Cardiac Surgery Assistant Trainee - Hands-on OR Experience

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center is seeking a Surgical Assistant to provide first or second assistance during open heart and vascular procedures under physician direction. Responsibilities include pre/post-operative patient care, assisting with cannulation, grafting, valve procedures, and IABP support, with emphasis on maintaining sterile technique and patient safety.

Qualifications include an Associate's degree or higher, and eligibility for NSAA/ABSA/ASA or equivalent certification

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher required.
• Military medical corps or related program considered equivalent.
• Eligible for NSAA/ABSA/ASA or similar credentialing within 24 months.

Responsibilities

• Assist attending surgeon during cardiac and vascular procedures.
• Review charts and imaging with physician during cases.
• Support anesthesia team during induction and venipuncture.
• Maintain sterile field and assist with draping and positioning.
• Harvest conduits and assist with cannulation/decannulation as directed.
• Assist in ICU transfer and post-operative care.

Skills

Surgical assistance

Cardiac surgery knowledge

Hemodynamic monitoring

Communication skills

Education

Associate's degree

Higher-level degree

Equivalent military medical training or related program

Job description

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center is seeking a Surgical Assistant to provide first or second assistance during open heart and vascular procedures under physician direction. Responsibilities include pre/post-operative patient care, assisting with cannulation, grafting, valve procedures, and IABP support, with emphasis on maintaining sterile technique and patient safety.

Qualifications include an Associate's degree or higher, and eligibility for NSAA/ABSA/ASA or equivalent certification