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Surgeon Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Surgical Assistant Practice: Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Centers Location : Ashburn, VA Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Tuesday and Friday 8:00AM -4:00PM Position Purpose : The ...

Surgical Assistant Practice: Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Centers Location : Ashburn, VA Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Tuesday and Friday 8:00AM -4:00PM Position Purpose : The ...

Surgical Assistant Practice: Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Centers Location : Ashburn, VA Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Tuesday and Friday 8:00AM -4:00PM Position Purpose : The ...

Surgical Assistant Practice: Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Location: Fairfax, VA Hours: Monday | 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday | 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday | 8am - 4:30pm Thursday | 8am - 4:30pm Friday | 8am ...

Surgical Assistant Practice: Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Centers Location: Warrenton, Virginia Hours: Monday | 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday | 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday | 8am - 4:30pm Thursday | 8am - 4:30pm ...

Surgical Assistant Practice: Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Centers Location: Warrenton, Virginia Hours: Monday | 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday | 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday | 8am - 4:30pm Thursday | 8am - 4:30pm ...

Surgical Assistant Practice: Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Location: Fairfax, VA Hours: Monday | 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday | 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday | 8am - 4:30pm Thursday | 8am - 4:30pm Friday | 8am ...

... assists the surgeon with tasks such as selecting equipment, set up of various tables and ... Surgical Assistant Trade School Degree REQUIRED Certification/Licensure * Virginia Surgical ...

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Surgeon Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$22

$29

How much do surgeon assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgeon assistant in Virginia is $22.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgeon assistant?

Surgeon Assistants, also known as surgical assistants or first assistants, are medical professionals who provide direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures. They help with tasks such as suturing incisions, controlling bleeding, and positioning patients to ensure optimal access for the surgeon. In addition to assisting in the operating room, they may also help prepare the surgical team, maintain sterile conditions, and provide post-operative care. Surgeon Assistants typically have specialized training and may be certified, depending on regional regulations. Their role is crucial for ensuring that surgeries are conducted efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgeon assistant, and why are they important?

To excel as a Surgeon Assistant, you need a solid background in surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques, often backed by a degree or certification as a surgical technologist or assistant. Familiarity with operating room equipment, electronic medical records, and standard surgical instruments is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help Surgeon Assistants anticipate surgeons' needs and ensure smooth operations. These competencies are vital for maintaining patient safety, supporting efficient procedures, and contributing to successful surgical outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by surgeon assistants during surgical procedures?

Surgeon Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining focus during long and complex surgeries, quickly adapting to unexpected changes, and ensuring strict adherence to sterile techniques. They must also communicate effectively with the surgical team and anticipate the needs of the surgeon to keep procedures running smoothly. Balancing these responsibilities while working in high-pressure environments requires strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under stress.

What is the difference between Surgeon Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgeon AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical Assistant (CSA), Physician Assistant (PA-C) with surgical trainingCertified Surgical Technologist (CST), Certified Tech (CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist during surgeries, work closely with surgeons in operating roomsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist in setup
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities

While both roles support surgical teams, Surgeon Assistants actively participate in surgeries, providing direct patient care and assisting surgeons, whereas Surgical Technologists focus on preparing the operating environment and instruments. Surgeons Assistants typically require advanced certifications and work more directly in the surgical procedure itself.

How hard is it to become a surgeon assistant?

Becoming a surgeon assistant typically requires completing a relevant healthcare degree, such as a physician assistant or surgical assistant program, and obtaining certification or licensure. The process involves several years of education and training, including clinical experience, making it a challenging and competitive career path.

How many years does it take to be a surgeon assistant?

Becoming a surgeon assistant typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, which takes about four years, followed by specialized training or a master's program in surgical assisting that can take 1-2 years. Certification as a Surgical First Assistant or Surgical Assistant may also be required, depending on the state or employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgeon assistant?

To become a surgeon assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a health-related field, followed by completion of a surgical assisting program or certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA). Relevant clinical experience and strong knowledge of anatomy, sterile techniques, and surgical procedures are also essential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surgeon jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Surgeon jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Surgeon Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Surgeon Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgeon Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,096 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Surgical Assistant

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site


Sentara Healthcare
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 414 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

532nd of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Good schedule notice


Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

City/State
Charlottesville, VA
Work Shift
Weekend Days
Overview:
Overview
  • Job Description Summary
    The Surgical Assistant I works as a 1st or 2nd assistant to the surgeon and under the direction/supervision of that surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. The Surgical Assistant works as part of a multidisciplinary surgical team, collaborating with nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality patient care.
  • Job Description
    The Surgical Assistant I works as a 1st or 2nd assistant to the surgeon and under the direction/supervision of that surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. Anticipating the needs of the surgical team, the Surgical Assistant assists the surgeon with tasks such as selecting equipment, set up of various tables and positioning equipment, providing retraction for visualization of surgical site, cauterization of bleeding vessels, suturing and closure of incision, instillation of medications, application of surgical dressings, splints, and casts. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant uses effective interdisciplinary communication to facilitate optimal patient outcomes.
    Graduate of CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited Surgical Assistant Program required.
    Surgical Assistant license required for appropriate state of practice

Education
  • Trade School certificate or degree in surgical assistant

Certification/Licensure
  • Surgical Assistant license required for appropriate state of practice

Experience
  • None required

Benefits: Sentara offers an attractive array of full-time benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Sick, Tuition Reimbursement, a 401k/403B, 401a, Performance Plus Bonus, Career Advancement Opportunities, Work Perks, and more.
Our success is supported by a family-friendly culture that encourages community involvement and creates unlimited opportunities for development and growth.
Keywords: Talroo-Allied Health, Surgical Tech
Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career
Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
• Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Colleagues have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met.
Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.
In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.
For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.


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