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First Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

VHC Health

OR Surgical First Assistant

Arlington, VA · On-site

Position TitleOR Surgical First Assistant Purpose & Scope: The Surgical Assistant renders direct patient care by assisting the surgeon in the surgical treatment of the patient. This is accomplished ...

VHC Health

Surgical Assistant/OR First Assist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$45.18 - $73.17/hr

Graduation from an accredited program for First Assistants is preferred. Experience: Three years of operating room experience is preferred. Certification/Licensure: Licensed Surgical Assistant by the ...

VHC Health

Surgical Assistant/OR First Assist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$45.18 - $73.17/hr

Graduation from an accredited program for First Assistants is preferred. Experience: Three years of operating room experience is preferred. Certification/Licensure: Licensed Surgical Assistant by the ...

CT Assist

CVOR PA, locums

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$115 - $135/hr

* CVOR Physician Assistant * 5+ years EVH and first assist experience * 4 10-12 hour days * OR Only * Rotating Call * Duration: 6 months * Summer Start * Virginia * Must have 5 or more years of ...

VHC Health

L&D OR First Assistant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$45.18 - $73.17/hr

Position Title L&D OR First Assistant Purpose & Scope: The Surgical Assistant renders direct patient care by assisting the surgeon in the surgical treatment of the patient. This is accomplished under ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFirst JobsFirst Assistant JobsFirst Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC

First Assistant information

See Washington, DC salary details

$36.8K

$151.1K

$216.8K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Washington, DC is $151,091.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $204,400.00 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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of First jobs in Washington, DC are:
First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Washington, DC 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 $151,091 per year, or $72.6 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assist

Stone Springs Ambulatory Surgery Center

Herndon, VA • On-site

$37.63 - $52.68/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Hourly Wage Estimate: $37.63 - $52.68 / hour
Learn more about the benefits offered for this job.

The estimate displayed represents the typical wage range of candidates hired. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, how many years of experience you have and comparison to other employees already in this role. The typical candidate is hired below midpoint of the range.

Are you passionate about the patient experience? At HCA Healthcare, we are committed to caring for patients with purpose and integrity. We care like family! Jump-start your career as a Certified Surgical First Assist today with Stone Springs Ambulatory Surgery Center.

We are now offering a $10,000 sign on bonus to new Surgical Tech First Assist hires! Candidate must be able to Scrub! 


Job Summary and Qualifications

As a Certified First Assist, you will work under the direction of the operating surgeon. You will function as first/second assistant to the surgeon during the operative procedure, providing aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions to ensure safe and efficient outcomes. You will be responsible for restocking and changing over rooms between cases.

What you will do in this role:

  • You will demonstrate the necessary practical, technical and/or specialized knowledge and skills required in accordance with ASA (Association of Surgical Assistants) and other regulatory standards
  • Communicate with the surgeon prior to the case to ascertain specific needs
  • You will share information with the remainder of the surgical team in a timely manner
  • You will assisting with patient positioning, skin preparation, and surgical draping according to the surgeon’s protocol
  • You will anticipate the needs of the surgeon in order to expedite the procedure, while minimizing the patient’s exposure to surgical and anesthetic stress
  • You will ensure the temperature of the patient is discussed with anesthesia personnel in compliance with desired temperature ranges
  • You will assist the surgeon by providing retraction and aiding exposure of the operative site
  • Facilitate hemostasis of the surgical site by performing suction, irrigation and sponging during a surgical procedure
  • You will assist with skin or external suturing and stapling under the surgeon’s direction

Qualifications for this role:

  • You are a graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited program in surgical assisting and attain the CSFA credential administrated by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
  • BLS certification
  • You have one year experience in an operating room setting, preferably in an ambulatory surgery center
  • You are a Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA)
  • You have a valid BCLS Certification upon employment***online certification not acceptable.
Benefits

Stone Springs Ambulatory Surgery Center offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

Consider a fulfilling and secure career with Surgery Ventures, in partnership with HCA Healthcare. Our team of over 3,400 physicians manages more than 150 surgery centers across 16 states in the United States. As a dedicated unit within HCA Healthcare, we prioritize providing safe, efficient, and premium surgical services. With over 30 years of pioneering experience in the industry, our physician partners offer exceptional outpatient care to over 800,000 patients in communities across our network. We do so with the backing of the clinical, operational, and financial expertise of a Fortune 100 healthcare leader. At Surgery Ventures, we are committed to supporting your career growth and advancement at every stage.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses


"The great hospitals will always put the patient and the patient's family first, and the really great institutions will provide care with warmth, compassion, and dignity for the individual."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Certified Surgical First Assist opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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