical procedures.

About cardiovascular perfusionists

Cardiovascular perfusionists are highly skilled allied health professionals who specialize in operating heart-lung machines and other life-support equipment during cardiac surgeries and other procedures. Perfusionists ensure the patient’s blood continues to circulate and remains oxygenated when the heart and lungs cannot function normally during surgery or a critical illness.

In British Columbia, cardiovascular perfusionists are integral members of the surgical team, working alongside anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other health care professionals. Their responsibilities typically include: 

  • Assembly, operation, and maintenance of cardiopulmonary bypass machines (heart-lung machines) and other equipment like ventricular assist devices (VADs), intra-aortic balloon pumps and cell saver technology 
  • Operation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems, which provide longer-term life support for patients with heart or lung failure 
  • Administration of blood products and medications as needed 
  • Monitoring and management of patient blood flow, respiratory function, oxygen levels, temperature, and other vital signs 
  • Responding rapidly to changes in a patient’s condition during surgery to stabilize the patient and ensure safe outcomes
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In general, the qualifications to practise as a cardiovascular perfusionist in British Columbia include graduation from an accredited perfusion program and completion of the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion (CSCP) national certification exam. Candidates must be eligible for membership with the CSCP or be certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. Job postings provide additional details on job requirements.

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British Columbia offers a range of job opportunities for perfusionists in operating rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), and specialized cardiac care programs within major hospitals including:’

  • BC Children’s Hospital (Vancouver)
  • Kelowna General Hospital (Kelowna)
  • Royal Columbian Hospital (New Westminster)
  • Royal Jubilee Hospital (Victoria)
  • St. Paul’s Hospital (Vancouver)
  • Vancouver General Hospital (Vancouver)
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British Columbia’s publicly funded health authorities offer comprehensive compensation packages for regular-status employees, including employer-paid benefits:

  • Wages: $62.13 – $68.10 CAD per hour (as of April 1, 2024) plus applicable shift premiums
  • Paid Vacation Time: 4 weeks per year, after first year of employment
  • Pension Plan
  • BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
  • Extended Health Care
  • Dental Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Employee and Family Assistance Plan
  • Other Benefits: such as maternity, paternity and adoption leaves
  • Relocation assistance may be available. Please consult job postings or speak with health authorities directly for more information. 
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  • The International Perfusionist Equivalency Assessment (IPEA) provides a pathway for internationally trained perfusionists to become certified to work in British Columbia. 
  • The IPEA program is offered through the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion (CSCP) in collaboration with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). 
  • American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) certified perfusionists are not required to follow the IPEA. Perfusionists that have passed the ABCP examination are automatically eligible to register for and write the CSCP exam. 
  • Contact the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion (CSCP) for more information on how to work as a perfusionist in British Columbia. 
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B.C. news for cardiovascular perfusionists

Province supports allied health workforce, improves patient care

The Province continues to put people first by launching the new Allied Health Strategic Plan (AHSP), which focuses on recruitment, retention, training and redesigning of the allied health workforce, to ensure people have access to the health-care providers they need.

Learn more about allied health workforce improving patient care

More health-care specialists, better care for British Columbians

New investments in the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) for sonography and cardiovascular perfusion programs will mean more graduates and better health care for people in British Columbia.

Learn more about more health-care specialists and better care

New strategy will help more people get the surgeries they need faster

The British Columbia government is launching a new, four-part surgical strategy aimed at reducing wait times for the health care British Columbians need.

Learn more about what B.C. is doing to help people get surgeries they need faster