Cardiac Surgery First Assist- Washington D.C.

$115,000

Washington, DC, United StatesPosted Sep 11, 2026

Against the Washington typical range

Job description

About the Job

The incumbent of this role works as a first or second assistant during open-heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. The primary focus of this position is the cardiac surgery operating room. The PA/APP will work closely with cardiac surgeons and experienced APPs while developing skills in first assisting, conduit harvesting, surgical exposure, and perioperative care.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities Reviews relevant patient history, diagnostic studies, and imaging in preparation for surgery. Participates in a structured orientation and competency-development program. Assists in the cardiac surgery operating room.

Responsibilities

Assisting cardiac surgeons during open and/or minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures. Serving as a first or second assistant based on experience and demonstrated competency. Participating in procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement, aortic surgery, mechanical circulatory support, and other cardiac surgical procedures.

Developing skills in endoscopic and open saphenous vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting. Working collaboratively with surgeons, APPs, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, and other members of the cardiac surgery team.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program. RN First Assistant (RNFA) program required for Nurse Practitioners. Experience Previous operating room, cardiac surgery, cardiovascular, or related clinical experience preferred but not required. Licenses and Certifications Physician Assistant: Current or eligible for Physician Assistant licensure in the District of Columbia.

Nurse Practitioner: Current or eligible for Nurse Practitioner licensure in the District of Columbia and completion of an RN First Assistant program.

Compensation

Total compensation for this position is a combination of base salary, a first-assist adjuster, and an off-shift adjuster. This position has a hiring range of USD $115,000.00

  • USD $190,000.00 /Yr. The incumbent of this role works as a first or second assistant during open-heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. The primary focus of this position is the cardiac surgery operating room. The PA/APP will work closely with cardiac surgeons and experienced APPs while developing skills in first assisting, conduit harvesting, surgical exposure, and perioperative care. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Reviews relevant patient history, diagnostic studies, and imaging in preparation for surgery. Participates in a structured orientation and competency-development program. Assists in the cardiac surgery operating room.

Responsibilities

Assisting cardiac surgeons during open and/or minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures. Serving as a first or second assistant based on experience and demonstrated competency. Participating in procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement, aortic surgery, mechanical circulatory support, and other cardiac surgical procedures.

Developing skills in endoscopic and open saphenous vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting. Working collaboratively with surgeons, APPs, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, and other members of the cardiac surgery team.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program. RN First Assistant (RNFA) program required for Nurse Practitioners. Experience Previous operating room, cardiac surgery, cardiovascular, or related clinical experience preferred but not required. Licenses and Certifications Physician Assistant: Current or eligible for Physician Assistant licensure in the District of Columbia.

Nurse Practitioner: Current or eligible for Nurse Practitioner licensure in the District of Columbia and completion of an RN First Assistant program.

Compensation

Total compensation for this position is a combination of base salary, a first-assist adjuster, and an off-shift adjuster.

Description copied from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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