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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

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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 18, 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.
Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Trauma, Critical Care & General Surgery

Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Trauma, Critical Care & General Surgery

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN

$110K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Mayo Clinic rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 689 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Department of Surgery is seeking a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant (NP/PA) for a 1.0 FTE position in Trauma and General Surgery who will work in collaboration with consultants, fellows/residents, nursing and other staff to provide high-quality inpatient care. The NP/PA will maintain continuity of patient care by managing hospital admissions and discharges, as well as assist in the pre-operative and post-operative management of adult general surgery and trauma patients. While primarily hospital-based, candidates hired into this role will have the opportunity to partner with adult acute care general surgery and trauma surgeons in the management of both hospitalized and outpatient clinic patients. The division of trauma, critical care and general surgery at the Mayo clinic hospitals is well known for providing high-quality care to patients at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Our main services include Emergency surgery for injured and acutely ill patients; Elective surgery to adult patients.  Staff surgeons perform more than 3,100 surgical procedures annually. Mayo Clinic trauma surgeons have special expertise in trauma surgery and advanced training in surgical critical care. Mayo Clinic emphasizes a team care approach. Together, the team provides high-quality care around the clock to patients in the operating room, the intensive care unit and other hospital nursing units.

The Trauma, Critical Care and General Surgery NP/PA hospitalist group is seeking an individual who is interested in becoming part of a team of highly trained NP/PAs who enjoy working with a challenging group of patients in a setting that is dedicated to providing top quality care while fostering independence and empowerment. The trauma, critical care and general surgery division provides for many challenges and rewards. The NP/PA staff is empowered to assist with development and implementation of standardized patient pathways to enhance patient care delivery. There are ongoing opportunities to become involved in shaping the experience, quality and transformation of patient care at the Mayo clinic hospital, Saint Mary's campus. Provision of care includes, but is not limited to: comprehensive physical assessment; order, conduct and interpretation of diagnostic tests; assist with minor procedures; order diagnostic and therapeutic procedures; respond to acute trauma ER activations, and initiate treatment in collaboration with staff TCGS surgeons. Responsible for prescribing pharmacologic agents and treatments. Current duties do not include OR responsibilities however, there may be future opportunities for this. Educating and counseling patients, their families or significant others is an important part of the role. A high level of autonomy is expected.

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. 

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law".  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Masters prepared graduate of an accredited school of nursing and nurse practitioner program. Current Minnesota RN license and certification, or eligible to be certified, as an FNP, ANP or AGACNP or

Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program with current PA certification by the NCCPA and registration as a PA by the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice.

The NP/PA must be eligible for DEA registration. BLS and ACLS are required.


Internal candidates:  Please submit resume, cover letter and your three most recent ePraisals in order to be considered for this position. Internal new graduates please upload 3 letters of reference from preceptors that can attest to your clinical abilities. 
External candidates: Please submit resume, cover letter and two letters of reference in order to be considered for this position. 

Previous experience in general surgery, trauma or acute care is preferred, but new graduates will be considered. Strong written and oral communication skills are required and must have demonstrated skill in working collaboratively with all members of the healthcare team.


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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