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Certified First Assistant Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Lyle Health

Physician Assistant - Surgery

Reno, NV · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

... First assist in the OR • See new patient consultations, follow up patients, post-operative ... board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon • Join a large team of existing ...

Renown Health

Surgical Technologist-Specialty Rep

Reno, NV · On-site

$32.76 - $45.87/hr

Current BLS certification by the American Heart Association standards required Certification of surgical technologists preferred Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the ...

Renown Health

Surgical Technician

Reno, NV · On-site

$29.71 - $41.60/hr

Current BLS certification by the American Heart Association standards required. Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a ...

Renown Health

Surgical Technician

Reno, NV · On-site

Current BLS certification by the American Heart Association standards required. Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a ...

Renown Health

Surgical Technician

Reno, NV · On-site

Current BLS certification by the American Heart Association standards required. Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a ...

Renown Health

Surgical Technician

Reno, NV · On-site

Current BLS certification by the American Heart Association standards required. Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a ...

Renown Health

Surgical Technologist-OR-Trauma

Reno, NV · On-site

Certification of surgical technologist preferred. Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a graduate of an surgical assistant ...

Renown Health

Surgical Technologist-OR-Trauma

Reno, NV · On-site

Certification of surgical technologist preferred. Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a graduate of an surgical assistant ...

Renown Health

Surgical Technologist-OR-Trauma

Reno, NV · On-site

$31.19 - $43.68/hr

Certification of surgical technologist preferred. Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a graduate of an surgical assistant ...

Renown Health

Surgical Technologist-OR-Trauma

Reno, NV · On-site

Certification of surgical technologist preferred. Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a graduate of an surgical assistant ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCertified First JobsCertified First Assistant JobsCertified First Assistant Jobs in Reno, NV

Certified First Assistant information

See Reno, NV salary details

$30

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$45

How much do certified first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified first assistant in Reno, NV is $38.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.05 and $42.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 requires passing an exam and accumulating a specified number of clinical hours, which can extend the process to one or two years depending on prior healthcare experience and training pace.

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 near Reno, NV are hiring for Certified First Assistant jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Certified First Assistant job openings:
Certified First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified First Assistant job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 78% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,950 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant | Urology | Renown Health - Reno/Lake Tahoe

Renown Health

Reno, NV • On-site

$108K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Renown Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Renown Health and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) are recruiting a Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant to join the growing Urology Division within the Department of Surgery.  

Join a dynamic, collegial team of 9 Urologists and 3 Advanced Practice Providers as a member of one of the fastest growing divisions in our medical group as we expand to meet the needs of our community. 

Key Responsibilities:  

  • Evaluate, consult, and treat urology patients in the outpatient clinic.  New patient consultations and established patient follow-up visits. 
  • Participate in daily hospital rounds for admitted patients.
  • Provide First Assist support in the OR as needed.
  • Assist with surgical procedures including both open and robotic operations such as nephrectomy or prostatectomy. 

The ideal candidate will have prior independent outpatient practice experience in any field and/or Surgical Assist experience.  APRN candidates will require First Assist Certification. 

Position and Compensation/Benefits Highlights

  • Monday - Friday schedule -  7am to 5pm
  • Mix of Inpatient and Outpatient.  
  • EMR:   Epic
  • Competitive Salary + quality incentive bonus
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • CME Stipend 
  • Start to Work Bonus
  • Malpractice with tail coverage
  • No State Income Tax

Reno/Tahoe is in one of the West’s most desirable regions, offering four seasons, more than 300 days of sunshine and a welcoming family-friendly community.  The city features a vibrant dining scene, growing arts and culture, and abundant recreational opportunities.  With easy access to nearby Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains, residents enjoy world-class outdoor activities year-round – from skiing in the winter to boarding, hiking and biking in the summer – providing an exceptional quality of life.  

Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and Northeast California.   With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Renown Health has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation and serves as the area’s only Trauma Center with two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, an acute rehabilitation hospital, a physician-led, highly esteemed medical group, and an insurance company joint venture - KP Nevada.  In 2021, Renown Health and UNR Med joined to form Nevada’s first integrated academic health system to advance our mission of commitment to supporting health and advancing healthcare across the state by expanding clinical care, medical education, clinical research and access to evidence-based care.

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) is a research-intensive, community-based medical school.   With over $30 million in annual grants and contracts, our transformative and ground-breaking research not only sets us apart but serves to attract top-tier researchers and students. UNR Med currently trains future physicians in our M.D. program, resident physicians in our Graduate Medical Education programs, physician assistants, speech pathologists and audiologists, and scientists in our Physician Assistant, Speech Pathology and Audiology and graduate degree (Ph.D.) programs.

For more information please contact:

Samuel Serniak | In-House Physician Recruiter  samuel.serniak@renown.org 

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About Renown Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Renown Health is a leading and respected player in the healthcare industry, based in Reno, NV, US. Established in 1862, the company has a deep-rooted history in providing high-quality healthcare services to the community. Renown Health offers a wide array of services including urgent care centers, lab services, x-ray and imaging services, primary care doctors and specialists. Its central values include excellence in quality and service, caring for people first, being proactive in the community, fiscal responsibility, integrity, and respecting every person.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reno, NV, US

Year founded

1862

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