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First Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

VHC Health

L&D OR First Assistant

Arlington, VA

Position TitleL&D OR First Assistant Purpose & Scope: The Surgical Assistant renders direct patient care by assisting the surgeon in the surgical treatment of the patient. This is accomplished under ...

CT Assist

CVOR PA, locums

Falls Church, VA

$115 - $135/hr

* CVOR Physician Assistant * 5+ years EVH and first assist experience * 4 10-12 hour days * OR Only * Rotating Call * Duration: 6 months * Summer Start * Virginia * Must have 5 or more years of ...

VHC Health

L&D OR First Assistant

Arlington, VA

Graduation from an accredited program for First Assistants is preferred. Experience: Three years of operating room experience is preferred. Certification/Licensure: Licensed Surgical Assistant by the ...

New

VHC Health

L&D OR First Assistant

Arlington, VA

$45.18 - $73.17/hr

Graduation from an accredited program for First Assistants is preferred. Experience: Three years of operating room experience is preferred. Certification/Licensure: Licensed Surgical Assistant by the ...

New

CT Assist

CVOR NP, locums

Falls Church, VA

$115 - $135/hr

* CVOR Nurse Practitioner * 5+ years EVH and first assist experience * 4 10-12 hour days * OR Only * Rotating Call * Duration: 6 months * Summer Start * Virginia * Must have 5 or more years of ...

UVA Health

Surgical Assistant, Senior

Manassas, VA

Graduate of a recognized first assist program with National Certification or RN required. Or, if a physician from another country and practicing in the United States as a First Assistant, this is ...

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First Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$36.8K

$151.1K

$216.9K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Washington is $151,147.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $204,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are First Assistants?

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A First Assistant, such as an executive or personal assistant, can earn around $10,000 per month with extensive experience, strong organizational skills, and sometimes specialized knowledge. High-level assistants in corporate or entertainment industries may reach this income level, especially with overtime, bonuses, or working for high-net-worth clients.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A First Assistant in certain industries, such as film or theater, can earn around $3,000 a month depending on experience and workload. Other roles like administrative assistants, sales representatives, or skilled trades workers may also reach this income level without a formal degree, often requiring on-the-job training or certifications. Income varies based on location, industry, and experience.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in Washington? The most popular types of First jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most First Assistant job openings:
First Assistant jobs near you
Cardiac Surgery First Assist PA/NP

Cardiac Surgery First Assist PA/NP

MedStar Health

Washington, DC • On-site

$115K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Medstar Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 237 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

About the Job
General Summary of Position
Works as first or second assistant during open heart and other vascular and thoracic surgical procedures under the direction of the attending physician. This provider will assist with the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the cardiac surgical patient within the operating room.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Reviews and interprets, as appropriate, the patient chart, medical history, and clinical imaging as it for preoperative planning
  • Recognizes abnormalities of electrocardiogram in the OR and ICU settings and takes appropriate action to assist in the correction and stabilization of the arrhythmias and hemodynamic parameters of the patient.
  • Primary role is to assist in the cardiac surgery operating room. Roles include but are not limited to:
    • Opening the sternum utilizing mid-line sternotomy technique.
    • Preparing the patient for arterial and venous cannulation.
    • First assisting cardiac surgeon in cases including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement (open and robotic approach), aortic arch repair, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplant.
    • Assist in percutaneous insertion of devices.
    • Harvesting and preparing conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting, including internal mammary artery, greater saphenous vein, and radial artery.
    • Place epicardial pacing wires and mediastinal/pleural drains.
    • Closing the mid-line sternotomy.
    • Teaching/mentoring less experienced staff.

Minimum Qualifications
Education
  • Graduation from Accredited program (PA or ACNP)
  • RN First Assistant program required for nurse practitioners

Experience
  • 5 years' experience cardiac surgery care preferred
  • Minimum of two years' operating room experience

Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner + RN First Assist in the District of Columbia required
This position has a hiring range of
USD $115,003.00 - USD $190,000.00 /Yr.

What Medstar Health employees say

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Benefits

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Medstar Health logo

About Medstar Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

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