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Thoracentesis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The role involves performing 7-10 interventional radiology procedures daily, including embolizations, TIPS, Y-90, paracentesis, thoracentesis, ablations, drains, and mediport placements. This ...

The position offers a Monday through Friday work schedule with a call rotation for paracentesis or thoracentesis, and no outreach is required. Practice Info * Join a team of 7 radiologists * New top ...

Radiology Physician

Duluth, MN

$356K - $446K/yr

Basic general interventional capability including paracentesis and thoracentesis. BE/BC Radiology. Competitive Salary and Benefits Package Possible Sign on Bonus! For more Information, please call ...

Radiology Physician

Brainerd, MN

$313K - $391K/yr

Basic general interventional capability including paracentesis and thoracentesis. BE/BC Radiology. Competitive Salary and Benefits Package Possible Sign on Bonus! For more Information, please call ...

Radiologist

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$313K - $391K/yr

Basic general interventional capability including paracentesis and thoracentesis. BE/BC Radiology. Competitive Salary and Benefits Package!! Possible Sign on Bonus! For more Information, please call ...

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Thoracentesis information

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$14

$25

$33

How much do thoracentesis jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for thoracentesis in the United States is $25.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by healthcare professionals performing thoracentesis procedures?

Healthcare professionals performing thoracentesis often encounter challenges such as managing patient anxiety, accurately identifying anatomical landmarks to avoid complications, and ensuring sterile technique to prevent infection. Working closely with radiology and nursing staff is essential for patient safety and procedure success. Additionally, practitioners must be prepared to quickly recognize and address complications like pneumothorax or bleeding, making strong clinical judgment and collaboration skills critical in this role.

What is the best position for a thoracentesis?

For thoracentesis, the patient is typically positioned sitting upright or leaning forward over a bedside table to allow optimal access to the pleural space. This position helps facilitate fluid drainage and reduces the risk of complications. Proper positioning is essential for the procedure's safety and effectiveness.

What medical jobs are behind the scenes?

Behind-the-scenes medical jobs include roles such as medical laboratory technologists, radiologic technologists, and medical assistants, who support patient care through diagnostics, imaging, and administrative tasks. These positions often require specialized training, certifications, and work in clinical or hospital environments to ensure smooth healthcare operations.

What is the difference between Thoracentesis vs Pulmonologist?

AspectThoracentesis
CredentialsCertified Medical Professionals, often performed by physicians or pulmonologists
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient settings
Industry UsagePerformed as a procedure within pulmonology or internal medicine
Search & ComparisonOften compared due to involvement in lung-related procedures and diagnoses

Thoracentesis is a procedure performed by pulmonologists or trained physicians to remove fluid from the pleural space. Pulmonologists are specialists who diagnose and treat lung conditions, including performing thoracentesis. While thoracentesis is a specific procedure, pulmonologists encompass a broader scope of lung health management. Understanding the roles helps clarify that thoracentesis is a procedure, whereas pulmonologists are specialists who may perform it among other treatments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Thoracentesis specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a specialist performing thoracentesis, you need a comprehensive understanding of pulmonary anatomy, sterile technique, and procedural competence, typically supported by a medical degree and relevant clinical training. Familiarity with ultrasound guidance, sterile equipment, and patient monitoring systems is critical for safe and effective procedures. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to reassure and educate patients are valuable soft skills. These competencies are crucial to minimize complications, ensure patient safety, and deliver high-quality care during invasive procedures.

What is thoracentesis?

Thoracentesis is a medical procedure used to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall. This procedure is often performed to help relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath or to diagnose the cause of fluid buildup around the lungs. A needle or thin tube is carefully inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space under local anesthesia. The collected fluid can then be analyzed to help diagnose infections, cancer, or other lung conditions. Thoracentesis is generally safe, but like any procedure, it carries some risks, such as bleeding or infection.

What kind of doctor performs a thoracentesis?

A thoracentesis is typically performed by a pulmonologist, thoracic surgeon, or radiologist trained in image-guided procedures. These healthcare professionals have specialized knowledge of the chest cavity and are skilled in using ultrasound or X-ray guidance to safely perform the procedure.

Can a nurse do a thoracentesis?

Nurses trained in advanced practice or specialized procedures may perform thoracentesis under physician supervision, depending on state regulations and facility policies. Typically, thoracentesis is performed by physicians or trained interventional radiologists, but nurses with appropriate certification and training can assist or perform the procedure in some settings. Proper knowledge of sterile technique, anatomy, and patient monitoring is essential for safe execution.
More about Thoracentesis jobs
Infographic showing various Thoracentesis job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 16% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,934 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Radiology Physician

Adelphi Medical Staffing, LLC

Georgetown, SC • On-site

$297K - $371K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

JOB OVERVIEW
  • Job Title: Physician - Diagnostic Radiologist (General with Light IR)
  • Job Type: Locum Tenens
  • Location: South Carolina
  • Service Setting: Hospital & Imaging Center
  • Coverage Type: Clinical Only
  • Coverage Period: February 2026 - Ongoing
  • Clinical Shift Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00a-4:30p (some sites 9:00a-5:30p)
  • On-Call Shift Schedule: None specified
  • Reason for Coverage: New site of service expansion

FACILITY INFORMATION
Site 1:
  • Reading room with 2 workstations (1 mammo-quality)
  • Staffed by 1 radiologist daily (7a-4:30p)
  • Light procedural volume (up to 8 cases/day)
  • Common procedures: Fluoro studies (swallows, UGI, LP, esophagram), ultrasound procedures (paracentesis, thoracentesis, biopsies), CT procedures (biopsies, bone marrow, abscess)
  • Equipment: MRI, CT, ultrasound, flouro, X-ray, nuclear medicine, mammography
  • Notes: No dedicated IR lab; minimal procedural demand
  • EM: Epic

Site 2:
  • Reading room with 2 workstations (1 mammo-quality)
  • Staffed by 2 radiologists daily (7a-4:30p, 9a-5:30p)
  • Moderate procedural volume (12-15 cases/day)
  • Common procedures: Fluoro (swallows, UGI, esophagram, LP), ultrasound (paracentesis, thoracentesis, biopsies), CT (biopsies, bone marrow, abscess)
  • Equipment: MRI, 128-slice CT, 64-slice CT, ultrasound, flouro, nuclear medicine, X-ray
  • Notes: Special procedures lab available in the OR for vascular surgery

Site 3:
  • Remote reading location (no onsite radiologist)
  • Equipment: MRI, flouro, X-ray
  • Notes: Rare flouro cases (mainly arthrograms performed by onsite radiologist from main hospital)

PATIENT INFORMATION
  • Patient Demographics: Adult
  • Case Mix: General diagnostic imaging and light IR procedures
  • Average Daily Volume: 8-15 procedures depending on site
  • Modalities Covered: MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, flouro, nuclear medicine, mammography (no breast coverage currently required)

PRIVILEGES & COMPLIANCE
  • Hospital Privileges Required: Yes
  • Temporary Privileges Available: Yes
  • Credentialing Timeline: TBD
  • Licensure: Active South Carolina medical license required
  • Immunizations: Standard hospital compliance (TB, Flu, MMR, Hep B, Varicella)

JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Board: Board Certified or Board Eligible in Radiology
  • Experience: General diagnostic imaging and light IR proficiency
  • Required Procedures:
  • CT-guided and ultrasound-guided biopsies
  • Paracentesis, thoracentesis, abscess drainages
  • Fluoro procedures (UGI, esophagram, LP)
  • Other Qualifications: Ability to work independently across multiple hospital sites


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About Adelphi Medical Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Adelphi Medical Staffing is a reputable company based in Kennesaw, Georgia, US, that operates in the healthcare sector. They offer specialized solutions in the healthcare industry, primarily medical staffing services by bridging the gap between healthcare professionals seeking job opportunities and healthcare facilities in need of competent professionals. Although the details on the company's founding history are not specified on their website, their extensive experience in staffing and healthcare speaks volumes about their reliability and professional commitment. Their mission is to provide high quality, reliable healthcare staffing services that contribute to improved patient satisfaction. Adelphi Medical Staffing prides itself on the core values of integrity, innovation, customer satisfaction, and teamwork. They strive for greatness in all they do and have a pivotal role in fostering improved healthcare services within a myriad of healthcare facilities.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Kennesaw, GA, US

Year founded

2017

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