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Certified First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medworks

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

About the Role Medworks is seeking a Certified Surgical First Assistant to support surgical procedures across hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers in the Seattle, WA area. This is a mobile role ...

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How much do certified first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 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.

How much does a Csfa make?

A Certified First Assistant (CFA) typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and healthcare facility. In Minnesota, salaries tend to be within this range, with additional compensation for certifications and specialized skills.

Is it hard to become a CST?

Becoming a Certified First Assistant (CFA) typically requires completing specialized training, gaining experience in surgical assisting, and passing a certification exam. The process can take several months to years depending on prior healthcare experience and educational background, and it involves developing skills in surgical procedures and patient care.

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 does a certified first assistant do?

A certified first assistant supports surgeons during medical procedures by providing hands-on assistance, such as handling tissues, suturing, and managing surgical instruments. They work in operating rooms, often requiring certification and knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical protocols.

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 much does a surgical 1st assistant make?

A certified first assistant in surgery typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and healthcare setting. They assist surgeons during procedures, often requiring certification and specialized training, which can influence salary levels.

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 are hiring for Certified First Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Certified First Assistant job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Certified First Assistant jobs? The top employers for Certified First Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Certified First Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified First Assistant jobs include:
Certified First Assistant jobs near you

Surgical First Assistant

Saint Thomas Surgicare (11660)

Pegram, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Saint Thomas Surgicare is Hiring a Certified First Assistant
No weekends, no call, no Holidays!
Welcome to Saint Thomas Surgicare! Saint Thomas Surgicare is a dynamic, fast-paced Ambulatory Surgery Center dedicated to delivering exceptional quality care and an outstanding experience for patients and their families. At Saint Thomas Surgicare, we believe that health and compassionate care go hand in hand.
Our mission is to treat every patient and their family as if they were our own-providing the highest level of care, every time, without exception.
Certified First Assistant at Saint Thomas Surgicare
A surgical first assistant plays a vital role in a successful surgical procedure. They are primarily in charge of assisting surgeons, such as by arranging and handing over tools, holding open incisions, and dressing surgical wounds.
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Completion of a Surgical Technician Program.
  • NBSTSA Surgical First Assistant Certification required.
  • Two years of Certified Surgical First Assistant experience in multiple specialties or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
  • Able to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Other skills and abilities: General familiarity with medical terminology as it pertains to anatomy and surgical procedures in an operating room.

What We Offer
As an organization, one way we care for our communities and each other is by providing a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
  • Life and AD&D coverage
  • Availability of short- and long-term disability
  • Flexible financial benefits including FSAs and HSAs
  • 401(k) and access to retirement planning
  • Paid holidays and vacation

Who We Are
At USPI, we create relationships that create better care. We partner with physicians and healthcare systems to provide first-class ambulatory solutions throughout the United States. We are committed to providing surgical services in the most efficient and clinically excellent manner.
USPI is committed to, and proud of, our inclusive culture. An inclusive culture, in our view, is respectful of differences and nurtures and supports the contributions of each individual, while also embracing and leveraging diversity. A diverse workforce, combined with an inclusive culture, makes USPI stronger and better able to meet the needs of our diverse patient and physician population.
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