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Certified Surgical First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Certified Surgical First Asst

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$19.07 - $28.61/hr

The scope of responsibility of the Certified Surgical First Assistant includes the ability to anticipate, plan for, and respond to the needs of the patient, surgeon, and other team members. In ...

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Certified Surgical First Assistant information

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How much do certified surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified surgical first assistant in the United States is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified surgical first assistant?

Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFAs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who work alongside surgeons during surgical procedures. Their primary role is to provide direct assistance in the operating room, which can include tasks such as suturing incisions, controlling bleeding, and ensuring the operative field remains clear. CSFAs have advanced knowledge of surgical techniques and sterile procedures, and they help optimize patient outcomes by supporting the surgical team. They are required to obtain certification through accredited programs and by passing a national examination. CSFAs often work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified surgical first assistant?

To thrive as a Certified Surgical First Assistant, you need a comprehensive understanding of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques, typically supported by a relevant degree and certification (such as CSFA or CSA). Proficiency with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic documentation systems is crucial. Strong attention to detail, communication, and teamwork skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are vital for ensuring patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and positive outcomes during operative procedures.

What can certified surgical first assistants do?

Certified surgical first assistants support surgeons during procedures by providing exposure, handling tissues, and suturing. They work in operating rooms, often requiring knowledge of sterile techniques and surgical instruments, and must hold certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential.

How many years does it take to become a certified surgical first assistant?

Becoming a certified surgical first assistant typically requires completing a surgical assisting program, which can take about 1 to 2 years, and gaining relevant healthcare experience such as working as a surgical technologist or nurse. Afterward, candidates must pass the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) exam to become certified.

Are surgical first assistants in high demand?

Surgical first assistants are in high demand due to the increasing number of surgeries and the need for specialized support in operating rooms. They typically require certification and work closely with surgeons, making their skills valuable in hospitals, surgical centers, and outpatient facilities.

What are some common challenges certified surgical first assistants face during surgical procedures, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Certified Surgical First Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing situations in the operating room, maintaining clear communication with the surgical team, and managing high-pressure or unexpected complications. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires strong situational awareness, excellent teamwork skills, and a deep understanding of surgical protocols. Proactively anticipating the surgeon's needs and staying calm under pressure are key strategies that help CSFAs support positive patient outcomes and maintain a smooth workflow during procedures.

What is the difference between Certified Surgical First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectCertified Surgical First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CSFA), specialized trainingPost-secondary education, certification (e.g., CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons directly during surgeriesPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities

The Certified Surgical First Assistant and Surgical Technologist roles both support surgical teams but differ in responsibilities. The CSFA actively assists during surgeries, requiring advanced certification, while Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room and assist indirectly. Both roles are vital in surgical settings, with CSFAs having more direct patient contact and technical duties.

More about Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Certified Surgical First Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Certified Surgical First Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Parrish Medical Center

Titusville, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Parrish Medical Center rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

922nd of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

Department:
Operating Room
Schedule/Status: 
6:30am-5:00pm; Full Time
Standard Hours/Week: 
40
General Description: 
Under the general supervision of the OR Manager and under the direct supervision of the Surgery Clinical Coordinator and the OR Registered Nurse, the Certified Surgical First Assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The Certified Surgical First Assistant performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon.
The position shall exemplify the desired Culture of Choice® and philosophies of Parrish Healthcare. 
     
Key Responsibilities: 
  • Functions as a member of the surgical team for invasive and non-invasive procedures, maintains the integrity of the sterile field, provides for safe handling and labeling of medications and other solutions, monitors the field to provide for completion of accurate needle, sponge and instrument counts.
  • Assembles and opens supplies and equipment, prepares the OR suite for invasive and non-invasive procedures and anticipates variations of case specific supply needs.
  • Provides for safe handling of equipment/instruments to minimize damage.
  • Provides for timely room turnover, including cleansing of the surgical site, application of dressings, instrument breakdown and room decontamination.
  • Assists with patient positioning, patient transport and assists with direct patient care as appropriate.
  • Participates as a member of the emergency surgical team and responds to C-section call within 20 minutes from notification and OR call within 30 minutes from notification.
  • Maintains accuracy of specialty instrument sets, restocks specialty carts and provides updates of physician preference cards.
  • Maintains safe handling of equipment to prevent damage and loss. Marks and reports on broken/damaged instruments for replacement.
  • Participates in preparation for cases, including pulling supplies and specialty equipment.
  • Demonstrates a full knowledge of surgical procedures and functions as a member of specialty team.
  • Participates in Quality Monitoring/Performance Improvement.
  • Mentors and teaches surgical technician and first assistant students and orientees.
  • Assists with in-services and education for the perioperative team.
  • Provides visualization of the operative site by the following: retractors, sponge packing, digital tissue manipulation, suctioning, irrigating, sponging, and/or manipulation of suture materials.
  • Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
  • Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis.
  • Participates in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate.
  • Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings.
  • Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue.
  • Performs similar or related duties as assigned.
  • Knows fire, disaster and safety procedures and regulations as it pertains to the work area.
Requirements:
Formal Education:
  • Graduate from surgical assisting programs accredited through ARC/STSA, NBCSTSA or CAAHEP.
Work Experience:
  • 1 year to < 2 years of experience as a certified surgical technologist.
Required Licenses, Certifications, Registrations:
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) certification required.
  • BLS through The American Heart Association required. 
Full Time Benefits: 
Eligible to participate in a number of PMC-sponsored benefits, including: 
  • Benefits Start on Day 1 
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 
  • 403(b) Retirement Program 
  • Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Assistance 
  • EAP, Flex Spending, Accident, Critical and Other Applicable Benefits 
  • Annual Accrual of 152 Personal Leave Bank (PLB) Hours 
#PRG

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