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Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Michigan

Corewell Health

Surgical First Assist

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

Scope of work The Surgical Techhnologist First Assistant (STFA) possessing advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and utilizing extensive patient assessment skills, collaborates with all ...

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Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant information

What is a cardiothoracic surgical first assistant?

A Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant is a highly trained healthcare professional who works closely with surgeons during cardiothoracic procedures, such as heart and lung surgeries. Their primary role is to assist the surgeon by providing direct support in the operating room, including tasks like tissue handling, suturing, controlling bleeding, and ensuring the sterile field is maintained. They help improve surgical outcomes and efficiency, acting as an essential member of the surgical team. Typically, they have advanced training in surgical techniques and may come from backgrounds like physician assisting, nursing, or surgical technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cardiothoracic surgical first assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant, you need in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, human anatomy, and sterile techniques, typically supported by formal surgical assistant training and certification such as CSFA or CSA. Proficiency in using surgical instruments, operating room technologies, and patient monitoring systems is essential. Excellent attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure patient safety, support seamless surgical procedures, and contribute to successful outcomes in high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges faced by cardiothoracic surgical first assistants during complex procedures?

Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected complications during surgery, maintaining clear communication with the surgical team in high-pressure situations, and adapting quickly to changes in the operative plan. They must also stay focused for long hours, especially during intricate procedures, and ensure all surgical instruments and equipment are handled efficiently. Developing strong collaboration skills and staying up-to-date with the latest surgical techniques are essential for overcoming these challenges and contributing effectively to successful patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant vs Cardiovascular Technologist?

AspectCardiothoracic Surgical First AssistantCardiovascular Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical Assistant, CPR, specialized trainingCertification (RCVT), associate degree or post-secondary training
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms during surgeries, hospitalsCardiac catheterization labs, hospitals, clinics
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, cardiac surgery teamsHospitals, diagnostic labs, cardiology clinics

The main difference is that Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistants actively participate in surgeries, assisting surgeons during procedures, while Cardiovascular Technologists primarily operate diagnostic equipment and assist in testing. Both roles require specialized training, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

How to become a cardiothoracic surgical first assistant?

To become a cardiothoracic surgical first assistant, one typically needs to complete a relevant healthcare degree such as a surgical technology, nursing, or physician assistant program, followed by specialized training or certification in cardiothoracic surgery assistance. Gaining experience in surgical settings and obtaining certification from organizations like the American Board of Surgical Assistants can enhance job prospects.

Where do cardiothoracic surgical first assistants make the most money?

Cardiothoracic surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high volume of specialized cardiac and thoracic surgeries, such as large metropolitan hospitals or academic medical centers. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in urban or well-funded healthcare systems can also influence earning potential.

What are popular job titles related to Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant jobs in Michigan?

For Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Cardiothoracic OR | Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant | Henry Ford St. John

Southfield, MI • On-site

Henry Ford Health System
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 570 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents

Learn more about Henry Ford Health Systemexternal

$100K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Location: 22101 Moross Road Detroit, MI

Status: Full-Time | Days

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8-hour shifts with rotating call and weekends.

Setting: 75% Inpatient, 25% Outpatient.  Adult Patients.

Call/Weekends: Weekend rotating every 3rd weekend.  No call.

Position Overview:

Henry Ford Health is seeking a full-time Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to join our Cardiothoracic Surgery team at Henry Ford St. John Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to provide specialized care for critically ill patients with complex cardiovascular disease, postoperative cardiothoracic surgical patients, and those requiring advanced life-support therapies. Working alongside experienced cardiothoracic surgeons and intensivists, the APP will play an integral role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. Candidates must have at least one year of prior cardiothoracic surgery experience.

Why Henry Ford Health

        Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits

        Supportive, collaborative systemwide team

        Meaningful impact on employee health and safety

Employment contingent upon credentialing and completion of Employee Health screening per HFHS policy.

Qualifications:

  • NP or PA graduate from an accredited program
  • Current Michigan licensure
  • National certification (ANCC, AANP, or NCCPA)
  • BLS, ACLS certified
  • Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assist
  • Preferred, Cardiology or Surgery Experience

Education & Training

        Nurse Practitioner (NP): Completion of a Nurse Practitioner program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)

        Physician Assistant (PA): Completion of a Physician Assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)

Licensure

        Current licensure as a Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant in the State of Michigan, or in the process of applying (proof of application required)

Certification

        NP: National certification by a certification body recognized by the State of Michigan (e.g., ANCC, AANP)

        PA: Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Required Certifications

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) - required
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - required (may be obtained after hire)

DEA / Controlled Substance Licensure

  • PA: DEA and Michigan Controlled Substance License (CSL) required through credentialing
  • NP: DEA registration required through credentialing; NPs do not hold a Michigan CSL and will use their Michigan license number during the application process
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About Henry Ford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Henry Ford Health provides a full continuum of services from Primary and Preventative care, to Complex and Cpecialty care, Health Insurance, a full suite of home health offerings, Virtual care, Pharmacy, Eye care and other Healthcare retail. It is one of the Nation’s leading Academic Medical Centers, recognized for Clinical excellence in Cancer care, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Sports medicine, and Multi organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the top five NIH funded institutions in Michigan, Henry Ford Health engages in more than 2,000 research projects annually. Equally committed to educating the next generation of Health Professionals, Henry Ford Health trains more than 4,000 Medical students, Residents and fellows every year across 50+ accredited programs. With more than 33,000 valued team members, Henry Ford Health is also among Michigan’s largest and most Diverse employers, including nearly 6,000 physicians and researchers from the Henry Ford Medical Group, Henry Ford Physician Network and Jackson Health Network.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1915

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Benefits

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