Perfusionist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Houston, TX, 77030
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 66.26-98.56 HOUR
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Position Responsibilities:
- Appropriately assess patient profile and manage Cardio Pulmonary Bypass (CPB)
- Use appropriate equipment/supplies and monitor data based on patient profile (age, condition, procedure)
- Appropriately communicate with open‐heart team personnel during procedures
- Recognize and resolve variances and abnormal situations that may arise
- Utilize all available safety devices during cardiopulmonary bypass as per departmental policy
- Demonstrate appropriate clinical vigilance and awareness before, during and after cardiopulmonary bypass
Job Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Education and Licensure:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Licensed Perfusionist in the state of Texas
- Certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
- New grads must have provisional license contingent on passing ABCP exam. Must test and pass the exam within 12 months of hire to be qualified for CCP credentials
- BLS
Minimum Experience:
- None required
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center:
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is an internationally recognized leader in research and clinical excellence that has given rise to breakthroughs in cardiovascular care neuroscience oncology transplantation and more. Our team’s efforts have led to the creation of many research programs and initiatives to develop advanced treatments found nowhere else in the world. In our commitment to advancing standards in an ever-evolving healthcare environment our new McNair Campus is designed around the human experience—modeled on evidence-based practices for the safety of patients visitors staff and physicians. The 27.5-acre campus represents the future of healthcare through a transformative alliance focused on leading-edge patient care research and education. Our strong alliance with Texas Heart® Institute and Baylor College of Medicine allows us to bring our patients a powerful network of care unlike any other. Our collaboration is focused on increasing access to care through a growing network of leading specialists and revolutionizing healthcare to save lives and improve the health of the communities we serve.
Position Summary:
Assess, plan and implement the patient care requirements and treatment necessary for ECMO, HIPEC, Cell Savers and cardiopulmonary bypass/assistance before, during or after surgery. Operate the heart/lung machine, ECMO machine, Heated Chemo machine and Cell Saver machine to support the patient.
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Frequently asked questions
Houston's medical sector, particularly in cardiovascular care, shows strong demand for perfusionists. Given the presence of top-tier facilities like Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, competition is moderate but opportunities are plentiful for certified professionals, especially with Texas licensure and ABCP certification.
Texas hospitals emphasize state licensure and American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) certification. New graduates need a provisional license and must pass the ABCP exam within a year. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is also commonly required, ensuring readiness for critical care environments.
A perfusionist in Houston should be adept at managing cardiopulmonary bypass and ECMO machines, understanding complex patient profiles, and collaborating seamlessly with surgical teams. Mastery of safety protocols and clinical vigilance during cardiac surgeries is essential in this advanced healthcare setting.
Perfusionists uniquely operate heart-lung machines and manage extracorporeal circulation during surgeries. Unlike surgeons, their focus is technical and monitoring, requiring precise adjustments based on patient status throughout procedures, making their workflow highly specialized and critical to surgical success.
Starting as a licensed perfusionist in Houston, professionals can advance to senior perfusionist roles, lead surgical support teams, or transition into research and education, especially given the strong ties with institutions like the Texas Heart® Institute and Baylor College of Medicine.
Catholic Health Initiatives fosters development through cutting-edge facilities and collaborative environments, offering access to pioneering cardiovascular research and training opportunities, particularly at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, enhancing skills and career advancement for perfusionists.
CHIs integration with top research institutions and its commitment to evidence-based practices create a uniquely advanced care environment. Perfusionists here engage with innovative treatments and a broad network of specialists, fostering a progressive and patient-centered work culture.
Perfusionists in Houston typically earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, influenced by experience, certifications, and facility prestige. Positions at renowned centers like Baylor St. Luke’s often offer competitive compensation aligned with advanced skills and responsibilities.
Houston hosts several perfusion training programs and continuing education opportunities, often linked with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Heart® Institute. These local resources support skill enhancement and certification maintenance for practicing perfusionists.
Located centrally in Houston, Baylor St. Luke’s is reachable via major highways and public transit, though traffic congestion during peak hours can extend commute times. Many perfusionists consider proximity or flexible scheduling to optimize work-life balance.