Physician Assistant

NPACE; Colorado Springs, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer sponsored healthcare premiums

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Generous paid time off

CME reimbursement

Job summary

Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Associates (CTSA) in Colorado Springs seeks a Surgical Physician Assistant to join our cardiothoracic team. The role offers involvement in operative care, inpatient management, and care across ICU, step-down, and hospital settings.

You will provide first assist in cardiac and thoracic procedures, perform conduit harvesting, and participate in rounds and care coordination with the team. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits support work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current NCCPA certification.
• Active Colorado Physician Assistant license, or ability to obtain before employment.
• DEA registration, or ability to obtain.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications, or ability to meet practice and hospital requirements.
• Ability to participate in the call rotation and meet credentialing and privileging requirements.
• Strong communication, clinical judgment, teamwork, and documentation skills.
• Cardiothoracic or cardiovascular surgery experience.
• Endoscopic vein harvesting experience.
• Surgical first-assist experience.
• Experience managing critically ill or postoperative surgical patients.
• Experience in cardiac, thoracic, vascular, intensive care, or another high-acuity surgical setting.

Responsibilities

• First assist in cardiac surgical cases and selected thoracic procedures, including open and minimally invasive approaches such as video-assisted thoracoscopic and robotic procedures.
• Perform conduit harvesting, including endoscopic and open vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting, based on training, demonstrated competency, and clinical need.
• Provide daily care for cardiothoracic surgical patients in intensive care, step-down, and inpatient settings.
• Complete patient assessments, progress notes, consultation notes, order entry, discharge documentation, and care coordination.
• Participate in daily rounds and collaborate with surgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses, and ancillary teams to support safe and timely care.
• Evaluate and respond to changes in patient condition and escalator concerns to the supervising physician when appropriate.
• Participate in the shared call schedule with surgeon support and dedicated ICU coverage.
• Provide limited postoperative follow-up care in the office setting as assigned.
• Support quality, safety, documentation, and patient-experience expectations of the practice and hospital.

Skills

BLS/ACLS certifications

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

PA program graduate

NCCPA certification

Colorado PA license or ability to obtain

Job description

Position Summary

Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Associates (CTSA) is seeking a personable, motivated Surgical Physician Assistant to join our cardiothoracic surgery team in Colorado Springs. This role provides meaningful involvement in operative care, inpatient management, and the care of patients in step-down and intensive care settings.

About CTSA

CTSA is the largest cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery provider within the Common Spirit Health system. The practice has locations in Denver and Colorado Springs and includes six cardiothoracic surgeons, one dedicated thoracic surgeon and, when fully staffed, eight advanced practice providers supporting care across both locations.

CTSA is focused on excellent patient care, a supportive team culture, professional development, and sustainable work-life balance.

Position Highlights

Annual salary range of $125,000 to $200,000, based on relevant experience, qualifications, and internal considerationsApproximately 1:3 call rotation with dedicated ICU coverage and physician supportSignificant first-assist and perioperative responsibilitiesOpportunity to support open and minimally invasive cardiac and thoracic proceduresMinimal office-based clinic responsibilitiesCollaborative surgical team and advanced practice provider structure

Key Responsibilities

First assist in cardiac surgical cases and selected thoracic procedures, including open and minimally invasive approaches such as video-assisted thoracoscopic and robotic procedures.Perform conduit harvesting, including endoscopic and open vein harvesting and radial artery harvesting, based on training, demonstrated competency, and clinical need.Provide daily care for cardiothoracic surgical patients in intensive care, step-down, and inpatient settings.Complete patient assessments, progress notes, consultation notes, order entry, discharge documentation, and care coordination.Participate in daily rounds and collaborate with surgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses, and ancillary teams to support safe and timely care.Evaluate and respond to changes in patient condition and escalator concerns to the supervising physician when appropriate.Participate in the shared call schedule with surgeon support and dedicated ICU coverage.Provide limited postoperative follow-up care in the office setting as assigned.Support quality, safety, documentation, and patient-experience expectations of the practice and hospital.

Required Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant programCurrent NCCPA certificationActive Colorado Physician Assistant license, or ability to obtain before employmentDEA registration, or ability to obtainCurrent BLS and ACLS certifications, or ability to meet practice and hospital requirementsAbility to participate in the call rotation and meet credentialing and privileging requirementsStrong communication, clinical judgment, teamwork, and documentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

Cardiothoracic or cardiovascular surgery experienceEndoscopic vein harvesting experienceSurgical first-assist experienceExperience managing critically ill or postoperative surgical patientsExperience in cardiac, thoracic, vascular, intensive care, or another high-acuity surgical setting

Cardiothoracic operative experience is preferred. CTSA may consider a strong surgical candidate who demonstrates the clinical foundation, judgment, and commitment needed to develop within the specialty.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual salary range: $125,000 to $200,000Employer sponsored healthcare premiums, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insuranceContinuing medical education reimbursement401(k) retirement plan with employer matchGenerous paid time off

Actual compensation will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, scope of responsibility, and internal considerations. Benefits and compensation terms are subject to the applicable plan documents and employment terms.

Join Our Team

If you are looking for a hands-on surgical role with meaningful operative exposure, inpatient responsibility, and a collaborative team environment, we encourage you to apply.