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Cardiac Surgical Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

The Grey Group

Physician Assistant

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$106K - $144K/yr

Physician Assistant to function as our Cardiac Surgery PA. The practice is EXTREMELY busy but very PA friendly, work 3-4, 12's, day/night rotation. Our PAs are involved in all aspects of the ICU and ...

The Grey Group

Physician Assistant

Falls Church, VA

$106K - $144K/yr

Physician Assistant to function as our Cardiac Surgery PA. The practice is EXTREMELY busy but very PA friendly, work 3-4, 12's, day/night rotation. Our PAs are involved in all aspects of the ICU and ...

MedStar Health

Surgical Tech MAS

Washington, DC · On-site

$29.73 - $53.49/hr

Performs a variety of technical duties to assist with surgery. Primary Duties and Responsibilities ... Licenses and Certifications - CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for ...

MedStar Health

Surgical Tech MAS

Washington, DC · On-site

$29.73 - $53.49/hr

Performs a variety of technical duties to assist with surgery. Primary Duties and Responsibilities ... CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either ...

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Cardiac Surgical Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$14

$28

$65

How much do cardiac surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cardiac surgical assistant in Reston, VA is $28.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cardiac surgical assistant?

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 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.

How long does it take to become a cardiac surgical assistant?

Becoming a cardiac surgical assistant typically requires completing a relevant healthcare training program, such as a surgical technology or cardiovascular technology program, which can take from 1 to 2 years. Additionally, gaining clinical experience and obtaining certification, such as the Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) credential, can take several months to a year after training.

How to become a cardiac surgical assistant?

To become a cardiac surgical assistant, one typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a specialized training program or certification in surgical assisting. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in healthcare or surgical settings, and certification from organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) can enhance job prospects.

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.

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.

How much does a cardiac surgical assistant make?

A cardiac surgical assistant typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification. Salaries can vary based on healthcare facility and whether the role is in a hospital or surgical center, with some positions offering additional benefits and overtime pay.

What are popular job titles related to Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs in Reston, VA?

For Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Cardiac Surgical Assistant job openings:

Cardiac Surgical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cardiac Surgical Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, and 89% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,427 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Sr Cardiac Surgical Assistant

MedStar Health

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Medstar Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 239 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

About the Job
General Summary of Position
Works as first or second assistant during open heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. Assists with the pre-and post- operative care of the cardiac surgical patient. May assist the Chief and Assistant Chief in the coordination of case load and assignments as well as providing direction and assistance to the more junior staff including Cardiac Surgical Assistants. May perform harvest procedure(s) at a facility other than WHC.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Reviews and interprets as appropriate the patient chart medical history the coronary arterial cine films and other cath lab data as it relates to the patient's condition and care with the attending physician and receives an overview of the planned procedure. Brings items of interest/concern to the attending physician.
  • Recognizes abnormalities of electrocardiogram in the OR and ICU settings and takes appropriate action to assist in the correction and stabilization of the arrhythmias and hemodynamic parameters of the patient.
  • PERFORMS THE MORE COMPLEX SENIOR LEVEL CARDIAC SURGICAL ASSISTANT DUTIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
  • Inserting the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) catheter percutaneously. Preparing the patient for arterial and venous cannulation. Opening the sternum utilizing mid-line sternotomy technique. Harvesting and preparing the Right and Left Internal Mammary Arteries for conduit purposes. Closing the mid-line sternotomy utilizing the physician's preferred technique after the physician is confident the hemodynamic parameters and heart function are stable all graft and cannulation sites are hemostatic and graft positioning and flow through the grafts are as desired. Teaching/mentoring less experienced staff and conducting in-services as possible.
  • PERFORMS THE DUTIES OF A CARDIAC SURGICAL ASSISTANT INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
  • Providing proper patient positioning and ensuring proper body alignment for the patient undergoing open heart and other vascular and thoracic procedures. Ensuring/maintaining a sterile field during surgical procedures by following AORN standards/protocols e.g. providing proper prepping and draping. Monitoring the patient during the different medical procedures e.g. pacemaker insertion myocardial biopsy etc. Inserting the Foley catheter and rectal temperature probe as directed by the attending physician. Inserting the Foley catheter and rectal temperature probe as directed by the attending physician. Assisting in the placement of pacing wires.
  • Harvesting of the arterial and venous conduits including the radial artery saphenous vein lesser saphenous vein and or cephalic vein to be used for bypass grafting utilizing the surgeons preferred harvesting technique then using standard protocol preparing these veins/arteries with the assurance that all branches have been ligated and that there are no leaks or injuries present.
  • Establishing intravenous lines both peripherally and/or femorally as the need arises. Placing arterial lines via femoral or radial approach for monitoring purposes or to obtain blood samples. Performing arterial and venous cut down via the femoral radial or brachial approach as warranted. Repairing arteriotomies and veinotomies ensuring adequate homeostasis has been obtained and good distal pulses and blood flows are evident.
  • Assisting in cannulation and decannulation techniques for On bypass procedures.
  • Obtaining homeostasis of all wounds where the veins/arteries have been harvested and properly closing all of these incisions.
  • Closing fascia and skin incisions.
  • Dressing wounds and wrapping extremities as necessary.
  • Obtaining cultures from surgical wounds for appropriate tests and caring for such including dressing cleaning and debridement.
  • Obtaining post-operative cardiac parameters and ensuring patient stability and notifying the attending physician of any seen or suspected abnormalities.
  • Assisting in the preparation of the patient for transport and accompanying the patient to a designated unit/area and giving the patient information to the appropriate personnel there.
  • Attending rounds with attending physician(s) and support personnel.
  • Initiating and/or assisting with CPR when appropriate.
  • Attends cath. and surgical conferences in-service training and continuing medical education programs as appropriate to maintain clinical expertise and/or certification. Assisting in the collection and compiling of data in support of biomedical research. Providing back-up support to the cardiovascular laboratory and other services as deemed necessary by the surgeon in charge of the case.
    • Minimal Qualifications
    Education
    • Associate's degree or higher level degree required or
    • Equivalent training such as graduation from National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner program RN First Assistant program foreign medical school or directly related discipline required
    Experience
    • 5 years' experience as a Surgery Assistant or equivalent required
    • Minimum of two years' experience in an active cardiac program exhibiting a high degree of understanding regarding hemodynamic principles for the cardiac patient and how they relate to patient management required
    • Experience demonstrating the ability to assess these parameters and precisely relay the information to the appropriate physician or support personnel required
    Licenses and Certifications
    • Licensed Surgical Assistant in the District of Columbia required
    • Health Services \ Certified Surgical Assist - CSA from the National Surgical Assistants Association required or
    • Equivalent certification licensure or degree required

    This position has a hiring range of
    USD $48.34 - USD $83.33 /Hr.

    What Medstar Health employees say

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    About Medstar Health

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

    Industry

    Health care and social assistance

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Columbia, MD, US

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