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Certified First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HiredFirst

Certified First Assist

Parker, AZ · On-site

$2.2K/wk

Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3 PM and call Monday through Friday, every other weekend certified first assist/surgical tech and BLS /First Assist Scrub Tech. Must be experience in general, podiatry ...

HiredFirst

Certified First Assist

Parker, AZ · On-site

$2.2K/wk

Job Summary Certified First Assist M-F 7am-3pm with every other weekend 13 week contract with option to extend Full-time, Contract In-Office | Parker, AZ, United States First Assist Scrub Tech for a ...

AdventHealth Riverview

Certified First Assist

Riverview, FL · On-site

$28.68 - $53.35/hr

... first assistant [Preferred] Additional Information: • N/A Licenses and Certifications: • Basic Life Support - CPR Cert (BLS) [Required] • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) [Required] OR ...

Talented Medical Solutions

AZ · On-site

$2.2K/wk

Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3 PM and call Monday through Friday, every other weekend certified first assist/surgical tech and BLS /First Assist Scrub Tech. Must be experience in general, podiatry ...

Talented Medical Solutions

AZ · On-site

$2.2K/wk

Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3 PM and call Monday through Friday, every other weekend certified first assist/surgical tech and BLS /First Assist Scrub Tech. Must be experience in general, podiatry ...

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Certified First Assistant information

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How much do certified first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified first assistant in the United States is $38.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.10 and $43.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a Csfa make?

A Certified First Assistant (CFA) typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and healthcare facility. In Minnesota, salaries tend to be within this range, with additional compensation for certifications and specialized skills.

Is it hard to become a CST?

Becoming a Certified First Assistant (CFA) typically requires completing specialized training, gaining experience in surgical assisting, and passing a certification exam. The process can take several months to years depending on prior healthcare experience and educational background, and it involves developing skills in surgical procedures and patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified First Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified First Assistant, you need a solid background in surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques, usually supported by certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent. Competence with surgical instruments, patient monitoring systems, and electronic health records is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure patient safety, effective teamwork, and optimal surgical outcomes.

What Is a Certified First Assistant?

As a certified first assistant (CFA), also called a certified surgical first assistant (CSFA), your primary responsibilities are assisting the surgeon and nurses in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures. Your job duties include prepping patients, dressing wounds, monitoring electronic medical equipment, performing minor surgical procedures, and providing care to patients before, during, and after procedures. You need experience as a surgical technician in addition to great communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations. You can find CSFA jobs in hospitals, private practices, outpatient surgery centers, and other health care settings with a surgical team.

What does a certified first assistant do?

A certified first assistant supports surgeons during medical procedures by providing hands-on assistance, such as handling tissues, suturing, and managing surgical instruments. They work in operating rooms, often requiring certification and knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical protocols.

What is a Certified First Assistant?

A Certified First Assistant (CFA), also known as a Surgical First Assistant, is a highly trained healthcare professional who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. They play a vital role in ensuring surgeries run smoothly by providing direct support, such as controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and helping maintain a sterile environment. CFAs work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other operating room staff to enhance patient outcomes and safety. Certification typically requires specialized education, hands-on experience, and passing a national examination.

How much does a surgical 1st assistant make?

A certified first assistant in surgery typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and healthcare setting. They assist surgeons during procedures, often requiring certification and specialized training, which can influence salary levels.

What are some common challenges faced by Certified First Assistants during surgical procedures?

Certified First Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing surgical situations, maintaining clear communication with the surgical team, and anticipating the needs of the surgeon. They must remain highly focused for extended periods and be prepared to respond quickly to unexpected complications. Collaboration, technical proficiency, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Certified First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectCertified First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified First Assistant (CFA) certification, often requires RN or physician assistant licensureCertified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification, usually requires completing a surgical tech program
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons directly during surgeries, mainly in hospitals and surgical centersPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, and assist during surgeries
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, surgical clinics, outpatient surgery centersHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

The Certified First Assistant works closely with surgeons during procedures, providing direct assistance, while Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room and support the surgical team. Both roles are vital in surgical settings but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

More about Certified First Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Certified First Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Certified First Assistant job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Certified First Assistant jobs? The top employers for Certified First Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Certified First Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified First Assistant jobs include:
Certified First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified First Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,069 per year, or $39 per hour.

Certified First Assistant

Lifepoint Health

Mcminnville, OR • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

LifePoint Health rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 268 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

749th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Job Title: Certified First Assist
Job Type: PRN Shifts
Non Union
Your experience matters:
At Willamette Valley Medical Center, we are committed to empowering and supporting a diverse and determined workforce that can drive quality, scalability, and significant impact across our hospitals and communities. In your role, you'll support those in our facilities who interface with and provide care to our patients and community members. We believe that our collective efforts will shape a healthier future for the communities we serve.
More about our team:
Our team provides a broad range of services, including a Joint Replacement Institute, inpatient and outpatient surgical services, a Family Birthing Center, Endoscopy, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Pulmonary and Therapy Services, and Oncology care through the H.R. Hoover MD Cancer Center. Here, you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills, collaborate with a supportive team, and truly make a difference in patients' lives.
How you'll contribute:
A Certified First Assist who excels in this role:
Certified Surgical Tech-First Assist Provides direct assistance to the surgeon(s) during surgical procedures.
  • Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
  • Positions patients to give best exposure for surgical procedure, using stabilizing equipment, when necessary, while maximizing patient comfort and safety.
  • Provides visualization of the operative site using appropriate methods, including manipulation of tissue and materials, retraction, sponging, suctioning, and irrigation.
  • Utilizes appropriate techniques to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis.
  • Assists with body plane closure, application of wound dressings, and securing of drainage systems.
  • Position serves both internal co-workers and external customers, clients, patients, contractors, and vendors.
  • Access to and/or works with sensitive and/or confidential information.
  • Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of healthcare regulatory and compliance (e.g., HIPAA).
  • Skilled in the application of policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of Business Office Standards and Recommended Practices.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What we're looking for:
  • Associate's Degree Preferred;
  • Required License: Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA) with the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)

Schedule: PRN Shifts
Why join us:
We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:
  • Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

Connect with a Recruiter:
Not ready to complete an application, or have questions? Please contact Hunter Delacruz by emailing hunter.delacruz@lifepoint.net
About Us
Willamette Valley Medical Center is a 60-bed, acute-care, full-service facility committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. We are proudly accredited by The Joint Commission and recognized as a Chest Pain Center by ACC Accreditation Services-a testament to our dedication to clinical excellence.
EEOC Statement
"Willamette Valley Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Willamette Valley Medical Center is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment.
About Us
Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.
About the Team
We employ and provide care to people from all walks of life. We are committed to promoting healing, providing hope, preserving dignity and producing value with an inclusive workforce in which diversity is leveraged, respected, and reflective of the patients, family members, customers and team members we serve.

What LifePoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About LifePoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lifepoint Health serves patients, clinicians, communities and partners across the healthcare continuum. Our diversified healthcare delivery network extends from coast to coast, consisting of community hospitals, rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and additional sites of care.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, TN, US

Year founded

1999

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