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Cardiac Surgery First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sentara

Cardiac Surgical Assistant

Norfolk, VA

$10K/mo

Shift: Full Time, First Shift Overview of Heart Hospital Sentara Norfolk General/Sentara Heart ... The Heart Hospital Cardiac Surgery program has dedicated CVOR rooms, served by a dedicated cardiac ...

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Cardiac Surgery First Assistant information

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$10

$67

$125

How much do cardiac surgery first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cardiac surgery first assistant in the United States is $67.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $92.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a cardiac surgery first assistant?

To become a cardiac surgery first assistant, one typically needs to complete a registered nursing or surgical assisting program, gain experience as a surgical nurse or technologist, and obtain certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA). Strong knowledge of cardiac procedures, excellent manual dexterity, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments are essential. Licensing and hospital credentialing are also required before practicing in this role.

Where do cardiac surgery first assistants make the most money?

Cardiac surgery first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high volume of cardiac procedures and a strong healthcare infrastructure, such as major metropolitan areas or regions with specialized cardiac centers. Salary levels are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of cases handled, with larger hospitals often offering higher compensation packages.

Who can be a cardiac surgery first assistant?

A cardiac surgery first assistant is typically a trained healthcare professional such as a surgical technologist, physician assistant, or nurse with specialized training in cardiac procedures. They must have relevant certifications, clinical experience, and knowledge of surgical instruments and protocols to assist the surgeon during cardiac operations.

What cities are hiring for Cardiac Surgery First Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Cardiac Surgery First Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Cardiac Surgery First Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cardiac Surgery First Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Cardiac Surgery First Assistant jobs?

For Cardiac Surgery First Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cardiac Surgery First Assistant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,766 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

Cardiac Surgical Assistant - (SA)- Cardiac OR

Cleveland, OH • On-site

University Hospitals
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University Hospitalsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Hospitals rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 626 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Serving at our health system’s most advanced and complex cardiac surgery center, the UH Cleveland Medical First Assistant team performs a variety of state of the art surgeries and procedures giving our team a well-rounded experience in coronary, valve, transplant, robotic, and structural heart disease including hybrid structural and aortic interventions. Cardiac First Assistants support every cardiac surgery case across our system in and out of the operating room, including emergencies within the hospital and procedures in the cardiac cath lab.  RNFA, Physician Assistant or Surgical Assist will be considered.  Cardiac OR experience strongly preferred.  

When you join UH, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes, but is not limited to:

  • Competitive salary
  • Competitive hourly rate + $5.25 additional hourly incentive pay 
  • $8,000 sign on bonus
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement and pension plans

  • Free parking for regular-status employees

*salary range listed reflects entry level SA position and changes based on clinical expertise and experience

A Brief Overview

The Cardiac First Assist works under the direction and supervision of the attending physician to provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate the needs of the surgical patient during the perioperative period. The First Assist will 1st and/or 2nd assist cardiac surgical procedures. The First Assist will cover regional call to support the Cardiac Surgery program across the system as well as covering call for Transplant, both donor and recipient, which requires the ability to travel in cars, ambulances, planes and helicopters.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.
  • For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
  • Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
Qualifications - External

RNFA

  • Graduation of approved RN Program (Required) and

  • Completion of state approved RNFA course (Required)

  • less than 1 year Minimum of 6 months taking Second call for Cardiac Surgery service line (Required)

  • Registered Nurse (RN), Ohio and/or Multi State Compact License (Required Upon Hire) and
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) (Preferred within 6 Months) and
  • Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) (Required) and
  • Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) (Preferred)
  • RNFA registration with OBN (Required)

Surgical Assistant

  • Graduation of approved SA Program (Required)

  • less than 1 year experience taking Second Call for Cardiac service line (Required)

  • National certification from National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) (Preferred) or
  • National certification from Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) (Preferred) or
  • National certification from American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) (Preferred)

Physician Assistant

  • Associate's Degree in healthcare related field with emphasis on clinical practice. (Required) or

  • Bachelor's Degree in healthcare related field with emphasis on clinical practice (Required) and

  • Master's Degree in healthcare related field with emphasis on clinical practice. (Preferred)

  • 1+ years of Cardiac Surgery experience as a Level 1 (Preferred) 

  • Current license to practice in Ohio (Required) and
  • Professional Certifications as required by OSMB- additional certifications (Preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Must demonstrate proficiency in taking Second Call (Required proficiency)
  • Advanced Life Support Equipment knowledge (Required proficiency)
  • Excellent leadership and interpersonal s

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About University Hospitals

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For more than 155 years, University Hospitals has been on a mission to heal, teach and discover. As a renowned academic medical center and community hospital network, we’ve expanded across Northeast Ohio to deliver what matters most to our patients: personalized, compassionate care; medical discovery and breakthroughs; and high-quality, affordable care close to home.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US

Year founded

1866

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