Graduate Perfusionist

About the Role

Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC), the flagship hospital of Baylor Scott & White Health – North Texas, is growing its Perfusion department and has relocation assistance available. BUMC is a 914-bed Level 1 Trauma Center located in the Dallas metroplex. The hospital has earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 Best Hospitals list for the 33rd consecutive year, ranked #2 in DFW and #3 in Texas, and is named as a Best Regional Hospital in DFW. It is also recognized as high performing for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery, being among the top 10% in the nation.

BUMC is a #1 Teaching hospital with cardiovascular residency programs performing a wide variety of complex cardiac cases and was named to The Watson Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals 2022 for Teaching hospitals with cardiovascular residency programs.

Job Summary

The Graduate Perfusionist, guided by a supervising Perfusionist, learns to operate extracorporeal circulation equipment during medical situations requiring support or replacement of cardiopulmonary, circulatory, or respiratory functions. The Perfusionist selects the right equipment and techniques for treatment or support, including monitoring, examining, and treating physiologic conditions under a physician's order and supervision.

Essential Functions

• Receives training to monitor the altered circulatory process and learns to initiate action when abnormalities arise, keeping the surgeon and other personnel fully informed.
• Receives training to ensure the sterility and integrity of disposable equipment packaging and learns the correct setup and breakdown of all equipment.
• Receives training to monitor the cell saver and operate the heart-lung machine, blood gas examination machine, clotting time/heparin analyzer, and cardiac-assist devices.
• Receives training to mix and administer drugs and solutions for myocardial preservation, following industry best practices and established policies and procedures.
• Receives training on adjusting gas flow and mixtures and learns to administer anesthetic agents, blood, drugs, and fluids via the extracorporeal circuit safely and effectively.
• Receives education on recording relevant perfusion information during surgery and learns how to examine and maintain records after surgery.
• Receives training on performing quality control/preventive maintenance to ensure accuracy and longevity of equipment, and maintains inventory of equipment and supplies.

Key Success Factors

• Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and biology.
• Knowledge of several cardiac diseases, defects and congenital anomalies.
• Knowledge of sterile and perfusion supplies: extracorporeal oxygenators, tubing circuits, and cannulae for adults, pediatric and infants.
• Knowledge of arteries, veins, organs, and blood flow paths in the body, including understanding pressures and gas exchange for adult, pediatric, and infant patients.
• Knowledge of blood components, plasma composition, and use of blood products with extracorporeal circuits and devices.
• Skill in operating extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow orders, take directions, and implement written perfusion protocols.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively during operation of extracorporeal support devices and providing patient care.
• Learn and apply regulatory and accreditation standards for operating room procedures and departmental policies.
• Work and cooperate flexibly while learning patient care delivery, demonstrating a cohesive team approach.
• Ability to react calmly in stressful situations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited Perfusion program required.
• Less than 1 year of experience.
• Cert Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) required at time of hire/transfer.
• Licensed Perfusionist (PERFUSION) - Texas Medical Board required at time of hire/transfer.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• A Provisional Perfusionist license (PERFPROV) is required; the Texas Medical Board issues it within six months of graduation from an accredited cardiovascular perfusion program.

Benefits

• Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits (Day 1).
• 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• PTO accrual beginning Day 1.

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.