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Certified First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skybridge Resources

Certified First Assist

Waco, TX · On-site

Certified Surgical First Assistant SkyBridge Healthcare is currently seeking Certified Surgical First Assistant with First Assist experience for a 13-week contract in TX. SkyBridge Healthcare is a ...

Lifepoint Health

First Assistant, Certified

Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

As a Certified First Assistant (First Assist) joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills ...

Lifepoint Health

First Assistant, Certified

Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

As a Certified First Assistant (First Assist) joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ® . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills ...

LifePoint Health

First Assistant, Certified

Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

As a Certified First Assistant (First Assist) joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ® . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills ...

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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 Assist

Nashville, TN • On-site

Alaska Regional Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Alaska Regional Hospitalexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Certified First Assist Opportunity

Do you have the career opportunities as a Certified First Assist you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join Centennial Surgery Center which is part of the nation's leading provider of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare.

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:

  • 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
  • Share information with the remainder of the surgical team in a timely manner
  • Assist with patient positioning, skin preparation, and surgical draping according to the surgeon's protocol
  • Anticipate the needs of the surgeon in order to expedite the procedure, while minimizing the patient's exposure to surgical and anesthetic stress
  • Ensure the temperature of the patient is discussed with anesthesia personnel in compliance with desired temperature ranges
  • 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
  • Assist with skin or external suturing and stapling under the surgeon's direction

Qualifications for this role:

  • 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
  • One year experience in an operating room setting, preferably in an ambulatory surgery center
  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA)
  • Valid BCLS Certification upon employment***online certification not acceptable.

Centennial 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.

Centennial Surgery Center located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. We serve Middle Tennessee. "Music City" is a major center for Healthcare. We perform over 700 cases a month. Services in orthopedics, retina, urology, gynecology, plastics, podiatry, endoscopy, neurosurgery, and dental procedures are available. We are a part of the HCA Healthcare Ambulatory Surgery Division.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® 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.

"Bricks and mortar do not make a hospital. People do." - 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 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.

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