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First Assist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Talented Medical Solutions

First Assist - OR

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$2.0K/wk

****FIRST ASSIST CASE LOGS REQUIRED for temp privileges***** *****NPI # is REQUIRED ON SUBMISSION***** Travel OR First Assist Start: ASAP Duration: 13 Weeks Shift 4x10's - (0630-1700) Days off are on a ...

Talented Medical Solutions

First Assist - OR

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$2.0K/wk

****FIRST ASSIST CASE LOGS REQUIRED for temp privileges***** *****NPI # is REQUIRED ON SUBMISSION***** Travel OR First Assist Start: ASAP Duration: 13 Weeks Shift 4x10's - (0630-1700) Days off are on 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 ...

HiredFirst

Certified First Assist

Parker, AZ · On-site

$2.2K/wk

First Assist Scrub Tech for a 13 week assignment. Must be experience in First Assist Scrub Tech for a 13 week assignment. Must be experience in general, podiatry and orthopedics. MINIMUM ...

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 ...

Talented Medical Solutions

First Assist - OR

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$2.0K/wk

Travel OR First Assist Location: La Paz AZ Start Date: ASAP Duration: 13 Weeks Shift: 4x10s (06:30-17:00) Days Off: Rotating On-Call: Required - Nights and Weekends EMR: Cerner Scrubs: Provided ...

Talented Medical Solutions

First Assist - OR

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$2.0K/wk

Travel OR First Assist Location: Tucson, AZ Start Date: ASAP Duration: 13 Weeks Shift: 4x10s (06:30-17:00) Days Off: Rotating On-Call: Required - Nights and Weekends EMR: Cerner Scrubs: Provided ...

HiredFirst

Certified First Assist

Parker, AZ · On-site

$2.2K/wk

Job Summary Certified First Assist M-F 7am-3pm with every other weekend 13 week contract with option to extend Full-time, Contract In-Office | Parker, AZ, United States First Assist Scrub Tech for a ...

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All JobsFirst Assist JobsFirst Assist Jobs in Arizona

First Assist information

See Arizona salary details

$8

$17

$26

How much do first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for first assist in Arizona is $17.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first assist?

First Assist professionals, also known as Surgical First Assistants or First Assistants, are healthcare practitioners who work alongside surgeons during operations. Their primary role is to provide direct support in the operating room, such as preparing the surgical site, controlling bleeding, suturing, and handling surgical instruments. First Assists may be registered nurses, physician assistants, or surgical technologists with specialized training. They are essential team members who help ensure procedures run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Their responsibilities vary depending on the surgical team and type of procedure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first assist?

To thrive as a First Assist, you need a solid background in surgical techniques, anatomy, and sterile procedures, usually supported by certification as a Surgical First Assistant or Physician Assistant. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room technology, and patient monitoring systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient surgeries and optimal outcomes for patients.

What are some common challenges faced by first assist professionals in the operating room, and how can they be managed?

First Assist professionals often encounter the challenge of adapting quickly to different surgeons' preferences and surgical techniques, as well as managing fast-paced, high-pressure situations. Effective communication and anticipation of the surgical team's needs are essential to ensure smooth procedures. Staying current with advances in surgical technology and participating in ongoing training can help First Assists overcome these challenges and contribute positively to patient outcomes.

What is the difference between First Assist vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectFirst AssistSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified First Assistant (CFA), surgical assisting certificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST), surgical tech certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons directly during procedures, operating roomsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist during surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

First Assist and Surgical Technologist roles both work in surgical settings, but First Assist professionals directly support surgeons during procedures, requiring advanced certifications. Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room and assist indirectly. While both are vital in surgical teams, First Assist roles involve more direct patient and surgical support, often with higher certification requirements.

How do you become a certified first assist?

To become a certified first assist, you typically need to be a registered nurse or physician assistant and complete a specialized training program in surgical assisting, such as the Certified First Assistant (CFA) credential offered by the National Surgical Assistant Association. This involves gaining clinical experience, completing coursework, and passing a certification exam. Continuing education is often required to maintain certification.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for First Assist jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most First Assist job openings:

First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assist job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,723 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Physician Assistant / First Assist

Wickenburg Community Hospital

Surprise, AZ • On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

Other

PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Wickenburg Community Hospital rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 1,064 rated hospitals

Job description

Physician Assistant / First Assist

Wickenburg Community Hospital is a beautiful and sophisticated rural-access hospital located in Wickenburg, Arizona. WCH is a 8-bed Emergency Department, 19-bed Acute department and many ancillary services. We also have 3 Primary Care Clinics. Here at WCH, we strive to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and care. Join us today and let us be part of your success story.

We offer:

  • Full Benefits
  • PTO/Sick Leave
  • Wellness Benefits

Wickenburg Community Hospital is a non-profit organization and qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

General Description

The Physician Assistant / First Assist shall provide medical and administrative services to meet the needs of WCH Surgical Services patients. Physician Assistant / First Assist shall always provide only those professional services that Physician Assistant is qualified to deliver and shall provide such services in a manner that is consistent with the patient's best interests.

Essential Job Duties
  • Physician Assistant shall provide medical services to serve the needs of Surgery Clinic patients who are assigned to Physician Assistant by Community Health Clinic (CHC) and/or managed care payors, all in accordance with guidelines, requirements and limitations as set forth by CHC and/or WCH.
  • Has responsibility for medical services provided by CHC:
    • Function as First Assist for the surgeons as needed (primarily orthopedic cases)
    • Provide medical care for new patients and follow-up postop care and treatment for patients seen in the Surgery Clinic.
  • Physician Assistant / First Assist shall always provide only those professional services that Physician Assistant / First Assist is qualified to deliver.
  • Physician Assistant / First Assist shall perform administrative duties related to patient care as CHC may reasonably assign to Physician Assistant.
  • Physician Assistant / First Assist shall cooperate and comply with the policies and procedures of CHC, including those, which are pertinent to patient relations, quality assurance, scheduling, billing, collections and other administrative matters.
  • Physician Assistant / First Assist and shall cooperate with CHC's efforts to bill and collect fees for services rendered to Clinic patients.
  • Physician Assistant / First Assist shall assist and cooperate with CHC in developing relationships with third-party payor contracts and shall be available to provide medical services to all persons covered by payor contracts that are entered into by CHC.
  • Physician Assistant / First Assist shall promptly prepare and file reports of all professional medical services rendered by Physician Assistant / First Assist, and maintain and make available upon request all necessary records to ensure that CHC and the Clinic satisfy all requirements for payor contracts, malpractice insurance coverage and participation in federal and state payment programs.
    • Physician Assistant / First Assist shall maintain such records for a period of five (5) years from the date of service.
    • To the extent that there are subsequent changes or clarifications of statutes, regulations or rules, Physician Assistant / First Assist shall take such steps as are necessary to permit CHC to comply with such changes.
  • All business transactions related to the services provided by Physician Assistant, such as enrollment, verification and billings, shall be conducted by and in the name of CHC.
  • Physician Assistant/ First Assist shall cooperate with and assist CHC in all litigation matters affecting Physician Assistant / First Assist and CHC.
  • Physician Assistant / First Assist shall meet the performance, productivity and utilization standards set forth by Clinic.
  • Adhere to all other stated provisions in the Physician Assistant / First Assist's employment agreement.
Other (Non-Essential) Job Duties
  • Work with CHC in the monitoring and reviewing of the clinical performance of support health care professionals who provide services to Surgery Clinic's patients.
  • Comply with and participate in quality assurance and utilization review and management, inclusive of peer review and disciplinary actions, as directed by CHC.
  • Participate in establishing policies, procedures and committees for utilization, management, quality assurance, and peer review of all professionals who provide services through the Clinic.
  • Assist CHC management with all preparation for, and conduct of, any inspections and on-site surveys of the Clinic.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Completion of a program accredited by the ARC-PA
  • Successful completion of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
  • Certification as a Surgical First Assistant by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
  • Be licensed by the State of Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants and be qualified by training and experience to provide surgical services.
  • Be eligible to become a member of the medical staff of Wickenburg Community Hospital (WCH) with appropriate clinical privileges, in accordance with the bylaws of the Medical Staff.
  • Hold a current and unrestricted DEA registration number
  • Be eligible to participate in a "Federal healthcare program" as defined in 41 U.S.C. 1320a-7b(f) or in any other governmental payment program
  • Have never been excluded from participation, and maintain an unrestricted right to participate, in the State of Arizona and federal health care programs, including, without limitation, Medicare, Medicaid and AHCCCS.
  • CPR and ACLS Certification
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a Physician Assistant in a Surgical Clinic
  • Previous experience as First Assist in the OR with emphasis in orthopedic cases
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Frequent standing, stooping, bending, stretching, squatting; must be able to stand/walk for up to 70% of the work day; must be able to lift, transfer, turn and position residents weighing up to 125 lbs. unassisted, or with the assistance of one for a resident weighing over 125 lbs. May be subjected to offensive odors and combative behavior. Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. frequently and 50 lbs. occasionally. May be exposed to communicable diseases including the HIV and HBV viruses. Must be able to work paying close attention to detail with frequent interruptions.

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