1

Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

next page

Showing results 1-20

Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$72.9K

$117.1K

$161.4K

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Rochester, MN is $117,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $129,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant, and why are they important?

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.

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 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.

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 cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings in Rochester, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,096 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Surgery - General Nurse Practitioner

Voll Recruiting

Rochester, MN โ€ข On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Robotics First Assist - Surgery Only 25-35 Hours/Week $120k-$150k + Quarterly Bonuses Winona, MN

A leading surgical services group in Winona, MN is expanding its team with a Physician Assistant or NP/RNFA for a surgery ONLY first assist position: no orders, no clinic, no rounding. Full-time pay and benefits for 25 to 35 surgical hours per week.

  • Requirement: at least 1 year of robotics experience in general or colorectal surgery.
  • Schedule: Monday to Friday. 25-35 surgical hours per week.
  • Responsibilities: first assist duties only. No orders, clinic, or rounding required.
  • Salary: $120,000-$150,000 based on experience, plus a $1-2k quarterly bonus structure.
  • Benefits: PTO, 401k with match, CME stipend, healthcare plans, and malpractice with tail coverage.
  • Career growth: PAs and NPs hold management roles within the company, so there is room to advance.

Location: On-site in Winona, Minnesota, about 30 minutes from La Crosse and 45 minutes from Rochester. Candidates open to commuting or relocating are encouraged to apply.

If you meet the robotics requirement and are looking for a surgery-only role with a quality of life schedule, we encourage you to apply.