Perfusion Technologist
Operates the heart-lung machine and related equipment that support circulation during surgery.
Overview
Perfusion Technologists are trained to operate the equipment used during a surgery that support the functioning of lungs and the heart. Perfusion means the passage of blood or other fluid through the blood vessels or other natural channels in an organ or tissue.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Large surgical centres
Work environment
You will usually work in a typical operating room within a hospital or a large surgical centre. You are likely to work more than 40 hours a week, which may vary from hospital to hospital and season to season.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have interest in understanding how the human body functions
- You are a careful and organised person
- You can comfortably talk with everyone
- You like to work in teams
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Perfusion Technology.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree and then pursue a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in Perfusion Technology.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Perfusion Technology.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Perfusion Technology. Note the caution in "Sources and update notice" below before relying on this list.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- St Johns Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka
- Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka
- MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Junior Perfusion Technologist
- 3Senior Perfusion Technologist
- 4Head of the Department
Expected income
₹8,600 – ₹1,60,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Cardiologist
Medical expert in the care of the heart and blood vessels, including heart rhythm and heart failure.
Medical Technician
Runs medical equipment and procedures — MRI, X-ray, ECG, EEG — and keeps instruments working.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Bijender Singh Bali — Looking to work as a doctor, he chanced upon the career of perfusion technology after he secured lower ranks in entrance exams and was only eligible for paramedical courses. After finishing his perfusion programme in 2005, Bali joined Narayana Hrudayalaya Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bangalore, one of the world's largest paediatric hospitals. In 2007, he moved to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute and Research centre, where he is now heading the Department of Paediatric Perfusion.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 399 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Perfusionist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The institute list printed on this card is largely the dental-college list that also appears on the Periodontist card — it includes Government Dental College Ahmedabad, Nair Hospital Dental College, Army College of Dental Sciences and KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, none of which relate to perfusion technology. Those dental entries are left out here and the remaining institutes are kept as printed; verify perfusion-technology courses on each institute's official website before applying. The card also places Christian Medical College, Vellore in Karnataka; it is in Tamil Nadu.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.