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Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Palm Health Resources is hiring an experienced Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to work in a very busy heart program! This role is primarily first assisting in the operating ...

NY · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Palm Health Resources, We are hiring an experienced cardiothoracic physician assistant in Beautiful Phoenix, Arizona! Come join our team in one of the most desirable, beautiful cities in the nation!

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Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant information

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$69.5K

$158.2K

$349.5K

How much do cardiothoracic physician assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for cardiothoracic physician assistant in the United States is $158,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cardiothoracic physician assistant?

A Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA) is a highly trained healthcare professional who works alongside cardiothoracic surgeons to care for patients undergoing heart and lung surgery. They assist in surgical procedures, perform pre- and post-operative care, conduct patient assessments, and help manage treatment plans. Cardiothoracic PAs may also perform procedures such as chest tube insertions, vein harvesting, and wound management. Their role is vital in ensuring patients receive comprehensive care throughout their surgical journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cardiothoracic physician assistant?

To thrive as a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant, you need a master's degree from an accredited PA program, national certification (PA-C), and specialized knowledge in cardiothoracic surgery. Experience with surgical instruments, patient monitoring systems, and electronic health records (EHRs) is critical, and advanced life support certifications like ACLS are often required. Excellent teamwork, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help manage complex surgical cases and support patient care before, during, and after surgery. These competencies ensure optimal surgical outcomes, patient safety, and effective collaboration with surgeons and the healthcare team.

What are some typical challenges faced by cardiothoracic physician assistants during surgical procedures?

Cardiothoracic Physician Assistants often face the challenge of working in high-pressure environments where quick decision-making and precision are crucial. During surgical procedures, they must anticipate the needs of the surgeon, manage complex instrumentation, and maintain sterile technique while assisting with tasks such as harvesting grafts or closing incisions. Additionally, they are responsible for monitoring patient stability and responding rapidly to any intraoperative complications. These challenges require strong teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under stress.

What is the difference between Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant vs Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

AspectCardiothoracic Physician AssistantCardiothoracic Surgeon
Required CredentialsMaster's degree, Physician Assistant (PA) certification, state licensureMedical degree (MD or DO), surgical residency, board certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, surgical teams under supervisionOperating rooms, surgical wards, clinics, independent practice
Roles & ResponsibilitiesAssist in surgeries, pre/post-op care, patient evaluationsPerform surgeries, diagnose, develop treatment plans, lead surgical procedures

The main difference between a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant and a Cardiothoracic Surgeon lies in their education, scope of practice, and responsibilities. Physician Assistants support surgeons and work under supervision, focusing on assisting and patient care, while surgeons perform complex surgeries independently. Both roles are vital in cardiothoracic care but differ significantly in training and autonomy.

More about Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,232 per year, or $76.1 per hour.

Pediatric Physician Assistant, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Per Diem

Nemours Children's Health

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Nemours Children's Health rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Nemours Children's Hospital, in Orlando Florida is seeking a Per Diem Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant to join our team! This position requires a minimum of 3-6 + months of experience. 

The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant is responsible for performing direct patient care services under the direction of a cardiothoracic surgeon and assists with the overall care of children receiving cardiothoracic and cardiology services at the Nemours Children's Clinic at Nemours Children's Hospital. This role also assists in the research and academic functioning of the Nemours Cardiac Center and specifically in the area of cardiothoracic services

What We Offer 

  • Competitive base compensation 
  • Comprehensive benefits: health, life, dental, vision 
  • Mortgage assistance, relocation packages and 403B with employer match
  • Licensure, CME and dues allowance 
  • Not-for-profit status; eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness No state income tax in Florida 

Qualifications   

  • Master's degree in physician assistant studies from an accredited program.
  • Current licensure as a Physician Assistant (PA) in the state of Florida.
  •  Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) preferred.
  • Inpatient APP experience strongly preferred 
  • BLS from the American Heart Association
  • 3-6 + months of experience as an APP required

#LI-LC1

Nemours Children's Health is an internationally recognized pediatric health system serving more than 1.7 million patient encounters each year. We deliver care across six states through two freestanding children's hospitals - Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware and Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida - along with a network of more than 80 primary, urgent, and specialty care practices and more than 40 hospital partnerships.
Backed by the Nemours Foundation and Alfred I. duPont Trust, our $1.7B nonprofit system is dedicated to improving children's health through clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention. Our Whole Child Health approach focuses equally on prevention and treatment, partnering with communities to help every child thrive.
Inclusion and belonging guide our strategy and growth. We are committed to culturally relevant care, reducing health disparities, and fostering an environment where every associate, patient, and family feels supported and valued.
Learn more at Nemours.org.

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About Nemours

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As one of the nation's leading pediatric health care systems, Nemours is committed to providing all children with their best chance to grow up healthy. We offer integrated, family-centered care to more than 300,000 children each year in our pediatric hospitals, specialty clinics, primary care practices, and school-based health centers in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nemours strives to ensure a healthier tomorrow for all children - even those who may never enter our doors - through our world-changing research, education and advocacy efforts.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Jacksonville, FL, US