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First Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Madison, WI · On-site

$68.71/hr

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 ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Madison, WI · On-site

$64.35/hr

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 ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Madison, WI · On-site

$68.13/hr

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 ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Madison, WI · On-site

$64.69/hr

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 ...

UW Health

Physician Assistant - Otolaryngology

Madison, WI · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Gerontology and RN First Assist preferred. * If Physician Assistant: Active PA license in State of Wisconsin AND active PA board certification. All Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant ...

UW Health

Physician Assistant - Otolaryngology

Madison, WI · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Gerontology and RN First Assist preferred. * If Physician Assistant: Active PA license in State of Wisconsin AND active PA board certification. All Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant ...

First Choice Dental

Dental Assistant

Verona, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

Dental Assistant First Choice Dental Exceptional Care Starts With Exceptional People About Us At First Choice Dental, we believe that when we take exceptional care of our people, our people take ...

First Choice Dental

Hygiene Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$16 - $22.25/hr

HYGIENE ASSISTANT Join an exceptional Dental Team That Loves What They Do! ABOUT US ... First Choice Dental is a growing organization focused on creating exceptional patient experiences ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFirst JobsFirst Assistant JobsFirst Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI

First Assistant information

See Madison, WI salary details

$32.7K

$134.5K

$193K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Madison, WI is $134,469.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $181,900.00 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 cities near Madison, WI are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most First Assistant job openings:
First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Madison, WI 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 $134,469 per year, or $64.6 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant - Inpatient/Outpatient Thoracic Surgery

UW Health

Madison, WI • On-site

$109K - $142K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

UW Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 224 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Work Schedule:
100% FTE, Four 10 hour shifts/week. Hours may vary based on the needs of the department.
As an Advanced Practice Provider, you'll play an integral role in our inpatient and ambulatory care teams by providing high-quality, cost-effective care to patients.
We are seeking a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to:
  • Provide inpatient and outpatient care to patients with primarily acute thoracic illnesses, specifically disorders of the lung, esophagus and mediastinum (non-cardiac).
  • Perform routine procedures such as: chest tube placement and removal, drain removal, suturing, suction bronchoscopy, US guided thoracentesis, J tube changes, and VAC dressing changes.
  • Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary health team including RNs, APPs, and surgeons within the Thoracic Surgery Service.
Education:
Minimum -
  • If Nurse Practitioner: Master's or Doctorate's degree from accredited Nursing Program.
  • If Physician Assistant: Bachelor's or Master's degree from accredited PA Program.
Licenses and Certifications:
Minimum -
If Nurse Practitioner:
  • Active RN and APNP license in State of Wisconsin AND
  • Active board certification as a NP. These include the following: Adult; Adult/Gerontology Acute Care; or Emergency.
  • Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) or required to obtain within the first 12 months of employment.
If Physician Assistant:
  • Active PA license in State of Wisconsin AND
  • Active PA board certification.
All Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant applicants must have:
  • Active DEA license or ability to apply for such license prior to or upon hire.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
UW Health is committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Our integrity shines through in patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. Applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, women, and LGBTQ+ and non-binary identities are strongly encouraged. EOE, including disability/vets.
University Hospital in Madison is a Magnet®-designated facility that's ranked Wisconsin's #1 hospital and considered one of the nation's leading hospitals, teaching institutions and referral centers.
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About UW Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate environment. With more than 80 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

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