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First Assistant Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

* DETAILS * Job Summary: * To assess, plan, implement the nursing care to meet the patients' needs, by following the appropriate policy and procedures of the assigned department. * Provide nursing care ...

Job Title Job Summary: To assess, plan, implement the nursing care to meet the patients' needs, by following the appropriate policy and procedures of the assigned department. Provide nursing care to ...

Cardiac Surgery First Assist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center (Minimum of 2 years of experience as First Assist) (5 yr experience 160031) Why MedStar Health? * Regional leader in cardiovascular ...

Surgical Assistant

Clinton, MD · On-site

$35.68 - $64.71/hr

The Surgical Assistant may take a scrub rolewhen not needed as a first assistant. SCOPE OF PRACTICE: The Surgical Assistant may: Handle tissue. Provide exposure. Use instruments. Suture. Provide ...

Surgical Assistant

Clinton, MD · On-site

$35.68 - $64.71/hr

The Surgical Assistant may take a scrub rolewhen not needed as a first assistant. SCOPE OF PRACTICE: The Surgical Assistant may: Handle tissue. Provide exposure. Use instruments. Suture. Provide ...

Showing results 41-60

First Assistant information

See Maryland salary details

$31.5K

$129.5K

$185.9K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Maryland is $129,520.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,300.00 and $175,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first assistant?

First Assistants, often referred to as First Assistant Directors (First ADs) in film and television production, are responsible for coordinating all production activities on set. They assist the director by managing the shooting schedule, ensuring that cast and crew are prepared, and facilitating communication between departments. Their role is essential in keeping the production running smoothly, safely, and on time. First Assistants also help enforce safety protocols and can be involved in overseeing rehearsals and blocking scenes. Overall, they play a key organizational and leadership role in any production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Assistant, you need a comprehensive understanding of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and anatomy, usually backed by a relevant certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent clinical training. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical records is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure optimal surgical outcomes, enhance patient safety, and support seamless teamwork in the operating room.

What are some common challenges first assistants face when supporting high-level executives or teams?

First Assistants often juggle multiple priorities, such as managing complex calendars, responding to urgent requests, and coordinating logistics for meetings or events. One common challenge is maintaining clear communication and anticipating the needs of executives, which requires strong organizational skills and discretion. Additionally, First Assistants may need to adapt quickly to changing schedules or last-minute tasks, making flexibility and problem-solving essential. Building good relationships with both internal teams and external contacts also helps ensure smooth workflow and successful collaboration.

What is the difference between First Assistant vs Second Assistant?

AspectFirst AssistantSecond Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires medical or legal certifications, depending on industrySimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentHigh-pressure settings, assisting lead professionalsSupport role, often in administrative or support settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in legal, medical, or film industries as a primary support roleSupporting role, often subordinate to First Assistant
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for responsibilities and qualificationsLess frequently searched in comparison to First Assistant

The First Assistant typically holds more responsibilities, requires specific certifications, and works closely with lead professionals in high-pressure environments. The Second Assistant generally provides support and performs delegated tasks, often with less experience or certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression and role expectations within the industry.

How do I become a first assistant?

To become a first assistant, typically you need relevant experience in the field, strong communication and organizational skills, and often a background in the specific industry or environment. Some roles may require specific certifications or training, depending on the industry standards. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions can also be beneficial.

How much do first assistants make?

First assistants in Florida typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often require strong organizational skills and proficiency with office tools to perform their duties effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in Maryland?

The most popular types of First jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,520 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant, Rotating Shift, Operating Room

Adventist HealthCare

Rockville, MD • On-site

$39.96 - $59.94/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Adventist HealthCare rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Shady Grove Medical Center
If you are a current Adventist HealthCare employee, please click this link to apply through your Workday account.
Shady Grove Medical Center seeks to hire an experienced Surgical First Assistant for our Operating Room who will embrace our mission to extend God's care through the ministry of physical, mental, and spiritual healing.
As a Surgical First Assistant you will:
• Provide visualization of the operative site by: Appropriate placement and securing of retractors; packing with sponges and/ or lap. Packs; Manipulation of tissues; suctioning, sponging and /or irrigating.
• Utilize appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis by: Permanent: Clamping and /or cauterizing vessels or tissue; tying and /or ligating clamped vessels or tissues; applying hemostatic clips; Placing local hemostatic agents.
• Assist the OR team in setting up the operating room for surgical procedures, collaborates with the surgical team in selecting the appropriate equipment and positioning devises for the surgery. Anticipates additional instrument and supplies needed during the procedure.
• Collaborates with the surgical team when positioning the patient making certain the body is in proper alignment, pressure points are padded, circulation and nerve impingement are not compromised, and the position provides exposure for the surgical procedure and anesthesia access. Follows surgeon position preferences and well as patient comfort and safety.
• Anticipate surgeon's/physicians moves in an expeditious manner.
• Close body planes utilizing appropriate techniques.
• Apply appropriate wound dressings: liquid, spray, absorbent material and immobilization dressings.
• Introduce self to the patient and answers any questions that may arise or directs questions to the licensed personnel who may be able to provide answers.
• Work collaboratively with the surgical team to expedite safe surgical care.
• Transport patient to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) with the assistance of the anesthesia provider.
• Assist in prepping the OR for the next patient.
Qualifications include:
• Formal working knowledge; equivalent to as Associate's degree; requires knowledge of a specialized field
• 3 years of experience
• Certification conferred by ABSA, NBSTSA or NSSA
• Graduate of CAAHEP Surgical Assistant program recognized by US Dept. Of Ed.
• Initial Certification CSFA, CSA or SA-C
• Maintain mandated Certification competencies & CEU's.
• Cert. conferred by NBSTSA, ABSA or NSSA
• Experience as a Surgical Scrub Tech strongly preferred
• Active American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required (ACLS preferred. Obtain in fist year)
• Surgical Tech experience preferred
Work Schedule:
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Hours per Week: 36 hrs/week
  • Typical Daily Schedule: 7am to 7pm/9am to 9pm, Monday through Friday
  • Shift Type: Day
  • Weekend Requirements: Required On call as needed
  • Holiday Requirements: Required/Follow company holiday calendar
  • On-Call: Yes (as needed) approximately 12 to 24 hours per month.
  • Shift Differential Eligible: Yes

Pay Range:
$39.96 - $59.94
If the salary range is listed as $0 or if the position is Per Diem (with a fixed rate), salary discussions will take place during the screening process.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), this position is classified as:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
At Adventist HealthCare our job is to care for you.
We do this by offering:
  • Work life balance through nonrotating shifts
  • Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
  • Free Employee parking
  • Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents effective on your date of hire
  • Employer-paid Short & Long-Term Disability, Basic Life Insurance and AD&D, (short-term disability buy-up available)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employer retirement contribution and match after 1-year of eligible employment with a 3-year vesting period
  • Voluntary benefits include flexible spending accounts, legal plans, and life, pet, auto, home, long term care, and critical illness & accident insurance
  • Subsidized childcare at participating childcare centers
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support

As a faith-based organization, with over a century of caring for the communities in the Maryland area, Adventist HealthCare has earned a reputation for high-quality, compassionate care. Adventist HealthCare was the first and is the largest healthcare provider in Montgomery County.
If you want to make a difference in someone's life every day, consider a position with a team of professionals who are doing just that, making a difference.
Join the Adventist HealthCare team today, apply now to be considered!
COVID-19 Vaccination
Adventist HealthCare strongly recommends all applicants to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before commencing employment. Applicants may be required to furnish proof of vaccination.
Tobacco and Drug Statement
Tobacco use is a well-recognized preventable cause of death in the United States and an important public health issue. In order to promote and maintain a healthy work environment, Adventist HealthCare will not hire applicants for employment who either state that they are nicotine users or who test positive for nicotine and drug use.
While some jurisdictions, including Maryland, permit the use of marijuana for medical purposes, marijuana continues to be classified as an illegal drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act. As a result, medical marijuana use will not be accepted as a valid explanation for a positive drug test result.
Adventist HealthCare will withdraw offers of employment to applicants who test positive for Cotinine (nicotine) and marijuana. Those testing positive are given the opportunity to re-apply in 90 days, if they can truthfully attest that they have not used any nicotine products in the past ninety (90) days and successfully pass follow-up testing. ("Nicotine products" include, but are not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping products, hookah, and nicotine replacement products (e.g., nicotine gum, nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges, etc.).
Equal Employment Opportunity
Adventist HealthCare is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to attracting, engaging, and developing the best people to cultivate our mission-centric culture. Our goal is to have a welcoming, equitable, and safe place to work and grow for all employees, no matter their background. AHC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and related medical conditions, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Adventist HealthCare will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Adventist HealthCare is a religious organization as defined under applicable law; however, it will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodations for applicants' religious beliefs.
Applicants who wish to request accommodations for disabilities or religious belief should contact the Support Center HR Office.

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About Adventist HealthCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a faith-based organization, with over a century of caring for the communities in the Maryland area, Adventist HealthCare has earned a reputation for high-quality, compassionate care. Adventist HealthCare was the first and is the largest healthcare provider in Montgomery County.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gaithersburg, MD, US

Year founded

1907