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Polysomnograph technician vs perfusionist

The differences between polysomnograph technicians and perfusionists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a perfusionist has an average salary of $118,459, which is higher than the $52,875 average annual salary of a polysomnograph technician.

The top three skills for a polysomnograph technician include patients, polysomnographic technologist and patient care. The most important skills for a perfusionist are patients, patient care, and heart-lung machine.

Polysomnograph technician vs perfusionist overview

Polysomnograph TechnicianPerfusionist
Yearly salary$52,875$118,459
Hourly rate$25.42$56.95
Growth rate-6%
Number of jobs58,23722,339
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does a polysomnograph technician do?

In the medical industry, a Polysomnograph Technician is a health professional who specializes in conducting tests and examinations to diagnose and treat different sleeping conditions, all while under the supervision of a physician or polysomnographic technologist. Their responsibilities include assisting patients by preparing them for the examinations, answering inquiries, and helping them understand the procedures, making them feel comfortable every step of the way. A Polysomnograph Technician reviews patient histories, monitors the patients' brain functions in their sleep, and records all observations and progress.

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.

Polysomnograph technician vs perfusionist salary

Polysomnograph technicians and perfusionists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Polysomnograph TechnicianPerfusionist
Average salary$52,875$118,459
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $72,000Between $67,000 And $209,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CARochester, MN
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMinnesota
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyEssentia Health
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between polysomnograph technician and perfusionist education

There are a few differences between a polysomnograph technician and a perfusionist in terms of educational background:

Polysomnograph TechnicianPerfusionist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of Connecticut

Polysomnograph technician vs perfusionist demographics

Here are the differences between polysomnograph technicians' and perfusionists' demographics:

Polysomnograph TechnicianPerfusionist
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 40.5% Female, 59.5%Male, 61.2% Female, 38.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between polysomnograph technician and perfusionist duties and responsibilities

Polysomnograph technician example responsibilities.

  • Perform CPAP desensitization clinics for patients before titration study.
  • Attend field relate seminars and conventions to keep the lab up to date with the latest AASM standards.
  • Use of electrophysiology methods such as EMG and evoke potentials to monitor the functional integrity of neural structures.
  • Apply sensors/electrodes according to AASM standards, perform physiologic calibrations to assure proper signals and make adjustments as necessary.
  • Administer and coordinate video and epilepsy monitoring units.
  • Apply electrodes on pediatric and geriatric patients according to accept published standards.
  • Show more

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

Polysomnograph technician vs perfusionist skills

Common polysomnograph technician skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • Polysomnographic Technologist, 10%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • RPSGT, 6%
  • Sleep Studies, 5%
  • Sleep Disorders, 3%
Common perfusionist skills
  • Patients, 32%
  • Patient Care, 12%
  • Heart-Lung Machine, 8%
  • ECMO, 8%
  • Life Support, 4%
  • Blood Products, 4%

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