From the "heart-lung machine" to the CVICU, Cardiothoracic Surgery is the pinnacle of surgical intensity. This field offers PAs and NPs the chance to master highly technical skills like Endoscopic Vein Harvesting (EVH) and lead complex post-op care. Find out if you’re ready for the "all-in" commitment and high-reward world of CT surgery.
In Trauma Surgery, every second counts. PAs and NPs are vital members of the "Trauma Team," responding to the pager 24/7 to save lives in the bay and the OR. If you thrive on adrenaline and want a high-autonomy role where you’re managing the most critical cases in the hospital, see if you have what it takes to work in Trauma Surgery.
Plastic Surgery is the ultimate blend of "art and science." Whether you are assisting on a complex breast reconstruction or managing an aesthetic case, this specialty requires a meticulous eye for detail. Find out the roles PAs and NPs play in this field from being a first assist, to managing patient expectations, to becoming a tattoo artist (nipple tattooing). Watch this video to see if this artistic field is for you!
Organ Procurement PAs are extremely rare! In this interview, one of the few PAs doing this surgery (solo), discusses what his very unique job is really like. He is working to the top of his license and is the bridge between a donor’s legacy and a recipient’s second chance. Explore the unique, travel-heavy lifestyle of a recovery specialist and the technical surgical skills required to safely procure and preserve life-saving organs.
Are you fascinated by the brain and spine? Neurosurgery is one of the most demanding and prestigious specialties for PAs and NPs. From first-assisting on complex craniotomies to managing post-op patients in the Neuro-ICU, find out what it takes to master the steep learning curve of this high-intensity surgical field.
When the "bones are broken and the stakes are high," Ortho Trauma PAs and NPs step in. This isn't your standard outpatient joint clinic; it’s a high-adrenaline role managing complex fractures and multi-system trauma. Find out if you have the "trauma-mindset" needed for the OR and the fast-paced inpatient units of a Level 1 center.
General Surgery is the foundation of the operating room. From emergency appendectomies to elective robotic cases, PAs and NPs in this field are the "right hand" of the surgeon. Explore the fast-paced variety of the General Surgery lifestyle and see if you have the stamina and versatility required for this essential surgical role.
Step into the cutting-edge world of Facial Gender Affirming Surgery. This niche combines intricate craniomaxillofacial reconstruction with a deep focus on patient identity and advocacy. If you’re a meticulous clinician who wants to blend high-level surgical skill with transformative patient care, find out how PAs and NPs are making an impact in this field.
Thoracic surgery is often lumped in with cardiothoracic surgery, but it’s actually its own specialty. In this video, I speak with PA Nicole Larson, who explains why it’s a completely separate world from CTS. She shares examples of complex cases and walks through her role, including rounding, assisting in the OR, and managing follow-ups. Watch to learn the ins and outs of this unique surgical specialty.
Do you love a specialty that is "heavy on the procedures"? ENT offers a fascinating mix of anatomy and hands-on clinical skills. From scoped exams in the clinic to complex head and neck cases in the OR, find out why PAs and NPs in Otolaryngology enjoy some of the highest job satisfaction rates in the profession.
Do you enjoy a mix of clinic-based diagnostics and surgical procedures? Urology is a diverse field covering everything from oncology to Men’s (and Wonen’s) Health. Explore the autonomy, the procedural learning curve, and why Urologists APPs love this field!