Clinical Perfusionist
A Clinical Perfusionist is a key member of the cardiac surgical team, working with Surgeons, the Anaesthetist, Theatre Nurses and other support staff. They control the activity of machines that pump blood around the patient's body and replace carbon dioxide with oxygen in the patient's bloodstream. It's a role that requires high levels of knowledge and understanding, both about how the human body works and the machines on which the patient will rely.
Clinical Perfusionists are playing an important part in extending the frontiers of surgery to encompass heart valve repair, bypass surgery, and heart and other major organ transplants. The work can be demanding. A liver transplant, for example, can take up to 15 hours, throughout which time the Clinical Perfusionist must keep the patient's pulmonary system stable. Techniques learned in heart and transplant surgery are also being applied in treatment of cardiac and respiratory failure and some skin cancers.
Because of their unique skills, Clinical Perfusionists are also involved across a range of activities that involve blood processing techniques, monitoring vital parameters, and interpreting blood gas and chemistry. Some are engaged in research that is exploring how the ability to replace human blood circulation by mechanical means can be used in new treatments.
Entry Requirements
Clinical Perfusionists require an MSc qualification for registration. The normal entry requirements for an MSc are an appropriate honours science degree such as Biomedical Science. The minimum entry requirements for a degree in Biomedical Science are three Highers, including biology or chemistry.
However, entry requirements vary between courses and alternative qualifications may be accepted – check individual university prospectuses for details.
It is important to note that many 'science' degrees e.g. Sports Science are not considered sufficient grounding. Therefore, anyone considering Perfusion as a career should look carefully at the content of any first degree they choose to make sure it won't preclude them at a later date. Graduates with unacceptable degrees will not be able to find a trainee Perfusion position. Further advice on this is available from Society of Perfusionists of Great Britain and Ireland (see 'Further Information' below).
Training
You must first be employed as a trainee Clinical Perfusionist before being accepted for the MSc course. The North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT) is the only qualifying MSc course in the country (see below for NESCOT contact details).
Career Prospects
After you have qualified, progress to senior positions will depend on the special responsibilities you take up, advanced qualifications you acquire, and the level of your involvement in clinical research.
As the role of the Clinical Perfusionist continues to develop, you will be encouraged to participate in further learning and research, and help to extend the horizons of practice.
How to apply
Click here to search for NHS Scotland vacancies for Clinical Perfusionists.
Vacancies for trainee Perfusionists may be advertised in New Scientist or Perfusionist, the journal of the Society of Perfusionists of Great Britain and Ireland.
Information on Perfusion MSc can be obtained from The North East Surrey College of Technology
Further Information
For further information on careers as a Clinical Perfusionist, please contact
The Society of Perfusionists of Great Britain and Ireland.
