Risevoic
Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant - Surgery
Company : Prime Healthcare Services
Location : Newark, NJ, 07102
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Overview
Join an award-winning team of dedicated professionals committed to our core values of quality, compassion and community! Saint Michael's Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, offers incredible opportunities to expand your horizons and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.
Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael's Medical Center is a 358-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching, and research center in the heart of Newark's business and educational district and is accredited by The Joint Commission. Combining state-of-the-art technology, the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, leading-edge research, and a network of highly qualified physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, the hospital provides top-quality health care services delivered with compassionate care.
The first medical institution in New Jersey to perform open-heart surgery, and the first to develop a cardiac catheterization program, Saint Michael's Medical Center is home to the Heart and Vascular Institute, which offers a comprehensive array of innovative cardiac treatments and procedures. Learn more at www.smmcnj.com.
Responsibilities
The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant is responsible performing as First Assistant in the OR for Cardiothoracic cases. The CT PA must possess the surgical skills and experience necessary for open and endoscopic vein harvesting. The CT PA must also be prepared to assist in the management of pre-operative and post-operative patients including but not limited to management of cardiac pacemakers, chest tubes, and critical care procedures. Effectively interacts with patients, and other staff, while maintaining standards of professional services, medical care and attention to detail. The position also requires excellent internal and external communication and people skills and clinical skills (lab draws, vital, injections, etc.).
Qualifications
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 1. Current and valid PA License2. Current BLS (AHA) upon hire and maintain current.3. Bilingual preferred; but not required4. Minimum of three years experience as a Cardiothoracic PAPay Transparency
Saint Michaels Medical Center offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. Benefits may vary based on employment status, i.e. full-time, part-time, per diem or temporary. A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $104,000.00 to $139,963.00 on an annualized basis. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.
Employment Status
Part Time < 60Shift
DaysEqual Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf
Related Jobs
Physician Assistant for General Surgery - Holy Family Medical Center
Prime Healthcare Services
Des Plaines, IL
Top trending job titles hiring now
Frequently asked questions
A Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant in surgery typically alternates between assisting in complex open-heart procedures and managing pre- and post-operative cardiac care. Their role demands proficiency in vein harvesting and critical care tasks, blending technical surgical skills with patient management expertise unique to cardiothoracic cases.
Holding a current PA license and BLS certification is essential, but in New Jersey’s competitive healthcare market, additional credentials like ACLS or specialized cardiac life support training enhance employability, especially in institutions emphasizing advanced cardiac surgery like Saint Michael’s Medical Center.
Experienced Cardiothoracic PAs can advance by gaining expertise in specialized cardiac procedures, transitioning into leadership roles within surgical teams, or contributing to cardiac research initiatives. Building skills in endoscopic vein harvesting and critical care management opens doors to senior surgical assistant positions.
Newark's status as a regional healthcare hub with facilities like Saint Michael’s Medical Center creates steady demand for cardiothoracic PAs. However, competition is moderate due to the specialized skill set required, making experience in cardiac surgical procedures a significant advantage locally.
Prime Healthcare Services offers tailored benefits even for part-time staff, including medical, dental, vision coverage, and tuition reimbursement options. This flexibility supports work-life balance while ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare and retirement plans suitable for cardiothoracic surgery PAs.
The compensation range of approximately $104,000 to $140,000 annually aligns well with Newark’s competitive healthcare salaries for specialized PAs. Factors like experience, certifications, and surgical skills influence where a candidate’s offer falls within this bracket.
Prime Healthcare Services emphasizes a blend of cutting-edge cardiac surgical technology and compassionate community care. Their Cardiothoracic PAs benefit from working in a historic center pioneering open-heart surgery, with access to advanced procedures and a collaborative multi-disciplinary team.
Saint Michael’s fosters professional growth by integrating research, teaching, and state-of-the-art surgical techniques, enabling Cardiothoracic PAs to refine skills like endoscopic vein harvesting and critical care interventions within a highly supportive environment.
Some believe this position only involves assisting in the operating room, but it also demands managing complex pre- and post-operative cardiac care, including pacemaker management and chest tube oversight, requiring a broad clinical skill set beyond surgery.
Newark’s urban setting offers multiple transit options, but traffic congestion during peak hours can impact commute times. Many cardiothoracic PAs consider shift schedules and proximity to medical centers to optimize work-life balance in this metropolitan area.