Physician Assistant (PA) - Heart Institute - Outpatient

San Diego, California

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Job ID: 18854
Date posted: 05/16/2026
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day
Department: Heart Institute

JOB SUMMARY:

Physician Assistant, Heat Institute – Cardiothoracic Surgery

This Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) position is accountable for a defined patient population under the supervision of a licensed physician.

The Physician Assistant (PA) will provide individualized pre- and post-operative care for infants and children undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. This role includes comprehensive assessment, diagnostic evaluation, medication management and prescribing, and patient/family education. The PA will collaborate closely with the CTICU team to support discharge readiness and ensure appropriate follow-up is arranged.

Key responsibilities

Assess and manage post-operative surgical incisions, including evaluation of wound healing, dressing selection and changes, and determination of antibiotic needs.
Perform removal of invasive lines and chest tubes in the CTICU in accordance with institutional protocols and patient status.

Perform history and physical assessments and document findings.
Order, interpret, and act on diagnostic tests in accordance with scope of practice.
Order medications and prescribe as appropriate; monitor response and adjust treatment plans.
Provide education and counseling to patients and families throughout the care continuum.
Partner with the CTICU to coordinate transitions of care, including discharge planning and follow-up appointments.
Promote evidence-based practice through participation in implementation and evaluation of clinical initiatives.
Contribute to clinical quality improvement efforts focused on optimizing care for infants and children with complex congenital and acquired cardiac conditions.
Develop and maintain clinical protocols, policies, and procedures.
Create and update educational materials for patients, families, and staff as needed.

Qualifications/skills (as applicable)

California-licensed Physician Assisant with pediatric experience preferred; cardiothoracic/cardiac or critical care experience strongly preferred.
Strong clinical assessment, care coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
Demonstrated ability to support quality improvement and evidence-based practice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's Degree

BLS for Health Providers (American Heart Association)

Ped Adv Life Support Prov(American Heart Association)

Completion of a Physician Assistant Program

Current California Physician Assistant License

Certification: Physician Assistant, National Commission

Drug Enforcement Agency, DEA: DEA Controlled Substance II, IIn, III, IIIn, IV, V as required by department, dependent on scope of practice; If employee required to have DEA, Employee will request Medical Staff Privileges via the Med Staff Privilege form and will go through the AHP Med staff privileging process to prescribe Controlled Substances 2-5 privileges. Current DEA certificate will be tracked and maintained by Medical Staff Office.

Medicare Billing number (NPI-National Provider Identifier) upon hire but no later than by 3 months of employment

Successfully complete the credentialing process through Medical Staff Services

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

NRP Advanced Provider (AAP)

2 years of experience as CTICU Physician Assistant

2 years of experience in a direct clinical care position within specialty area if no CTICU PA experience

The current salary range for this position is $74.51 to $102.45

Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.

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