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First Assistant Jobs in Ridgewood, NY (NOW HIRING)

Physician Assistant

Glen Ridge, NJ · On-site

$130K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Function as a First Assistant during surgical procedures across multiple surgical specialties. * Provide perioperative support, including patient positioning, surgical exposure, tissue handling ...

Physician Assistant

Glen Ridge, NJ

$130K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Function as a First Assistant during surgical procedures across multiple surgical specialties. * Provide perioperative support, including patient positioning, surgical exposure, tissue handling ...

Physician Assistant

Glen Ridge, NJ · On-site

$130K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Function as a First Assistant during surgical procedures across multiple surgical specialties. * Provide perioperative support, including patient positioning, surgical exposure, tissue handling ...

Physician Assistant

Glen Ridge, NJ · On-site

$130K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Function as a First Assistant during surgical procedures across multiple surgical specialties. * Provide perioperative support, including patient positioning, surgical exposure, tissue handling ...

Physician Assistant

Glen Ridge, NJ · On-site

$130K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Function as a First Assistant during surgical procedures across multiple surgical specialties. * Provide perioperative support, including patient positioning, surgical exposure, tissue handling ...

Cardiothoracic NP/PA

Yonkers, NY · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Serve as first assist in the OR when necessary. * Collaborate with surgeons, intensivists, and nursing staff to deliver high-quality patient care. * Respond promptly to emergencies, changes in ...

Showing results 41-60

First Assistant information

See Ridgewood, NY salary details

$33.3K

$136.7K

$196.1K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Ridgewood, NY is $136,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $184,900.00 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 Ridgewood, NY are hiring for First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ridgewood, NY with the most First Assistant job openings:

PA (First Assist) Nights (Multi-Campus)

Hackensack Meridian Health

Perth Amboy, NJ • On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Hackensack Meridian Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Physician Assistant assists, monitors, and manages the day-to-day needs of patients as requested by, in conjunction with, and under the supervision of a physician. Performs the duties and responsibilities of a Physician Assistant according to customary and generally accepted medical standards.

Nocturnist shift (7p-7a) with one weekend night shift per pay period.

The evening APPs are reqsponsible for providing floor coverage for all inpatient orthopedic patients, performing new patient consultations both routine on the floors and emergent in the ERs and doing beside procedures like fracture reductions, aspirations and I&Ds.

This role requires the ability to travel between both campuses (Raritan Bay and Old Bridge Medical Centers) as needed.


1. Provide medical services under the supervision of a licensed physician, consistent with the PA's education, training and experience. 2. Performs and documents accurate, complete, and relevant history and physical assessments appropriate for the patient's age, gender, and clinical problem. 3. Orders, performs, and interprets laboratory tests and diagnostic studies/procedures in collaboration with physicians and consultants as appropriate. 4. Manages general medical and surgical conditions based on comprehensive knowledge of etiologies, risk factors, pathophysiology, and the indications and contraindications of pharmacologic agents and other treatment modalities. 5. Prescribes medication safely and effectively in accordance with best practices, hospital policy, and NJ regulations, providing patient education as needed. 6. Seeks opportunities to promote Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) PA practice recognition (locally, nationally, and internationally) through conferences, publications, and presentations. 7. Provides care that is patient- and family-centered, compassionate, and effective for the promotion of health and treatment of disease. 8. Practices as a healthcare provider according to the rules and regulations of the Medical Staff and bylaws as outlined in the delineation of privileges. 9. Applies evidence-based and value-based medicine to systematically analyze and improve patient care practices and outcomes. 10. Evaluates patient/family transition of care planning, considering resource utilization, cost, quality, safety and self-management promotion for chronic conditions. 11. Demonstrates clinical expertise through advanced assessment and procedural skills pertinent to the practice specialty. 12. Translates `best practice' into clinical practice by evaluating current protocols and standards of care. 13. Provides culturally sensitive and educationally appropriate health management education to patients and families. 14. Facilitates consistent, coordinated care and clear communication among all members of the healthcare team through participation in daily interdisciplinary rounds. 15. Serves as an advocate for patients and families, identifying and addressing obstacles to care progression and escalating issues as appropriate. 16. Serves as a clinical resource for the multidisciplinary team by addressing clinical, process, and system improvement opportunities. 17. Participates in organizational and departmental meetings, committees, and workgroups as necessary. 18. Demonstrates the highest level of accountability for professional practice and adheres to ethical principles regarding patient confidentiality, informed consent, and adverse outcomes. 19. Promotes a collaborative work environment supporting the organizational mission, behavior expectations, values, and pillars. 20. Mentors other PAs, precepts students in PA programs and participates in educational programs as a clinical expert. 21. Identifies patient/family educational needs and collaborates to implement appropriate teaching materials. 22. Promotes innovation by integrating new clinical knowledge into practice. 23. Participates in clinical research activities and disseminates findings through practice, education, presentations, and publications. 24. Identifies ethical care issues and coordinates interdisciplinary meetings to resolve them. 25. Comply with HMH and department-specific scope of services, policies and procedures as applicable to role. 26. Adheres to all HMH infection control and safety policies. 27. Other duties and/or projects as assigned. 28. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.


Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: 1. Successful completion of an approved physician's assistant program, accredited by the AMA Council on Medical Education. 2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 3. Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.  Licenses and Certifications Required: 1. Physician Assistant License. 2. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. 3. BLS AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.  4. AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification.


Minimum rate of $134,259.84 Annually

HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package. The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to: Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness. Experience: Years of relevant work experience. Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training. Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies. Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location. Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization. Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered. Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts. In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.


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