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Certified First Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team ... Certification : Basic Life Support from American Heart Association required upon start. * License

Senior Surgical First Assist

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$31.49 - $50.14/hr

Surgical First Assistant Job Code: SS1701 Full time | Sign on bonus available!! ABOUT US We are ... Certified Surgical Fist Assist or RN Fist Assist required Additional Skills/Requirements Required:

Surgical Assistant/OR First Assist

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$45.18 - $73.17/hr

Position Title Surgical Assistant/OR First Assist Purpose & Scope: The Surgical Assistant renders ... Certification/Licensure: Licensed Surgical Assistant by the Virginia Department of Health ...

Surgical Assistant/OR First Assist

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$45.18 - $73.17/hr

Position Title Surgical Assistant/OR First Assist Purpose & Scope: The Surgical Assistant renders ... Certification/Licensure: Licensed Surgical Assistant by the Virginia Department of Health ...

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Certified First Assistant information

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.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Certified First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Certified First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Certified First Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Certified Surgical First Assist

Stone Springs Ambulatory Surgery Center

Ashburn, VA โ€ข On-site

$37.63 - $52.68/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Job description

Hourly Wage Estimate: $37.63 - $52.68 / hour
Learn more about the benefits offered for this job.

The estimate displayed represents the typical wage range of candidates hired. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, how many years of experience you have and comparison to other employees already in this role. The typical candidate is hired below midpoint of the range.

Are you passionate about the patient experience? At HCA Healthcare, we are committed to caring for patients with purpose and integrity. We care like family! Jump-start your career as a Certified Surgical First Assist today with Stone Springs Ambulatory Surgery Center.

We are now offering a $10,000 sign on bonus to new Surgical Tech First Assist hires! Candidate must be able to Scrub! 


Job Summary and Qualifications

As a Certified First Assist, you will work under the direction of the operating surgeon. You will function as first/second assistant to the surgeon during the operative procedure, providing aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions to ensure safe and efficient outcomes. You will be responsible for restocking and changing over rooms between cases.

What you will do in this role:

  • You will demonstrate the necessary practical, technical and/or specialized knowledge and skills required in accordance with ASA (Association of Surgical Assistants) and other regulatory standards
  • Communicate with the surgeon prior to the case to ascertain specific needs
  • You will share information with the remainder of the surgical team in a timely manner
  • You will assisting with patient positioning, skin preparation, and surgical draping according to the surgeonโ€™s protocol
  • You will anticipate the needs of the surgeon in order to expedite the procedure, while minimizing the patientโ€™s exposure to surgical and anesthetic stress
  • You will ensure the temperature of the patient is discussed with anesthesia personnel in compliance with desired temperature ranges
  • You will assist the surgeon by providing retraction and aiding exposure of the operative site
  • Facilitate hemostasis of the surgical site by performing suction, irrigation and sponging during a surgical procedure
  • You will assist with skin or external suturing and stapling under the surgeonโ€™s direction

Qualifications for this role:

  • You are a graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited program in surgical assisting and attain the CSFA credential administrated by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
  • BLS certification
  • You have one year experience in an operating room setting, preferably in an ambulatory surgery center
  • You are a Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA)
  • You have a valid BCLS Certification upon employment***online certification not acceptable.
Benefits

Stone Springs Ambulatory Surgery Center offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

Consider a fulfilling and secure career with Surgery Ventures, in partnership with HCA Healthcare. Our team of over 3,400 physicians manages more than 150 surgery centers across 16 states in the United States. As a dedicated unit within HCA Healthcare, we prioritize providing safe, efficient, and premium surgical services. With over 30 years of pioneering experience in the industry, our physician partners offer exceptional outpatient care to over 800,000 patients in communities across our network. We do so with the backing of the clinical, operational, and financial expertise of a Fortune 100 healthcare leader. At Surgery Ventures, we are committed to supporting your career growth and advancement at every stage.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the Worldโ€™s Most Ethical Companiesยฎ by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses


"The great hospitals will always put the patient and the patient's family first, and the really great institutions will provide care with warmth, compassion, and dignity for the individual."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Certified Surgical First Assist opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.