Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C)
Location: Great Falls, MT
Job Type: Locum
Company: Palm Careers
Category: Healthcare
Job Description Apply Now
The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) role offers an outstanding opportunity for highly skilled clinicians seeking to practice within a dynamic and collaborative cardiothoracic surgery environment. This position is designed for dedicated physician assistants with specialized experience in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, providing comprehensive care across the full continuum—preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings. The practice features a smaller heart program with significant opportunities for professional growth and development, fostering both teamwork and autonomy.
As a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C), you will work closely with experienced surgeons, advanced practice providers, and the wider clinical team to deliver exceptional patient care. This includes dedicated time in the operating room, engaging in first assist duties, and demonstrating autonomy when required. The scope of responsibilities encompasses advanced vein harvesting (traditional and endoscopic), surgical openings and closures, and the removal of complex medical devices such as chest tubes, Swan-Ganz catheters, pacemaker wires, drains, and intra-aortic balloon pumps.
This position involves ongoing part-time coverage with the possibility of transitioning to full-time locum or permanent opportunities. The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) will participate in hospital consults, inpatient rounding—including coverage in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)—and will be responsible for patient education, discharge summaries, and order management. The role also extends into the outpatient clinic, providing both preoperative and postoperative care as assigned. Call responsibilities are shared among the surgical team and physician assistant colleagues, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring balanced workloads.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in both open and endoscopic vein harvesting techniques and possess significant experience in critical care settings, specifically in pleur-evac and chest tube management. Exceptional clinical judgment, autonomy, and the ability to educate patients and their families are essential to this role. The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) will be supported by a responsive administrative team, which ensures premium compensation, comprehensive malpractice coverage, paid housing and travel, and personalized attention to professional needs.
Working as a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) in Montana provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and welcoming communities of this state. The region offers a blend of outdoor recreation and a supportive healthcare environment, making it an appealing location for healthcare professionals seeking a balance between career advancement and quality of life.
Take the next step in your career by applying for the Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) position today. Click the job application button to seize this rewarding opportunity and join a growing and innovative cardiothoracic surgery program.
Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) - Summary- Provide comprehensive perioperative and intraoperative care in cardiothoracic surgery
- Collaborate closely with surgeons, advanced practice providers, and clinical teams
- Opportunity for ongoing, part-time, and potential full-time locum or permanent roles
- Support and professional growth within a smaller, expanding heart program
- Dedicated time in the operating room with first assist duties
- Autonomous practice in the OR as required
- Perform vein harvesting (traditional and endoscopic)
- Conduct surgical openings and closures
- Remove medical devices: chest tubes, Swan-Ganz catheters, pacemaker wires, drains, intra-aortic balloon pumps
- Hospital consults and inpatient rounding, including CVICU coverage
- Order management, prescribing, and documentation
- Patient education and preparation of discharge summaries
- Outpatient clinic responsibilities: preoperative and postoperative care
- Shared call coverage with the surgical and PA team (1:3 call schedule)
- Competitive hourly compensation with premium pay for overtime and call coverage
- Paid housing and travel accommodations
- Comprehensive malpractice insurance
- Virtual credit cards for housing autonomy
- Personalized administrative support and attention to individual needs
- Current certification as a Physician Assistant (PA-C) or Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Demonstrated experience in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
- Proficiency in open and endoscopic vein harvesting techniques
- Experience in a critical care setting, including pleur-evac and chest tube management
- Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
- Commitment to high standards of patient care and safety
- Experienced in cardiothoracic surgery with advanced technical skills
- Proficient in both traditional and endoscopic procedures
- Effective collaborator and communicator
- Demonstrates autonomy and sound clinical judgment
- Adaptable to both inpatient and outpatient settings
- Enthusiastic about professional growth and contributing to a developing program
- Opportunities for ongoing and future assignments based on program growth
- Supportive and inclusive work culture
- Accessible administrative support for all locum professionals
- New openings offered regularly for continued engagement
- Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly by clicking the job application button