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Certified First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Valley Health

$34.37 - $51.55/hr

DepartmentSURGICAL SERVICES - 206210Worker Sub TypeRegularWork Shift Pay Range $34.37 - $51.55 The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) is an allied health professional who works under the ...

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How much do certified first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 CFA PRN

Western Orthopedics

Denver, CO • On-site

$42.14 - $63.20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Hourly Wage Estimate: $42.14 - $63.20 / 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.

Do you want to join an organization that invests in you as a(an) Certified First Assistant CFA PRN? At Western Orthopedics, you come first. HCA Healthcare has committed up to $300 million in programs to support our incredible team members over the course of three years.

Job Summary and Qualifications

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Performs as first assistant to the operating surgeon during cardiac, vascular, and non-vascular cases performed by the surgeons.

DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate corrective action.
  • Applies principles of asepsis and infection control skillfully.
  • Applies knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative relative to operative procedures wherein the CFA assists.
  • Performs positioning, prepping and draping the patient.
  • Provides hemostasis by clamping blood vessels, coagulation bleeding pints, ligating vessels and by other means as directed by the surgeon.
  • Provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning and sponging techniques.
  • Proficient in endovascular vein harvesting for revascularization. Supports the education of EVH in current CV surgery team.
  • Handles tissue as directed by the surgeon.
  • Performs wound closure as directed by the surgeon; sutures the peritoneum, fascia, subcutaneous tissue and skin.
  • Anticipates the surgeon’s needs based on a knowledge and application of the surgical process and assists with retracting and suturing.
  • Assists with transferring the patient to and from the operating room.
  • Coordinates the OR schedule for the practice.
  • Responsible for orienting and mentoring new employees.
  • Demonstrates flexibility to work with all surgeons
  • Serves as a liaison between operating surgeons and OR for special needs for cases, i.e. equipment, new procedures, etc.
  • Must read and understand and adhere to all Physician Services policies and procedures.
  • Practices and adheres to the Code of Conduct and Mission and Values statements. 

EDUCATION:

  • Graduate from accredited surgical technology or assisting program

EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience as a First Assistant preferred.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

  • Current Certification as a CSFA through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting

We’ve expanded the eligibility criteria for our Certified First Assist position!

In addition to the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential from the NBSTSA, we now also accept the Surgical Assistant – Certified (SA-C) from the ABSA and the Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) from the NCCSA.

If you hold any of these recognized first assist credentials, we encourage you to apply with HCA HealthONE Physician Services!

Benefits

Western Orthopedics, 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.

Supporting HCA Healthcare's 186 hospitals and 2,400+ sites of care, Physician Services plays a crucial role as the main entry point for patients looking for high-quality healthcare within the HCA Healthcare system. With a focus on meeting the needs of our patients at all access points, Physician Services is dedicated to implementing innovative, physician-driven, value-added solutions to assist physicians in providing high-quality, patient-centered care, aligning with our mission to care for and enhance human life.

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 costs for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.


"Good people beget good people."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

We are a family 270,000 dedicated professionals! Our Talent Acquisition team is reviewing applications for our Certified First Assistant CFA PRN opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Submit your resume today to join our community of caring!

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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