About this role
High-Volume Cardiothoracic PA Locum
We are seeking a board-certified Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant for an ongoing locum tenens opportunity with a high-volume cardiac surgery program in the Des Moines, Iowa area. This is a true first-assist role with strong OR volume and full continuum-of-care responsibilities.
- High-volume cardiac surgery program: 850–1,000 hearts per year
- Collaborative team of 4 Cardiothoracic Surgeons and 8.5 PAs
- Primary focus on Endoscopic Vein Harvest (EVH) and first assisting in the OR.
- Consistent 2+ weeks per month schedule (7 on / 7 off)
- Willing to license qualified candidates
- Perform Endoscopic Vein Harvest (EVH) and first-assist the surgeon in cardiac surgical cases
- Provide comprehensive postoperative management
- Round in the critical care units and on the floors
- Share 24-hour call responsibilities, including taking calls from units/floors and coming in for emergent or after-hours cases
- Participate in clinic
- Manage EPIC inbox for postoperative patients who have been discharged
- Board-certified Physician Assistant
- Strong proficiency in EVH and first assisting in cardiac surgery
- Ability to commit to a consistent 2+ weeks per month (7 on / 7 off) schedule
- Iowa license preferred; willing to license the right candidate
- Experience with EPIC preferred
- Schedule: 2+ weeks per month | 7 on / 7 off Start: Flexible / ASAP
This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled CT PA who wants steady high-volume OR time, meaningful postoperative responsibility, and a predictable 7-on/7-off schedule in a well-supported program.
About Epic Staffing Group
Epic Staffing Group, a leader in healthcare staffing, showcases its diverse capabilities through various specialized divisions, including Epic Physician Staffing and Epic Specialty Staffing - Diagnostics & Imaging.
Epic Physician Staffing, known for its exceptional commitment to quality, focuses on healthcare recruitment, with a primary emphasis on Locum Tenens medical staffing. This division specializes in placing highly skilled practitioners and physicians in critical, high-demand areas, particularly excelling in Operating Rooms and Surgical Suites. The precision in locum tenens placements for physicians and advanced practitioners has established Epic Physician Staffing as a preferred partner for medical providers seeking challenging and skill-intensive positions.
Epic Specialty Staffing - Diagnostics & Imaging, leads in the niche field of teleradiology. Founded by expert radiologists, this division connects healthcare facilities with a network of seasoned, board-certified radiologists and proficient associates. Leveraging nearly a decade of specialized experience, Epic Specialty Staffing provides high-quality, consistent service in delivering comprehensive radiology reads nationwide, proficiently handling high volumes across various shifts.
These two divisions, among others under the Epic Staffing Group umbrella, highlight the group's versatility and dedication to specialized excellence in healthcare staffing. Each division, with its unique focus and expertise, contributes to the overarching mission of Epic Staffing Group to provide top-tier staffing solutions across the healthcare spectrum.
Compensation Details
$166–$204/hour
Pay includes:
- Hourly rate with daily gurantee
- Weeknight beeper call rate
- 24hr weekend call rate
Posted August 12, 2026