Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant – First Assist
Oceanside, NY (Long Island)
Full-Time | 12.5 Hour Day Shifts
$76.05 – $92.05 per hour
Level II Trauma Center
A leading Long Island health system is seeking an experienced Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant to support its open-heart surgery program. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled PA with cardiac surgery and operating room experience to work alongside a respected cardiovascular surgical team in a high-acuity clinical environment.
Position Overview
The Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant will play a key role in supporting cardiovascular surgical services and managing patient care across the perioperative continuum. The PA will collaborate closely with attending surgeons, medical teams, and clinical staff while also providing leadership and mentorship within the PA team.
This position requires strong clinical judgment, surgical assisting experience, and the ability to provide high-level patient care in a fast-paced hospital environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Assist in cardiothoracic surgical procedures, including open-heart surgery
• Provide perioperative patient management in collaboration with supervising physicians
• Perform patient assessments, diagnostics, and treatment planning
• Order and interpret laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging
• Prescribe medications and therapeutic interventions within scope of practice
• Provide first assist support in the operating room
• Participate in multidisciplinary care planning with surgical and clinical teams
• Provide mentorship and leadership to physician assistant team members
• Maintain accurate documentation using electronic medical record systems

Qualifications
Education

• Graduate of an Accredited Physician Assistant Program (Master’s preferred)

Experience

• Recent operating room experience required
• Experience as a Cardiothoracic Surgery First Assist preferred
• Vessel harvesting experience strongly preferred
• Strong clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Licensure / Certifications

• Active New York State Physician Assistant License
• NCCPA Certification
• DEA Registration
• BLS and ACLS certifications
• NYS Infection Control Certification

Work Environment

• Hospital-based surgical setting within a Level II Trauma Center
• Moderate physical activity required including standing and assisting during procedures
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Compensation

• $76.05 – $92.05 per hour
• Full-time position with 12.5-hour day shifts
• Competitive compensation and benefits package