Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Travel Nurse RN - First Assist - $3,481 per week
Charleston, WV · On-site
$3.4K/wk
First Assist * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel VIBRA TRAVELS is looking for a CORPORATE TRAVEL REGISTERED NURSE to join our ...
New
Travel Nurse RN - First Assist - $3,481 per week
Charleston, WV · On-site
$3.4K/wk
First Assist * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel VIBRA TRAVELS is looking for a CORPORATE TRAVEL REGISTERED NURSE to join our ...
New
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...
Travel OR (Operating Room) CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assist) in Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg, WV · On-site
A facility in Martinsburg, WV is seeking its next amazing CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assist). Read on if this sounds like your perfect fit! Minimum of one (1) year of recent clinical experience ...
Travel OR (Operating Room) CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assist) in Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg, WV · On-site
A facility in Martinsburg, WV is seeking its next amazing CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assist). Read on if this sounds like your perfect fit! Minimum of one (1) year of recent clinical experience ...
NP or PA - Marshall Orthopaedics Sports Medicine
$105K - $137K/yr
Treats patients independently in an office setting and serves as a first assistant in the operating room. * Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. * Attends required ...
NP or PA - Marshall Orthopaedics Sports Medicine
$105K - $137K/yr
Treats patients independently in an office setting and serves as a first assistant in the operating room. * Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. * Attends required ...
NP or PA - Marshall Orthopaedics Sports Medicine
Huntington, WV · On-site
$105K - $137K/yr
Treats patients independently in an office setting and serves as a first assistant in the operating room. * Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. * Attends required ...
NP or PA - Marshall Orthopaedics Sports Medicine
Huntington, WV · On-site
$105K - $137K/yr
Treats patients independently in an office setting and serves as a first assistant in the operating room. * Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. * Attends required ...
NP or PA - Marshall Orthopaedics Sports Medicine
Huntington, WV · On-site
$105K - $137K/yr
Treats patients independently in an office setting and serves as a first assistant in the operating room. Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. Attends required ...
NP or PA - Marshall Orthopaedics Sports Medicine
Huntington, WV · On-site
$105K - $137K/yr
Treats patients independently in an office setting and serves as a first assistant in the operating room. Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. Attends required ...
NP or PA - Marshall Orthopaedics Sports Medicine
Huntington, WV · On-site
$105K - $137K/yr
Treats patients independently in an office setting and serves as a first assistant in the operating room. * Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. * Attends required ...
NP or PA - Marshall Orthopaedics Sports Medicine
Huntington, WV · On-site
$105K - $137K/yr
Treats patients independently in an office setting and serves as a first assistant in the operating room. * Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. * Attends required ...
NP or PA - Marshall Orthopaedics Sports Medicine
Huntington, WV · On-site
$105K - $137K/yr
Treats patients independently in an office setting and serves as a first assistant in the operating room. * Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. * Attends required ...
NP or PA - Marshall Orthopaedics Sports Medicine
Huntington, WV · On-site
$105K - $137K/yr
Treats patients independently in an office setting and serves as a first assistant in the operating room. * Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. * Attends required ...
APRNs requesting to be privileged as First Assist in peri‑operative services must complete a CAO approved CNOR Certificate program and obtain a passing grade on the CNOR certification exam.
APRNs requesting to be privileged as First Assist in peri‑operative services must complete a CAO approved CNOR Certificate program and obtain a passing grade on the CNOR certification exam.
ADVANCED PRACTICE PROFESSIONAL | Cardiothoracic Surgery | Berkeley Medical Center | Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg, WV · On-site
$80 - $120/hr
APRNs requesting to be privileged as First Assist in peri‑operative services must complete a CAO approved CNOR Certificate program and obtain a passing grade on the CNOR certification exam.
ADVANCED PRACTICE PROFESSIONAL | Cardiothoracic Surgery | Berkeley Medical Center | Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg, WV · On-site
$80 - $120/hr
APRNs requesting to be privileged as First Assist in peri‑operative services must complete a CAO approved CNOR Certificate program and obtain a passing grade on the CNOR certification exam.
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
First Assistant information
See West Virginia salary details
$35.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$25.2K - $36.4K
26% of jobs
$36.4K - $47.5K
0% of jobs
$47.5K - $58.7K
0% of jobs
$58.7K - $69.9K
0% of jobs
$69.9K - $81.1K
0% of jobs
$81.1K - $92.3K
0% of jobs
$92.3K - $103.5K
10% of jobs
The median wage is $112.9K / yr.
$103.5K - $114.7K
16% of jobs
$114.7K - $125.9K
0% of jobs
$125.9K - $137.1K
19% of jobs
$138.4K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$137.1K - $148.3K
28% of jobs
$25.2K
$103.3K
$148.3K
How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?
How do I become a first assistant?
What is a first assistant?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first assistant, and why are they important?
What is the difference between First Assistant vs Second Assistant?
| Aspect | First Assistant | Second Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires medical or legal certifications, depending on industry | Similar credentials, often with less experience required |
| Work Environment | High-pressure settings, assisting lead professionals | Support role, often in administrative or support settings |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Used in legal, medical, or film industries as a primary support role | Supporting role, often subordinate to First Assistant |
| Common Search & Comparison | Often compared for responsibilities and qualifications | Less 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 some common challenges first assistants face when supporting high-level executives or teams?

WVU Medicine rating
6.6
Based on 580 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
571st of 887 rated healthcare providers
Job description
Functions as the surgeons' assistant, working directly under his/her supervision throughout the procedures. Assists the nurse, surgeon, anesthesiologist and/or CRNA in the care of patients in the preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative phase.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
1. Current Surgical Technologist Certification through ONE of the following boards:
- National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
- National Center for Competencies Testing (NCCT)
- American Allied Health Association (AAHA)
- Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
- Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA)
- Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)
3. Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within 30 days of hire.
EXPERIENCE:
1. Two (2) years of progressive clinical scrub experience in a CST role.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
1. Recommendation from three (3) different multi-specialty surgeons to validate skill competency.
CORE JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Performs technical skills required to prepare for surgical procedures.
2. Assists other perioperative team members in the care of the surgical patient.
3. Provides direct patient care, identified and meets patient needs under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
4. Under direction/supervision of surgeon, assists the surgeon in the perioperative care of patients and perform duties as assigned.
5. Assesses the needs of the patient as related to specific surgical procedures and collects supplies and equipment as related to the procedure.
6. Delivers age appropriate care which addresses patients' cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial needs.
7. Promotes a safe environment conducive to the patient's well-being. Observes for potential patient complications and reports observations to the Registered Nurse.
8. May assist in scheduling OR cases, recording information, and revising and updating surgeon preference cards via the information management system. Able to utilize the electronic medical record when applicable.
9. Functions in Central Reprocessing: decontamination of instruments, preparation of instruments for sterilization, demonstrates skill in the use of all equipment within CRP and maintains records for all equipment in accordance with policy/ procedure.
10. Utilizes proper positioning of the patient with consideration of patient's comfort and safety points of pressure padded without impairment of circulation.
11. Provides visualization of the operative site by the following: appropriate placement and securement of retractions; packing with sponges; digital manipulation and tissue; suctioning, irrigating, sponging; manipulation of suture materials; proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of surgeon's view.
12. Utilizes appropriate techniques with hemostasis for permanent and temporary techniques.
13. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
14. Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings.
15. Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissues.
For facilities with specialty accreditation requirements:
1. Completion of annual required education related to specialty accreditation as defined by accreditation standards. Training may be completed through CBLs, trainings, In-services, and competency validation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking.
2. Ability to lift up to 40-pounds and push/pull heavy loaded carts up to 200 lbs
3. Possess visual, hearing, and oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.
4. Ability to wear personal protective equipment and lead for extended periods of time.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. May be exposed to communicable diseases, toxic gas, fume and odor.
2. Exposure to electrical current and radiation from x-rays.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Must have the ability to perform concentrated and complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and highly technical situations.
2. Must have the ability to work successfully under stressful condition, and must be capable of adapting to varying workloads and work assignments on a constant basis.
3. Must have the ability to make sound judgments based on scientific principles, and also be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion.
4. Must have the ability to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.
5. Must have thorough knowledge/scrub skills for all surgical specialties.
Additional Job Description:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
1. Graduate of a surgical technology accredited surgical assisting program, as well as CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs).
2. Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
3. Current Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA).
4. Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within 30 days of hire.
EXPERIENCE:
1. Two (2) years of progressive clinical scrub experience in a CST role.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
1. Recommendation from three (3) different multi-specialty surgeons to validate skill competency.
CORE JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Performs technical skills required to prepare for surgical procedures.
2. Assists other perioperative team members in the care of the surgical patient.
3. Provides direct patient care, identified and meets patient needs under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
4. Under direction/supervision of surgeon, assists the surgeon in the perioperative care of patients and perform duties as assigned.
5. Assesses the needs of the patient as related to specific surgical procedures and collects supplies and equipment as related to the procedure.
6. Delivers age appropriate care which addresses patients' cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial needs.
7. Promotes a safe environment conducive to the patient's well-being. Observes for potential patient complications and reports observations to the Registered Nurse.
8. May assist in scheduling OR cases, recording information, and revising and updating surgeon preference cards via the information management system. Able to utilize the electronic medical record when applicable.
9. Functions in Central Reprocessing: decontamination of instruments, preparation of instruments for sterilization, demonstrates skill in the use of all equipment within CRP and maintains records for all equipment in accordance with policy/ procedure.
10. Utilizes proper positioning of the patient with consideration of patient's comfort and safety points of pressure padded without impairment of circulation.
11. Provides visualization of the operative site by the following: appropriate placement and securement of retractions; packing with sponges; digital manipulation and tissue; suctioning, irrigating, sponging; manipulation of suture materials; proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of surgeon's view.
12. Utilizes appropriate techniques with hemostasis for permanent and temporary techniques.
13. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
14. Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings.
15. Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissues.
For facilities with specialty accreditation requirements:
1. Completion of annual required education related to specialty accreditation as defined by accreditation standards. Training may be completed through CBLs, trainings, In-services, and competency validation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking.
2. Ability to lift up to 40-pounds and push/pull heavy loaded carts up to 200 lbs
3. Possess visual, hearing, and oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.
4. Ability to wear personal protective equipment and lead for extended periods of time.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. May be exposed to communicable diseases, toxic gas, fume and odor.
2. Exposure to electrical current and radiation from x-rays.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Must have the ability to perform concentrated and complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and highly technical situations.
2. Must have the ability to work successfully under stressful condition, and must be capable of adapting to varying workloads and work assignments on a constant basis.
3. Must have the ability to make sound judgments based on scientific principles, and also be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion.
4. Must have the ability to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.
5. Must have thorough knowledge/scrub skills for all surgical specialties.
Mandatory call
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Shift:
Day (United States of America)
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Company:
PCH Princeton Community Hospital
Cost Center:
91 PCH Nursing Admin
Address:
122 12th Street
Princeton
West Virginia
Equal Opportunity Employer
West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.
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About WVU Medicine
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Hospitals
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Morgantown, WV, US
Year founded
1902