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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Rochester, MN is $129,788.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,800.00 and $143,300.00 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:
Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Rapid Diagnostics Team

Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Rapid Diagnostics Team

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN • On-site

$110K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Mayo Clinic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 678 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description
Caring for 75,000 patients per year, the Saint Marys Hospital Emergency Department at Mayo Clinic is a regional level 1 trauma center and is also the base of operations for nationally regarded Air and Ground Transportation programs. We are expanding our practice to staff a dedicated Emergency Department Observation Unit (EDOU), operated by Department of Emergency Medicine providers and embedded in the ED practice. The EDOU provides 24/7/365 coverage and delivers focused, time-limited evaluation and treatment for patients who require care beyond the initial ED visit but are expected to be discharged within 24 hours.
In the EDOU clinical setting the NP/PA serves as an independent provider, collaborates with physicians, and works with a variety of other healthcare professionals. The NP/PA will provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, ordering, conducting and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescription of pharmacological agents, and patient education. Common EDOU presentations include chest pain, syncope, TIA, abdominal pain, asthma and COPD exacerbations, cellulitis, dehydration, pyelonephritis, and atrial fibrillation. The NP/PA will also perform a variety of procedures including laceration repair, I&D, lumbar puncture, paracentesis, and ultrasound-guided access. Reassessment, escalation of care when needed, and timely disposition are central to the role.
Our practice is unique in that we have the benefits of a teaching institution with a multitude of practice supporting education as well as a variety of research opportunities. We see patients that are unique to an academic center as well as those common to community hospitals. Mayo Clinic values the skills and expertise of the NP/PA in Emergency Medicine and observation care. We look forward to adding a physician assistant or nurse practitioner to our EDOU team practice. Join a positive, patient-focused environment where you and the physicians become partners and mutual advisors. With supervision and management by both physicians and other NPs and PAs, you're supported by people who understand your professional needs and goals.
Inquiries may contact: Maddie Ecklund, Provider Recruiter - ecklund.madeline@mayo.edu
Qualifications
Nurse Practitioner: Master's-prepared graduate of an accredited school of nursing and Nurse Practitioner program. Current Minnesota RN and APRN license and certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP).
Physician Assistant: Graduate of accredited Physician Assistant program with current PA certification by NCCPA and registration as a PA by the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice.
Registration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is required. BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ATLS are required.
Two years as an experienced NP or PA in Emergency Medicine, observation medicine, or hospital medicine preferred. ED or hospital experience preferred. New graduates who have completed an applicable fellowship may be considered.
Candidates should apply with a resume and/or CV, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.

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About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919