Skip to main content
Tallo logoTallo logo

Find Jobs

Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location

Skip to job details
Apply for this opportunity

To apply for this job, you'll continue to an external website or email application.

Avera

Vascular First Assist Advanced Practice Provider

Career Insights for Surgical Physician Assistant

See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.

Scorecard

Based on South Dakota data

Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?

Were these scores useful?

What they do

A Surgical Physician Assistant provides medical care to patients, under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Works in surgical operating rooms and surgery departments, and is licensed to practice medicine but has less formal certification than a physician. Performs duties delegated by a physician such as recording patient medical histories, ordering diagnostic tests, or giving immunizations.

$130,163 / year median in South Dakota

+11% projected growth

Explore Career

Job Description

Sioux Falls, SD Full time
R-260019531
  • Location:
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • Worker Type:
  • Regular
  • Work Shift:
  • Primarily days with night, weekend and holiday on-call involvement (United States of America) At Avera Heart Hospital, you're not just joining a workplace
  • you're becoming part of a family. With more than 700 dedicated employee, we deliver care that truly makes a difference. Our commitment to excellence has earned us the distinction of being one of only a handful of hospitals nationwide
  • out of more than 4,000
  • to achieve a double 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  • Position Highlights
  • Position Summary:
  • The Vascular First Assist Advanced Practice Provider (APP) functions as both a skilled surgical first assistant to the vascular surgery team and an independent/collaborative clinician in the outpatient vascular clinic.
This dual-role position requires advanced clinical judgment, technical proficiency in the operating room, and strong diagnostic and management skills in the clinic setting. The Vascular First Assist APP plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical and ambulatory care while supporting optimal patient outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • Responsibilities:
  • _Surgical First Assist Responsibilities (OR)_
  • Act as first assistant in vascular surgical procedures, including open and endovascular cases.
Provide expert tissue handling, exposure, retraction, hemostasis, and suturing under surgeon direction. Assist with vessel exposure, anastomosis preparation, and graft placement Participate in wound closure, dressing application, and intraoperative decision-making as appropriate. Maintain sterile technique and anticipate surgical needs throughout the procedure. Assist with intraoperative troubleshooting and complication management in collaboration with the surgeon.
  • _Outpatient Vascular Clinic Responsibilities_
  • Independently or collaboratively evaluate new and established vascular patients. Perform focused history and physical examinations related to vascular disease. Order, interpret, and act on appropriate diagnostic testing (e.g., duplex ultrasound, ABI, CTA, labs) in collaboration with supervising physicians. Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans for conditions including:
  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • Carotid disease
  • Venous insufficiency and varicose veins
  • Wound care related to vascular disease
  • Postoperative follow-up care
  • _Provide preoperative evaluations and surgical clearance coordination_
  • Conduct postoperative clinic visits including:
  • Wound assessment and management
  • Suture/staple removal when appropriate
  • Complication recognition and triage
  • Medication management and patient education
  • _Counsel patients on:_
  • Risk factor modification (smoking cessation, exercise, medication adherence).
  • Surgical vs. non-surgical treatment options.
  • Expectations for recovery and long-term vascular health.
  • Collaborate closely with vascular surgeons, vascular sonographers, and nursing staff.
  • Document thoroughly and accurately in the electronic medical record.
  • Education:
  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program or Nurse Practitioner programs (MSN/DNP). ​ Current, unrestricted PA license (state) with NCCPA certification or NP license (state) with national board certification (AANP/ANCC as applicable). Current DEA license for prescribing. BLS required; ACLS required or obtained within a defined onboarding period.
  • Experience:
  • Minimum 1-2 years clinical experience as an APP in an inpatient and/or procedural setting or strong surgical rotation background with readiness to function in perioperative workflows.
Prior APP experience in Vascular Surgery preferred. Prior first assist experience with vein harvest/endovascular preferred. At Avera, the way you are treated as an employee translates into the compassionate care you deliver to patients and team members. Because we consider health care a ministry, you can live out your faith, uphold the dignity and respect of all persons while not compromising high-quality services. Join us in making a positive impact on moving health forward.

The policy of Avera to provide opportunities for all qualified employees or applicants without regard to disability and to provide reasonable accommodations for all employees or applicants who may be disabled. Avera is committed to ensuring compliance in accordance with the Americans with Disability Act. For assistance, please contact HR Now at 605-504-4444.
Additional Notices:
For TTY, dial 711 Avera is an
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer:
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.