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Perfusionist vs anesthesiologist assistant

The differences between perfusionists and anesthesiologist assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an anesthesiologist assistant has an average salary of $218,010, which is higher than the $118,459 average annual salary of a perfusionist.

The top three skills for a perfusionist include patients, patient care and heart-lung machine. The most important skills for an anesthesiologist assistant are patients, OB, and pain management.

Perfusionist vs anesthesiologist assistant overview

PerfusionistAnesthesiologist Assistant
Yearly salary$118,459$218,010
Hourly rate$56.95$104.81
Growth rate6%28%
Number of jobs22,33914,137
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Average age4339
Years of experience--

What does a perfusionist do?

A perfusionist is a healthcare expert who specializes in operating machinery that helps patients maintain blood flow during cardiac surgeries. As a member of a cardiothoracic surgical team, their duties also include monitoring the patient's vital signs, preparing cardiopulmonary bypass machines, meeting with team members before the surgery to identify the patient's needs, and developing strategies with the surgeons. Moreover, as a perfusionist, it is vital to maintain an active communication line with team members to ensure the surgery's success and the patients' safety.

What does an anesthesiologist assistant do?

The anesthesiologist assistant helps in administering anesthesia to patients who will undergo surgical procedures. In surgery, the assistant works primarily under a head anesthesiologist whenever a patient will experience specific operations. The anesthesiologist is a position that is in demand in many healthcare facilities. An anesthesiologist's added responsibilities are determining the required type of anesthesia to use, learning added techniques, and being updated on medical advancements in this field.

Perfusionist vs anesthesiologist assistant salary

Perfusionists and anesthesiologist assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

PerfusionistAnesthesiologist Assistant
Average salary$118,459$218,010
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $209,000Between $100,000 And $471,000
Highest paying CityRochester, MNAtlanta, GA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaGeorgia
Best paying companyEssentia HealthUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore
Best paying industryHealth CareGovernment

Differences between perfusionist and anesthesiologist assistant education

There are a few differences between a perfusionist and an anesthesiologist assistant in terms of educational background:

PerfusionistAnesthesiologist Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianNursing
Most common collegeUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of Pennsylvania

Perfusionist vs anesthesiologist assistant demographics

Here are the differences between perfusionists' and anesthesiologist assistants' demographics:

PerfusionistAnesthesiologist Assistant
Average age4339
Gender ratioMale, 61.2% Female, 38.8%Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 10.5% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 10.8% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage10%12%

Differences between perfusionist and anesthesiologist assistant duties and responsibilities

Perfusionist example responsibilities.

  • Manage floor, ICU and rehab in-patients as well as respond to ER and hospital consultation.
  • Manage patients who suffer respiratory/cardiac arrest per ACLS protocol.
  • Operate centrifugal ventricular assist devices, intra-aortic balloon pump, and cell saver devices.
  • Assist surgical team by passing instruments sutures, sponges, holding retractors and suctioning patient.
  • Monitor and assist during general, gyn, plastic, ortho, and peds cases.
  • Monitor pet's pulse and oxygen rates during surgical procedures for their safety and post surgery supportive care.
  • Show more

Anesthesiologist assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage use of anesthesia machine and mechanical ventilation.
  • Monitor the patient's vital signs, level of anesthesia, and administer anesthesia medication during surgery.
  • Prepare daily surgery charts and necessary medical equipment.
  • Stock all carts, assist in intubation and procedures
  • Assist in staff teaching, certifications, procedures, CPR, etc.
  • Administer anesthesia to surgical patients daily in suburban hospital setting.
  • Show more

Perfusionist vs anesthesiologist assistant skills

Common perfusionist skills
  • Patients, 32%
  • Patient Care, 12%
  • Heart-Lung Machine, 8%
  • ECMO, 8%
  • Life Support, 4%
  • Blood Products, 4%
Common anesthesiologist assistant skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • OB, 17%
  • Pain Management, 10%
  • CRNA, 6%
  • Advanced Life Support, 5%
  • Intubation, 5%

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