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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$77.9K

$125.1K

$172.4K

How much do nurse practitioner first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Minnesota is $125,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,800.00 and $138,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nurse practitioner first assistant?

A Nurse Practitioner First Assistant (NPFA) is an advanced practice registered nurse who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. In this role, they provide direct patient care before, during, and after surgery, and perform specific tasks such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and handling tissues under the supervision of a surgeon. NPFA professionals are required to have specialized training and certification in surgical first assisting, in addition to their nurse practitioner credentials. Their expertise helps ensure surgeries run smoothly and patients receive comprehensive care throughout the surgical experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nurse practitioner first assistant?

To thrive as a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant, you need advanced clinical knowledge, surgical assisting expertise, and an active RN license with completion of a Nurse Practitioner program and a First Assistant certification (such as RNFA). Familiarity with surgical instruments, electronic health records (EHRs), and perioperative care protocols is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills help ensure safe and efficient collaboration with surgeons and operating room staff. These competencies are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and providing high-quality surgical support.

How does a nurse practitioner first assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other operating room staff during procedures?

As a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant (NPFA), you work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical nurses to ensure optimal patient outcomes during operations. Your responsibilities include providing direct surgical assistance, such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and handling tissues, as well as anticipating the surgeon's needs throughout the procedure. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as you help coordinate patient care before, during, and after surgery. This collaborative environment not only enhances patient safety but also offers valuable opportunities for professional development and skill-building within a multidisciplinary team.

What is the difference between Nurse Practitioner First Assistant vs Physician Assistant?

AspectNurse Practitioner First AssistantPhysician Assistant
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) + specialized training or certification as a First AssistantMaster's degree in Physician Assistant Studies + certification (PANCE)
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms, surgical teams, hospitalsHospitals, clinics, surgical settings
Roles & ResponsibilitiesAssisting surgeons during procedures, pre- and post-operative carePerforming exams, diagnosing, assisting in surgeries

Both Nurse Practitioner First Assistants and Physician Assistants work closely in surgical settings, assisting during procedures and providing patient care. While Nurse Practitioner First Assistants typically have advanced nursing credentials and specialized surgical training, Physician Assistants hold a master's degree and are trained to perform a broad range of medical tasks. Understanding these differences helps clarify their roles in healthcare teams.

What are popular job titles related to Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Minnesota?

For Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings:

Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings in Minnesota 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 $125,053 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Orthopedics Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner - Sports Medicine

University of Minnesota Physicians

Saint Augusta, MN • On-site

$137K - $168K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

University Of Minnesota Physicians rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Certified Nurse Practitioner or Certified Physician Assistant

MPhysicians, in partnership with CentraCare, is seeking a Certified Nurse Practitioner or a Certified Physician Assistant to join our orthopedic practice in the St. Cloud, MN. The orthopedic section is a multispecialty practice with fellowship-trained sports medicine, adult reconstruction, foot and ankle and trauma surgeons and primary care sports medicine physicians.

This candidate will be assigned primarily to the Sports Medicine team, currently three surgeons and two PA's. Patient care includes clinic, assisting during surgical procedures and managing patients in the perioperative environment. The team provides highly specialized care using innovative technology and techniques in treating sports injuries, other soft tissue complaints and upper extremity arthritis. Procedures include shoulder, elbow, hip and knee arthroscopy; knee, shoulder and elbow ligament reconstruction; shoulder and elbow arthroplasty; hip preservation surgery; cartilage restoration and transplantation and deformity correction. With demonstrated proficiency and experience, the candidate will independently evaluate and treat musculoskeletal patients in an outpatient and hospital setting. The candidate will work together with the entire section in trauma call coverage, orthopedic urgent care staffing and other clinic duties to support the practice.

Qualifications:

  • A graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant or formal Nurse Practitioner training program.
  • Eligible or is certified through NCCPA, ANCC or AANP.
  • Licensed or eligible to obtain a license through the MN Board of Medical Practice (PAs) or MN APRN license with prescriptive authority through the MN Board of Nursing (NPs).
  • Able to meet threshold criteria/qualifications for credentialing and privileges.
  • Completion of First Assist Training Program or documented first assist experience.

About the job:

  • CentraCare/M Physicians delivers musculoskeletal care in a team-based environment and has an opportunity for a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to join the Sports Medicine service.
  • M Physicians is seeking full time (1.0 FTE,) independent Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner (who holds or can obtain a first assist) who will provide care to CentraCare/M Physicians patients at CentraCare hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics with a focus on the treatment of soft tissue sports injuries.
  • 2-3 years' experience working in orthopedic surgery or musculoskeletal care is preferred, however all applicants will be considered.
  • This individual will work within a team of orthopedic surgeons and other advanced practice providers. Responsibilities include admission and consultation of patients treated at the Level II trauma center, evaluating and treating patients in the Adult Reconstruction clinic, pre- and post-operative patient care, assisting in surgery, inpatient rounding, and independent clinic and/or urgent care center coverage.

What we offer:

We're proud to offer competitive salary and a market leading benefits package to support our employees and their families.

The full-time salary range is $137,366 - $168,454 commensurate with practice experience and may also include incentive compensation or additional specialty-specific compensation components. Salary prorated based on FTE.

Your total compensation is further enhanced by a robust benefits package that supports your physical, mental, and financial well-being. Highlights include:

  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance including a vision discount plan.
  • Substantial 401K employer contribution
  • Generous flexible time off
  • Well-being program including an annual spending allotment, peer coaching, counseling, and concierge services.
  • Allowance for CE, license, board certification, and DEA fees.
  • Disability, accident, life, and malpractice insurance.
  • As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we are a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Additional information on our benefits can be found here.

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