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First Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

PA will deliver care in Labor & Delivery unit, Maternity, L&D Triage, Inpatient Rounding for GYN, ER consults, and first assist in OR cases * 36 hours per week; three - 12 hour shifts * Day/Night ...

Cardiothoracic Surgery PA

Burlington, MA · On-site

$133K - $215K/yr

Surgical first assist with both Cardiac and Thoracic surgical procedures * Endoscopic Vein Harvest * Endoscopic and Open Radial Artery Harvest * Familiarity with Robotic Thoracic Surgery * Post ...

Showing results 21-40

First Assistant information

See Boston, MA salary details

$35.3K

$145K

$208K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Boston, MA is $144,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $196,100.00 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of First jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,982 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Physician Assistant (PA)- Robotic Surgery- MGH

Mass General Brigham

Boston, MA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Brigham and Women's Hospital rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

118th of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description

Site: The General Hospital Corporation
Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.
Job Summary
This position is: 4-10hr shift per week, Day, M-F
Massachusetts General Hospital is one of the leading academic surgical centers in the United States. As we are expanding our activities in robotic surgery across multiple specialties, we are inviting an experienced and motivated Physician Assistant to join our team full-time. The primary responsibility in this position will include surgical first-assistance in robotic surgical cases on services including but not limited to Thoracic, Urology, Gynecology, Colorectal, and General Surgery. We are a high-volume center, averaging 250+ robotic procedures per month.
A competitive candidate will have at least 2 years of operating room experience, with preference for at least 1 year of dedicated robotic surgical experience.
This position reports directly to the Robotic Surgery APP Manager, Medical Director of Perioperative Services, and OR Nursing Director. PAs will be listed as being supervised by the surgical director of our PA program.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary management of mostly adult and some pediatric surgical patients in the operating room in conjunction with surgical faculty and staff. Day-to-day duties will focus on directly assisting in multispecialty robotic surgery as the first-assistant. This role is in direct support of the operating room; there will be no floor, consult, or clinic responsibilities.
Operational
• History and Physical, image review, preoperative huddling, patient positioning, prepping and draping.
• Make incisions, robotic port placement, retraction, suction/irrigation, specimen handling, surgical decision-making, stapling and dividing major anatomic structures, suturing deep and superficial tissue layers, dressing placement, drain management, patient transport, postoperative orders.
Administrative & Educational
• Trains bedside personnel including residents, PAs, students.
• Participates in educational and quality assurance meetings for the Department of Surgery and Perioperative Services to identify areas of performance improvement in patient outcomes, experience, medical education.
• Pursues attending-mentored clinical research involving robotic surgery.
Ideal Candidate will have:
Physician Assistant-First Assist
Skills and Experience
• 2 years of surgical experience desirable (Thoracic, GU, GYN, Colorectal, General Surgery experienced preferred).
• 1 year of robotic surgical experience preferred.
• Maintain certification by completing required 100 hours of Continuing Medical Education credits every two years.
• Qualified in all basic and advanced cardiac life support standards as established by the American Heart Association.
• Eligible for state and federally controlled substances registration.
• Excellent teamwork/people skills when dealing with patients and/or colleagues.
• Success in this role is contingent upon the presence of or immediate ability to acquire advanced surgical skills.
Education/Degree
• Graduate of an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant training program. Bachelors and Masters degrees required.
Licensure, Certifications, or Registration
• Must be certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants prior to start date.
• Must be licensed by the State of Massachusetts prior to start date.
• Maintain certification by completing required 100 hours of Continuing Medical Education credits every two years.
Summary
The Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed provider. The PA is responsible for the assessment and management of various populations of patients, medical and/or surgical, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, development of appropriate plans of care and ongoing evaluation. May also perform additional duties, such as precepting a small group of learners.
Does this position require Patient Care? Yes
Essential Functions
-Provides direct care, counseling, and teaching to a designated patient population in the ambulatory, inpatient, operative, and/or procedural setting.
-Performs complete histories and physical examinations.
-Orders, interprets, and evaluates appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests.
-Develops appropriate plans of care and follow-up based on the outcomes of diagnostic, laboratory, and physical examination findings.
-Orders medications and writes prescriptions according to organizational and regulatory policies and procedures.
-Consistently provides high quality and timely documentation including admission and progress notes, procedure notes, operative notes and discharge summaries.
-Performs bedside procedures as are appropriate to the patient population.
Qualifications
Education
Master's Degree Physician Assistant required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No
Licenses and Credentials
Physician Assistant [MA License]
Experience
0-1 years of experience as a PA required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Skilled in taking medical histories to assess medical condition and interpret findings.
- Ability to maintain quality control standards.
- Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
- Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
- Ability to communicate clearly and establish/maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff and the public.
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
Remote Type
Onsite
Work Location
55 Fruit Street
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Employee Type
Regular
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
Pay Range
$126,838.40 - $173,867.20/Annual
Grade
7
At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.
EEO Statement:
1200 The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.


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