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Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calling all Cardiac Surgery Physician Assistants for a great full-time position in Sunny South Florida!!! An active Florida State license, active DEA, and Cardiac surgical experience are required.

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Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery information

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$113.5K

$213.1K

$270.5K

How much do physician assistant cardiac surgery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for physician assistant cardiac surgery in the United States is $213,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $154,000.00 and $250,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physician assistant cardiac surgery?

Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery professionals are highly trained healthcare providers who assist cardiac surgeons during heart surgeries and provide pre- and post-operative care to patients. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient histories, conducting physical exams, assisting during surgical procedures, and managing patient recovery. These PAs play a crucial role in ensuring surgical procedures run smoothly and that patients receive comprehensive care throughout their treatment.

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

To thrive as a Physician Assistant in Cardiac Surgery, you need an accredited PA degree, NCCPA certification, and specialized experience or training in cardiothoracic surgery. Familiarity with surgical instruments, electronic medical records (EMRs), and advanced life-support systems is crucial. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set outstanding PAs apart in this demanding field. These skills ensure safe, efficient surgical care and optimal patient outcomes in high-stakes environments.

What are the most common challenges faced by physician assistants in cardiac surgery, and how can they prepare for them?

Physician Assistants (PAs) in Cardiac Surgery often encounter challenges such as managing high-pressure situations in the operating room, adapting to rapidly changing patient conditions, and coordinating care across multidisciplinary teams. To prepare, PAs should develop strong technical skills, maintain up-to-date knowledge of cardiac surgical procedures, and practice effective communication with surgeons, nurses, and other staff. Building resilience and learning from experienced colleagues can also help PAs navigate the demands of this fast-paced and critical specialty.

What is the difference between Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery vs Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant?

AspectPhysician Assistant Cardiac SurgeryCardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant
CredentialsMaster's degree, NCCPA certification, surgical assisting trainingMaster's degree, NCCPA certification, surgical assisting training
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms, cardiac ICU, pre- and post-op careOperating rooms, thoracic and cardiac units, outpatient clinics
Employer & IndustryHospitals, cardiac surgery centers, academic medical centersHospitals, specialized surgical centers, academic institutions

Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistants share similar credentials and work environments, often assisting in cardiac and thoracic surgeries. The main difference lies in their specific focus areas; the former specializes primarily in cardiac procedures, while the latter covers both cardiac and thoracic surgeries. Both roles are vital in surgical teams within hospitals and surgical centers.

More about Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery jobs

What cities are hiring for Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery jobs?

Cities with the most Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery job openings:

What states have the most Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery jobs are:

Infographic showing various Physician Assistant Cardiac Surgery 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 $213,124 per year, or $102.5 per hour.

Physician Assistant, Cardiac Surgery - Per Diem

MemorialCare

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$133 - $153/hr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


MemorialCare rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 895 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Physician Assistant, Cardiac Surgery - Per Diem

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, Orange Coast Medical Center, Saddleback Medical Center

Hourly Rate: $133 - $153

Position Summary

MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute is seeking to add a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA) to its cardiothoracic and vascular surgery practice at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, Orange Coast Medical Center, and Saddleback Medical Center in beautiful Southern California.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The PA-Cardiac Surgery assists the supervising surgeon in the operating room, but also plays an integral role in the global management of patients undergoing cardiothoracic, vascular, or aortic surgery.

*Includes all aspects of peri-operative care from performing patient histories to invasive surgical procedures, including the critical retrieval of vascular tissue in coronary bypass procedures

*Competitive candidates must haveextensive knowledge of artificial cardiac devices, ventilators and the pharmacologic effects of vasoactive/cardiotonic drugs

*The PA also provides patient care expertise in the postoperative acute care units, step-down units and regular floors

*First assist in the O.R., participate in aortic clinic, endovascular vein harvesting

*Be part of one of the larger programs on the west coast for comprehensive aortic diagnosis and treatment

Experience

*1+ year of first assist experience

*Must have endovascular vein harvesting experience

Education and Licensure Requirements

  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program
  • NCCPA Board certified or board eligible
  • California medical license (or eligible to obtain)
  • Prior experience with Epic EMR is helpful
  • ACLS certification
  • DEA


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