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First Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

First Assistant information

See Boston, MA salary details

$35.3K

$145K

$208K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Boston, MA is $144,982.00, 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.

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 role. Some positions may require specific certifications or training, and gaining experience through entry-level roles can help advance to a first assistant position.

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 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 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 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, 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 $144,982 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Cardiothoracic Surgery PA

Lahey Hospital and Medical Center

Burlington, MA • On-site

$133K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

Job Description:

Advanced Practice Provider (PA)   

Lahey Hospital and Medical Center   

Cardiothoracic Surgery 

Join the Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, a nationally recognized 345 bed tertiary care hospital located in the northern suburbs of Boston, MA.    

Details: 

  • Under the direction of a Cardiothoracic Surgeon and within established departmental practice guidelines, the Advanced Practitioneris responsible for performing a variety of duties in the management of the Post-operative Cardiothoracic Surgery patients in the Progressive Care Unit and Telemetry Unit. 

  • Conduct history & physical examinations, daily progress notes and discharge summaries 

  • Inpatient Consultations 

  • Emergency Room consultations and admissions 

  • Planning and coordinating all aspects of postoperative care and post discharge follow-up 

  • Participates with coverage of the inpatient Telemetry, Progressive Care Unit, Operating Room, and Operating Room Night/Weekend on-call schedule rotation 

  • Includes in-house weekday, weekend, and night coverage with other advanced practitioners on a rotating schedule, who provide 24/7 in-house coverage and OR first assist call. 

Experience:  

  • 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-operative management of both Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery patients. 

  • Proficient with the placement and removal of chest tubes, central and arterial lines. 

  • Removal of temporary epicardial pacing wires, Swan-Ganz catheters, intra-aortic balloon pumps, sutures and staples. 

  • Management of the postoperative Cardiothoracic Surgery patient including familiarity with ventilators, inotropes and vasoactive medications, and circulatory support devices 

Qualifications: 

  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program 

  • Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the field of Cardiothoracic Surgery 

  • Licensure in the state of Massachusetts. 

  • Current BCLS or ACLS certification. 

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a high acuity environment. 

  • Minimum of 2-5 years’ experience in the field of Cardiothoracic Surgery and be skilled in the care and management of pre, intra and postoperative cardiothoracic surgical patients.  

  • Ability to interact positively with all members of a multidisciplinary care team, patients, and their families, and possess the emotional intelligence to work collaboratively in a fast paced, high-acuity environment where quality and caring come first.   

Diversity is a core value at Beth Israel Lahey Health. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for our staff. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions.  

Pay Range:

$133,120.00 USD - $215,000.00 USD

The pay range listed for this position is the annual base salary range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. 

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment. More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Lahey Health logo

About Lahey Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (LHMC), each one of our patients receives a personalized treatment plan, unique to their medical needs and risk factors. We combine advanced technology, research and medical education to provide the best care possible. At LHMC, you benefit from specialty resources at our medical centers and top-quality primary care services at community-based practices throughout northeastern Massachusetts.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Burlington, MA, US