1

Cardiac Surgical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Surgical Assistant, you willassistwith critical procedures and tasks related to specific ... Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or ...

If you have a passion for cardiac surgery and a commitment to patient care, we encourage you to ... surgical procedures. * Assist the surgical team from the scrub position during operations.

Showing results 41-60

Cardiac Surgical Assistant information

See salary details

$13

$27

$62

How much do cardiac surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Cardiac Surgical Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Surgical Assistant

Cleveland Clinic

Akron, OH • On-site

$45/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Cleveland Clinic rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 910 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Join Cleveland Clinic Akron General where we have been providing world-class care to the community for over 100 years. At Akron General, you will work and learn from some of the best caregivers, provide and receive multitudes of support and appreciation, and createthe steppingstonestoward a rewarding career with one of the world's most respected healthcare organizations. We strive for patient-centered care and comfort, and we are committed to serving the community and treating our patients as family.

Akron General's Operating Room (O.R.) department has a team of dedicated caregivers that work collaboratively to provide the best possible care for their surgical patients.Akron Generaloperatesa Level I Trauma Center servicing the specialties ofHeart, Vascular, Neurology, Orthopedics, Urology, Gynecology, General, Gastroenterology, Plastics, Pulmonary, Robotics, Life Banc, Eye, Maxillofacial and traumas.The caregiversin the O.R.areeagerand excited to add a Surgical Assistant to their team.As a Surgical Assistant, you willassistwith critical procedures and tasks related to specific training,scoreand orientation. You will act as a patient advocate, ensuring sterile technique to prevent infections and that every qualifying measure is done.This is a great hands-on role that will allow you to advance your skills while getting to celebrate patient successes each and every day.

A PRN caregiver in this position works varying days between8:00AM - 4:30PM. Mondays will berequired.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:

  • Assistwith critical procedures and tasks related to specific training,scoreand orientation.

  • Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other team members with respect to the requirements for the surgical procedure.

  • Use knowledge of OR procedures with respect to attire, infectioncontroland compliance practices.

  • Prepare for the procedure or surgery by participating in the performance of the safety check/universal protocol determining the specific equipment needed, reviewing permits to confirm procedures and special needs, assisting in moving and positioning the patient, selecting x-rays for reference, inserting and removing Foley urinary bladder catheter and draping the patient.

  • Support the Surgeon during the procedure or surgery by retracting tissue and organs,maintaininghemostasis by direct pressure, use ofappropriate instrumentation, placing ties or ligatures, applying chemical hemostatic agents, using electrocautery mono and bi-polar,clampingand ligating and cutting tissue.

  • Maintain integrity of the sterile field, closing all wound layers, inserting drainage tubes, applying wounddressingandassistingwith resuscitation or any other events in the OR.

  • Perform any other duties orproceduresincident to the surgical proceduredeemednecessary and directed and supervised by the surgeon.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

  • Associate's Degree

  • Graduate of a formal Surgical Assistant program

  • Certification withinfirstyear of hire. Acceptable Certifications include:

  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting

  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) - National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants

  • Surgical Assistant - Certified (SA-C) - American Board of Surgical Assistants

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross

  • Two years of peri-operative practice in an acute care facility

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross

Physical Requirements:

  • Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patient, manual and ginger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
  • Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time.
  • Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
  • Requires working under stressful conditions and irregular hours.
  • Exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.
  • Able to safely transport patients on stretchers to bed using good body mechanics.
  • Works extended hours as necessary.

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Pay Range

Minimum hourly: $45.00

Maximum hourly: $45.00

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate's actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate's work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic's benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).


What Cleveland Clinic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom