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First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Surgical First Assistant Job Code: SS1701 4 ten hour days 0700-1730 with one call shift per week 1730-0700 and every 4th weekend Friday 1730-Monday 0700. ABOUT US We are ushering in a new era of ...

Overview Surgical First Assistant, Operating Room $7,500 Sign-on Bonus for Experienced SFAs Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health ...

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! Full-time (40 hrs/week) Day Shift: Monday-Friday, either two shifts-7:00am-3:00pm and two shifts-7:00am-7 ...

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First Assistant information

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$32.5K

$133.5K

$191.5K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in the United States is $133,451.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $180,500.00 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 are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities with the most First Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs? The most popular types of First jobs are:
What states have the most First Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for First Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in the United States 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 $133,451 per year, or $64.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Methodist Healthcare System rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Introduction
Experience the HCA Healthcare difference where colleagues are trusted, valued members of our healthcare team. Grow your career with an organization committed to delivering respectful, compassionate care, and where the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual is recognized. Submit your application for our Surgical First Assistant opening with Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant today and find out what it truly means to be a part of the HCA Healthcare team.
Benefits
Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:
  • Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as well as free telemedicine services and free AirMed medical transportation.
  • Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, long-term care coverage, moving assistance, pet insurance and more.
  • Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing
  • 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock
  • Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance.
  • Referral services for child, elder and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning and more
  • Consumer discounts through Abenity and Consumer Discounts
  • Retirement readiness, rollover assistance services and preferred banking partnerships
  • Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships)
  • Colleague recognition program
  • Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence)
  • Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income.

Learn more about Employee Benefits
Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.
We are seeking a Surgical First Assistant for our team to ensure that we continue to provide all patients with high quality, efficient care. Did you get into our industry for these reasons? We are an amazing team that works hard to support each other and are seeking a phenomenal addition like you who feels patient care is as meaningful as we do. We want you to apply!
Job Summary and Qualifications
The Surgical First Assistant works as a member of the perioperative team under the direction of the surgeon. He/she performs responsibilities of both the Surgical Technologist and the Surgical First Assistant based on department needs and as directed by the unit director or designee. The Surgical First Assistant practices within the scope of the job description and performs clinical and technical skills under surgeon supervision to assist with carrying out a safe operation with optimal patient results. This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues and the handling of instruments; however, the surgical first assistant does not concurrently function as the scrub nurse.
What you will do in this role:
  • Functions as a surgical first assistant at the direction of and under the appropriate supervision of the attending surgeon; always practices within the limitations of preparation and experience and within the scope allowed by the hospital.
  • Consistently functions at the direction of and under direct supervision (physical presence of the attending surgeon in the procedure/treatment room) of the attending surgeon. The surgical assistant scope includes:
  • Providing visualization of the operative site through appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding, packing or sponges; digital manipulation of tissue; suctioning, irrigation or sponging; manipulation of suture materials; proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon's view.
  • Utilizing appropriate permanent and temporary techniques to assist with hemostasis. Permanent hemostasis techniques include clamping and/or cauterizing vessels and tissue, tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue, applying hemostatic clips, or placing hemostatic agents. Temporary hemostasis techniques include applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use; applying vessel loops, non-crushing clamps, or direct digital pressure.
  • Administering post-operative subcutaneous local anesthetic injection
  • Utilizing running or interrupted sutures with absorbable or non-absorbable material of wound layers, including muscle and fascia.
  • Assisting with placement of implants
  • Robotic procedures only: Insertion of subsequent (not initial) trocars. Must have documented training and competency validated (initially within by MHS Medical staff member privileged to perform robotic surgery. The documentation must include directly supervised trocar insertions on a minimum of 5 patients completed within a 12 month period with good patient outcomes
  • Under direct or general perioperative supervision (surgeon/proceduralist presence in the perioperative area (pre-op department, perioperative suite, PACU, OR/procedure waiting room) and is immediately available), the surgical assistant scope includes closure of body planes and applies wound dressings per the method indicated by the attending physician:
  • i. Utilizing sub-cuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips
  • ii. Skin closure with suture, staples and/or spray occlusive material/skin adhesive strips
  • iii. Securing drainage systems to tissue
  • iv. Application of immobilizing dressing

What qualifications you will need:
Education: Must have completed ALL of the following:
1. High School Diploma or GED
2. Successful completion of an accredited surgical first assistant training program.
3. Meets ONE of the following:
  • Graduate/completion of CAAHEP Surgical First Assistant, Surgical Assistant Program, Medical School Graduate OR an allied health professional with 2250 hours of surgical rotation.
  • Practiced as a surgical technologist prior to 9/1/2009

Experience: New hires as of 3/29/2011- 2 years experience in the perioperative setting within the last 4 years in either a surgical technologist or surgical first assistant role.
Credentials: Must have and maintain ONE of the following:
A. Surgical Technologist Certification
  • CST - Certified Surgical Technologist through the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) (formally the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist) OR
  • TS-C- Tech in Surgery, Certified through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

B. Surgical First Assistant certification
  • SA-C - Surgical Assistant, Certified through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)
  • CSA - Certified Surgical Assistant through the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA)
  • CSFA (formally CFA) - Certified Surgical First Assistant through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

C. LSA- Licensed Surgical Assistant through the Texas Medical Board
Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant has been nationally recognized for its record setting kidney, liver and pancreas transplant programs. It is home to the Texas Transplant Institute and is the largest living donor kidney transplant program in the US. According to the United Network of Organ Sharing database, the center reached a major milestone in 2019 by performing 231 living donor kidney transplants in a single year setting a new national record - that's 65 more transplants than the second center on the list.
In addition to transplant care, Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant is a full service hospital with over 260 beds that provides specialized services for liver cancer care, emergency care, weight loss surgery, urology surgery, vascular surgery, inpatient rehabilitation, colorectal surgery and behavioral health care. It is a designated Center of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Our Sexual Assault Response Team provides a compassionate environment for sexual assault survivors ages 13+, serving as a model for hospitals and agencies all over the world. Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant prides itself on providing the highest quality of patient care possible as proven by their consecutive Grade A scores from the Leapfrog's Hospital Safety Grade survey and ranking in the nation's top quartile for patient experience. For more information, please visit our website at www.sahealth.com and select Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant under Locations.
"Across HCA Healthcare's more than 2,000 sites of care, our nurses and colleagues have a positive impact on patients, communities and healthcare.
Together, we uplift and elevate our purpose to give people a healthier tomorrow."- Jane Englebright, PhD, RN CENP, FAAN
Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive
If you find this opportunity compelling, we encourage you to apply for our Surgical First Assistant opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be directly contacted by a member of our team.We are interviewing 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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