ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cardiac Surgical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sentara

Cardiac Surgical Assistant

Norfolk, VA

$10K/mo

Sentara is hiring a Cardiac Surgical Assistant I at Sentara Norfolk General's Heart Hospital, in Norfolk, Virginia. Sign on Bonus up to $15,000 offered for qualified candidates. Relocation packages ...

MedStar Health

Cardiac Surgical Asst

Baltimore, MD

Acts as assistant to the attending surgeon during all cardiac surgical cases including but not limited to: the opening and closing of sternotomy, arterial and venous cannulation and decannulation ...

MedStar Health

Cardiac Surgical Asst

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Acts as assistant to the attending surgeon during all cardiac surgical cases including but not limited to: the opening and closing of sternotomy arterial and venous cannulation and decannulation ...

AP Health

Cardiac Surgical Assistant

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

AP Health is seeking a highly experienced Surgical Assistant to join our team in the greater South Florida area. A successful candidate must have at least 2+ years of experience in cardiac surgery.

AP Health

Cardiac Surgical Assistant

Boca Raton, FL

AP Health is seeking a highly experienced Surgical Assistant to join our team in the greater South Florida area. A successful candidate must have at least 2+ years of experience in cardiac surgery.

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsCardiac Surgical Assistant Jobs

Cardiac Surgical Assistant information

See salary details

$13

$27

$62

How much do cardiac surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cardiac surgical assistant in the United States is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cardiac Surgical Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cardiac Surgical Assistant, you need a background in surgical technology or physician assisting, a solid understanding of cardiac anatomy, and certification such as CSA or PA-C. Familiarity with surgical instruments, cardiopulmonary bypass machines, and electronic medical record systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this high-stakes environment. These skills ensure patient safety, surgical efficiency, and effective collaboration within the cardiac surgery team.

What are some typical challenges faced by Cardiac Surgical Assistants during complex procedures and how are they addressed?

Cardiac Surgical Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected complications during surgery, maintaining precise coordination with the surgical team, and adapting quickly to changes in patient condition. Effective communication, strong knowledge of cardiac anatomy, and proficiency with specialized surgical instruments are essential to address these issues. Additionally, ongoing training and simulation exercises help assistants stay prepared for high-pressure situations and ensure patient safety throughout complex procedures.

What are Cardiac Surgical Assistants?

Cardiac Surgical Assistants are specialized healthcare professionals who work closely with cardiac surgeons during heart surgeries and related procedures. They help prepare the operating room, assist with surgical instruments, and perform critical tasks such as tissue retraction, suturing, and hemostasis. Their role is vital for ensuring that surgeries are conducted efficiently and safely, and they often play a part in pre- and post-operative patient care. Cardiac Surgical Assistants typically have advanced training in surgical techniques, anatomy, and sterile procedures.

What is the difference between Cardiac Surgical Assistant vs Cardiovascular Technologist?

AspectCardiac Surgical AssistantCardiovascular Technologist
CredentialsCertification or training in surgical assisting, CPRCertification in cardiovascular technology, ARDMS or CCI
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms, assisting during cardiac surgeriesDiagnostic labs, cath labs, assisting with imaging and procedures
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, cardiac surgery teamsHospitals, diagnostic labs, cardiology clinics

While both roles support cardiac care, Cardiac Surgical Assistants focus on assisting during surgeries in the operating room, requiring surgical assisting skills. Cardiovascular Technologists primarily perform diagnostic procedures and imaging, working in labs and clinics. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Cardiac Surgical Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs are:
Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cardiac Surgical Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Cardiac Surgical Assistant

Cardiac Surgical Assistant

Sentara

Norfolk, VA

$10K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Sentara Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 377 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

489th of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

City/State

Norfolk, VA

Work Shift

Rotating

Overview:

Sentara is hiring a Cardiac Surgical Assistant I at Sentara Norfolk General's Heart Hospital, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Sign on Bonus up to $15,000 offered for qualified candidates. Relocation packages available!

Shift: Full Time, First Shift

Overview of Heart Hospital

Sentara Norfolk General/Sentara Heart Hospital is a comprehensive, Level 1 Trauma center, located in Norfolk, VA. The Heart Hospital Cardiac Surgery program has dedicated CVOR rooms, served by a dedicated cardiac OR team, who perform high volume, complex open-heart CABG, Valve, Aortic, and Structural cases (TAVR). We also serve as the regional center for ECMO/MCS, Heart Transplant, and Aortic dissection cares.

Overview

The Certified Surgical Assistant anticipates the needs of the surgical team, the Surgical Assistant assists the surgeon with tasks such as selecting equipment, set up of various tables and positioning equipment, providing retraction for visualization of surgical site, cauterization of bleeding vessels, suturing and closure of incision, instillation of medications, application of surgical dressings, splints, and casts. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant uses effective interdisciplinary communication to facilitate optimal patient outcomes.

Graduate of CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited Surgical Assistant Program

Surgical Assistant license required for appropriate state of practice

Education

  • Surgical Assistant Trade School Degree REQUIRED

Certification/Licensure

  • Virginia Surgical Assistant License REQUIRED
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification REQUIRED

Experience

  • Cardiac experience strongly preferred

KEYWORDS: Talroo - Allied Health. CST. Surg Assist. CFS. Surgical Assistant. Certified Surgical Assistant. Surgical First Assist. NBSTSA. NCCT. Cardiac. CVOR. Cardiac Surgical Assistant. Cardiac Surg Assist. Cardiac First Assist. Certified First Assist. #LI-BA1

.

Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career

Medical, Dental, Vision plans
Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to $10,000
Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
Emergency Backup Care
Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
Life Insurance
401k/403B with Employer Match
Tuition Assistance - $5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
Student Debt Pay Down - $10,000
Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
Pet Insurance
Legal Resources Plan
Colleagues may have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met
Here at Sentara, we are committed to consistently enhancing our training, advancement tracks, work-life benefits, and more. Our goal is to make you feel more excited to be here every day!

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, located in Norfolk, VA, is a 525-bed tertiary care facility that is home to the only Level I Adult Trauma Center and burn trauma unit in Hampton Roads, and also serves as the primary teaching hospital for Eastern Virginia Medical School.

In addition to the high-quality heart program at Sentara Heart Hospital, our facility is home to Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance and several other dedicated facilities and specialized services. As a recognized accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, our hospital specializes in heart and vascular, neurosciences, neurosurgery, urology, oncology, spine care, advanced imaging, behavioral health, maternity, and women's health, including a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit.

Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.


In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.

For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:

Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

What Sentara Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply