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First Assist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Covenant Health

SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Surgical First Assistant, Operating Room $7,500 Sign-on Bonus for Experienced SFAs Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship ...

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First Assist information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$17

$26

How much do first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for first assist in Tennessee is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills do you need for a first assist?

A first assist role typically requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions precisely. Knowledge of medical procedures, certifications such as CPR or basic life support, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.

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 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 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.

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.

How long does it take to be a first assist?

Becoming a first assist typically requires completing a registered nursing program or a physician assistant program, followed by specialized training or certification in surgical assisting. The process can take approximately 2 to 4 years depending on the educational path and certification requirements.
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for First Assist jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most First Assist job openings:
First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assist job openings in Tennessee 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 $35,766 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

TriStar Centennial Medical Center

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

TriStar Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Surgical First Assistant- FT Days

Do you want to join an organization that invests in you as a(an) Surgical First Assistant? At TriStar Centennial Medical Center, 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

What qualifications you will need:


  • Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
  • (CSA) Certified Surgical Assistant, or (CSFA) Certified Surgical First Assistant, or (SA-C) Surgical Assistant Certified, or (SA) Surgical Assistant must be obtained within 60 days of employment start date

No Travel Required

No experience Required Years of Experience

Benefits

TriStar Centennial Medical 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.

TriStar Centennial Medical Center is a 740+ bed comprehensive facility. We offer medical and surgical programs. These include behavioral health and 24-hour emergency. These also include heart and vascular and imaging. These also include neurosciences, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, rehabilitation, sleep disorder, and women's services. We are an affiliate of TriStar Health. TriStar Centennial Medical Center is a 43-acre campus. We are home to TriStar Centennial Heart & Vascular Center. We are home to TriStar Centennial Women's Hospital. Our campus includes The Children's Hospital at TriStar Centennial, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at TriStar Centennial Medical Center, TriStar Centennial Advanced Joint Replacement Institute and TriStar Centennial Parthenon Pavilion.

HCA Healthcare has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for ten consecutive years (2010-2019). In 2019, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost 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 Surgical First Assistant 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.

What TriStar Health employees say

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