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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Missouri

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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

See Missouri salary details

$74.6K

$119.8K

$165.1K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Missouri is $119,766.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,200.00 and $132,300.00 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 cities in Missouri are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,766 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner - Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery

CT Assist

Springfield, MO โ€ข On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

CT Assist is seeking a Nurse Practitioner Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery for a job in Springfield, Missouri.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Discipline: Nurse Practitioner
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours
  • Employment Type: Staff

Join a Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery team that treats the entire spectrum of cardiothoracic disease including disorders of the heart, lungs, esophagus and aorta in the chest. Their expertise and experience allow state-of-the-art care for chest problems from the most routine to the most complex. 

  • Full Scope Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
  • M-F, days
  • Rotating night and weekend call
  • First Assist and Vein Harvesting Skills Required
  • Place and remove chest tubes, arterial lines
  • EMR: Epic
  • CABG, Valve Replacement, TAVR, ECMO
  • Missouri
  • Salary set by client, equivalent positions range around $120000 - $180000

KEYWORDS: PA, NP, cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, cardiac, endoscopic vein harvest, EVH, CVOR, CABG, thoracentesis, central line, arterial line, chest tube, ICU, CVICU, CTICU, CCU, stepdown

CT Assist Job ID #2870. Posted job title: NP

About CT Assist

Why Are We Different? CT Assist Healthcare Staffing is the only staffing company that exclusively serves:
ยท   CVOR
ยท   CVICU & ICU
ยท   Perfusion
ยท   Advanced Practice
Why only cardiac and critical care? We were founded and are managed by active and former cardiac staff, which means we know the needs, the skills, and the challenges of cardiac and critical care staffing. We are not just recruiters, but employers who have your goals in mind while connecting you with travel, per diem, and permanent opportunities.
Why Cardiac & Critical Care Practitioners Choose Us? Your career should be an adventure. CT Assist Healthcare Staffing specializes in making sure that the adventure is a smooth one. We offer outstanding benefits and assistance with housing and travel, including:
ยท      Competitive Compensation Packages
ยท   Company-paid premiums for health insurance (medical, vision & dental) 
ยท      Company-paid life and accident insurance
ยท      Company-paid liability insurance
ยท      401K Plan
ยท      Direct Deposit
ยท      Recruiters who focus on whatโ€™s best for you