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Certified First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lifepoint Health

Certified First Assistant

Gallatin, TN · On-site

Certified First Assistant (CFA) Schedule: Full Time | Days Your experience matters Highpoint Health - Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas, formerly Sumner Regional Medical Center is part of Lifepoint ...

Lifepoint Health

Certified First Assistant

Gallatin, TN · On-site

Certified First Assistant (CFA) Schedule: Full Time | Days Your experience matters Highpoint Health - Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas, formerly Sumner Regional Medical Center is part of Lifepoint ...

LifePoint Health

Certified First Assistant

Gallatin, TN · On-site

Certified First Assistant (CFA) Schedule: Full Time | Days Your experience matters Highpoint Health - Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas, formerly Sumner Regional Medical Center is part of Lifepoint ...

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

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 ...

Summit Surgery Center

Certified First Assist

Smyrna, TN · On-site

Certified First Assist Do you want to join an organization that invests in you as a Certified First Assist? At Physicians Pavilion Surgery Center, you come first. HCA Healthcare has committed up to ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Certified First Assistant information

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$31

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$45

How much do certified first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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.

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 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.

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 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.

How long does it take to become a certified first assistant?

Becoming a certified first assistant typically requires completing a specialized training program that lasts several months, followed by gaining hands-on experience in surgical assisting. Certification through organizations like the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) or the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) often involves passing an exam after training and experience requirements are met.
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Certified First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified First Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,069 per year, or $39 per hour.

Certified First Assistant

Gallatin, TN • On-site

Lifepoint Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Lifepoint Healthexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provides direct assistance to the surgeon during surgical procedures.

  • Prepares the surgical operating suite with necessary drapes, solutions, instruments, equipment, and supplies.

  • Positions the patient for optimal surgical exposure and ensures proper handling of instruments and supplies during surgery.

LifePoint Health rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 273 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Certified First Assistant (CFA)
Schedule: Full Time | Days

Your experience matters 

Highpoint Health - Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas, formerly Sumner Regional Medical Center is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Certified First Assistant joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

About us

Highpoint Health- Sumner has been providing quality health care to Middle TN for 65 years. Since opening in 1959, we have grown from one facility with just 50 employees and 7 physicians to a comprehensive health care leader in the community with more than 1,000 employees and 300 physicians. Today, we operate as a 167-bed healthcare facility and provide quality care in numerous areas of health care.

How you'll contribute

  • Provides direct assistance to the surgeon(s) during surgical procedures within scope of practice
  • Positions patient 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 technique to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis
  • Assists with body plane closure, application of wound dressings, and securing of drainage systems
  • Prepares surgical operating suite with drapes, solutions, instruments, equipment, and supplies
  • Determines specific equipment needed for the procedure and ensures safe operation prior to the surgical procedure
  • Passes instruments to physician during surgery and continually accounts for number and location of instruments and supplies during surgery

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 6 months Surgical Tech/First Assistant experience preferred
  • Graduate of a Surgical Tech or Surgical First Assistant Program required
  • Surgical First Assistant or Surgical Assistant Certification required
  • BLS required through AHA required to be current upon hire

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:

Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.

Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.

Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.

Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).

Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

To see our full benefits and how WE invest in YOU, use the link below:

Total Rewards | Lifepoint Health Careers

EEOC Statement

Highpoint Health- Sumner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ascension Saint Thomas Rehabilitation Hospital is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment.

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.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

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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

Social media

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