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Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant information

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$62.2K

$219.8K

$388.8K

How much do cardiothoracic surgical first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for cardiothoracic surgical first assistant in Raleigh, NC is $219,785.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $169,600.00 and $262,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Raleigh, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $219,785 per year, or $105.7 per hour.

Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) - Cardiothoracic Surgery-Surgical APP

UNC Health

Durham, NC

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

UNC Health has an APP (NP/PA) Cardiothoracic Surgery (Operating Room) opportunity available at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, NC. We strongly prefer a candidate who is a PA or ACNP and has previous experience.

Summary:
A Physician Assistant functions as part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team in accordance with privileges approved by the credentialing committee to provide high quality, cost effective care to patients within the APPs scope of practice in collaboration with a supervising physician. The APP reflects the mission, vision, and values of the organization, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Schedule:

  • 1-2 nights of OR call per week
  • 1 weekend of OR call per month
  • 4 shifts per week

Services:

Cardiac Surgery service with a focus on highly complex patients with coronary artery disease, structural heart abnormalities, and heart failure.

The focus of this position is centered around first or second assisting during Cardiac Surgery

EVH system: Hemopro 2

Busy Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) program including LVAD, ECMO, and Impella

Participates in collaborative procedures with Cardiology such as TAVRs, TMVRs, MitraClips

May participate in education and training programs hosted by the service, including surgical resident, medical student, and PA student training.

Position Specifics:

Competitive salary with excellent benefits plan

403B retirement plan

Discretionary funds for CME, licensure, etc.

Generous PTO plan

Tuition reimbursement

Responsibilities:
1. Clinical- Obtains relevant health and medical history, performs thorough physical assessment, reviews and interprets pertinent diagnostic tests/results. Develops appropriate differential diagnoses. Develops and implements treatment plans including prescribing/ordering of appropriate evidence-based pharmacological agents consistent with departmental guidelines and privileging, and schedules appropriate follow-up management. Actively incorporates evidence-based hospital initiatives to improve patient care. Conducts preventive health screening based on age, history and patient needs. Maintains clear comprehensive yet concise records of all aspects of patient care. Maintains essential knowledge of general disease and pathologic processes. Maintains extensive knowledge of their specialty literature including awareness of developing areas. Consistently derives correct diagnoses through synthesis of clinical data and proper selection and interpretation of diagnostic studies. Develops comprehensive differential diagnoses for patients. Revises the plan of care to meet the changing needs of the patient. Prioritizes work and assists staff to provide prompt and efficient client flow. Consistently maintains high productivity according to identified standards. Leads/participates in projects to improve productivity. Appropriately performs medical procedures consistent with departmental guidelines, privileging, and clinical roles/responsibilities.
2. Education- Appropriately and professionally educates clients and/or families regarding medical condition, treatment, and follow-up. Collaborates with clinicians, staff, and students to promote continuity and patient/family centered care. Develops educational materials based on learning needs of clinicians, staff, and students. Provide education/instruction to physicians, housestaff, nursing, ancillaries and/or students. Actively recognizes and participates in identification and achievement of self-learning needs. Attends education programs based on identified learning needs.
3. Leadership- Provides instruction to physicians, housestaff, nursing, ancillaries and/or students including but not limited to precepting, shadowing, lectures, training classes, CE, rounds, morning report, and or staff meetings. Participates in community/network outreach programs. Develops/leads community/network outreach programs. Demonstrates both an understanding of the contexts and system in which healthcare is provided and the ability to apply this knowledge to improve and optimize health care delivery. Leads/participates in systems improvements.
4. Professional- Interacts with patients and families in a respectful, courteous and timely fashion using appropriate communication for the patient and situation. Interacts collaboratively with coworkers, other team members and staff in a respectful, courteous, and timely fashion appropriate to patient care needs and situations. Responds quickly to meet customer needs and resolve problems. Accepts responsibility for outcomes of one's work. Shares responsibility for overall workload with team members.
5. Quality/Research- Engages in daily continuous quality improvement by identifying and implementing processes for improvement. Consults with management in assessment, problem-solving, decision-making, and evaluating clinical/system issues and models of care. Leads interdisciplinary teams to provide integrated delivery of patient care services. Initiates and revises protocol(s) or guideline(s) to reflect evidence-based changes in care management Works to influence policy-making bodies to improve patient care. Develops new clinical programs or services within the department/unit/clinic to improve patient care.

Preferred Qualifications:

PA or ACNP strongly preferred. Previous experience strongly preferred.


Other Information

Other information:
Education Requirements:
Completion of an accredited graduate-level Advanced Practice Provider (APRN or PA) program.
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
Licensed as an Advanced Practice Provider (i.e., Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) in the state of North Carolina.
Board certification if required by the Department. DEA.
Professional Experience Requirements:
No prior experience required.3-5 years of Cardiothoracic Surgical (first or second assistant) experience strongly preferred.Proficiency with EVH using Hemopro 2 is required.

Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:
Demonstrated clinical competency.
Effective leadership skills. Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication and strong analytical skills.
Effective interaction to ensure the successful care of patients in the clinical setting.
Documentation in the medical record to substantiate accurate billing.

Contact:

Joshua Cosby

physicianrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu

Job Details

Legal Employer: STATE

Entity: UNC Faculty Physicians

Organization Unit: SOM CT

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Variable

Location of Job: US:NC: Chapel Hill

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: Yes


This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health.


Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.

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