Physician Assistant - Cardiothoracic Surgical Service (Main OR)

UCLA Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Health is seeking a Physician Assistant for Cardiothoracic Surgery to support the CT team in the operating room and perioperative care. The role involves coordinating care for adult and pediatric patients and delivering detailed discharge instructions.

The PA will report to the Medical Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery for clinical supervision and to OR Services leadership for administrative oversight. Minimum credentials include CA PA license and NCCPA certification.

Qualifications

• CA PA License required; National Board Certification required.
• Master's degree in PA program preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience preferred, including assisting in CT surgeries.
• Knowledge of cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology - required.
• BCLS and ACLS certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Physician Assistant for Cardiothoracic Surgical Service under supervision.
• Assist in the operating room and coordinate care of CT patients.
• Provide discharge planning and education to promote smooth discharge.
• Lead mentoring program and participate in research, teaching, and clinical trials.

Skills

Cardiothoracic surgery knowledge

Clinical assessment

Leadership in research/teaching

Interdisciplinary coordination

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in PA program

CA PA License

NCCPA Certification

Job description

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Onsite or Remote

Fully On-Site

Work Schedule

1500-2330 with CALL, Holidays and Weekends as assigned

Posted Date

09/14/2026

Salary Range: $91.76 - 123.45 Hourly

Employment Type

Duration

indefinite

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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Major functions include serving as a Physician Assistant for the Cardiothoracic Surgical Service under the general supervision of the Medical Director, assist in the operating room, coordinate the care of adult and pediatric cardiothoracic patients and provide patient/family education to promote a smooth transition from admission to discharge. Provide a discharge plan, providing detailed discharge instructions. Major functions include collaborating with interdisciplinary team members, leading the rotational mentoring program, participating in clinical trials, showing initiative in developing and implementing positive improvements for the allied health team. Take a leadership role in research, teaching and publishing.The Physician Assistant for Cardiothoracic Surgery will report to the Medical Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery for clinical supervision. The Physician Assistant for Cardiothoracic Surgery will report to the Operating Room Services Director, Assistant Director, or Designee for administrative supervision .

PA Salary range :$83.46- $112.31/hourly

Sr. PA Salary range : $91.76-$123.45/hourly

Job Qualifications

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• CA PA License required. National Board Certification required.
• Graduated from an accredited PA program required (Master's degree in PA program preferred)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience preferred, including assisting in CT surgeries, EVH and endo radial artery harvesting -preferred
• Knowledge of cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology - required
• Skill in physical assessment and nursing care of cardiac surgery patients-required
• Skill in teaching- required
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to perform patient history and physical assessment-required
• Skill and ability in written and verbal communication-required
• Knowledge of interdisciplinary resources needed to coordinate patient care and facilitate referral-required
• Skill in removal of chest tubes, temporary pacing wires, and sutures/staples-required
• Knowledge and skill in BCLS and ACLS - certifications required
• Knowledge and skill in wound care and treatment-required
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing-required
• Ability to ready, interpret, apply, and or follow physician orders, policies, procedures, and written/verbal instructions-required
• Knowledge of UCLA policies and procedures.
• Ability to work varying shifts
• Senior PA: must have a minimum of 5 years relevant PA exp .

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.