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Surgery Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Surgery Veterinary Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Day To Day Of Our Surgery Assistants: As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting our doctors and technicians while helping create a positive experience for pets and their ...

Surgery Veterinary Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Day To Day Of Our Surgery Assistants: As a Veterinary Assistant,you'llplayan important rolein supporting our doctors and technicians while helping create a positive experience for pets and their ...

... assistants during surgery. * Assist in transferring patients to the recovery room and to clean and restock the operating room after surgery. * Independently perform the following tasks properly ...

The practice focus may include but is not limited to, office practice, inpatient practice, and surgical procedures. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Treating conditions of the ears ...

Surgery * Schedule: Rotating l PRN Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity Ascension is ... Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical ...

Surgery * Schedule: Rotating l PRN How you'll make an impact in this role * Providing direct ... Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical ...

Showing results 21-40

Surgery Assistant information

See Wisconsin salary details

$13

$27

$63

How much do surgery assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgery assistant in Wisconsin is $27.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $30.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgery assistant?

Surgery assistants, also known as surgical assistants or first assistants, are medical professionals who support surgeons during surgical procedures. They help by preparing the operating room, positioning patients, handing instruments, controlling bleeding, and assisting with suturing and closing incisions. Surgery assistants work under the supervision of surgeons to ensure procedures run smoothly and safely. They play a crucial role in the surgical team, contributing to patient care before, during, and after surgery.

How does a surgery assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other operating room staff during procedures?

Surgery Assistants play a vital role in the operating room by working closely with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists to ensure procedures run smoothly. They are responsible for preparing the surgical site, passing instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and sometimes assisting with suturing or other tasks as directed by the surgeon. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Surgery Assistants must anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond quickly to changing situations. This collaborative environment helps ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency.

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

To thrive as a Surgery Assistant, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and anatomy, typically supported by formal training or certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). Proficiency with surgical instruments, sterile field maintenance, and familiarity with operating room technology are crucial. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, support efficient surgical workflows, and contribute to successful outcomes in high-stakes environments.

What is the difference between Surgery Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgery AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsTypically requires certification or training in surgical assistingRequires surgical technologist certification (CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist during surgeries under supervision, in hospitals or surgical centersPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist during surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, clinics

While both roles support surgical procedures, Surgery Assistants often have more direct involvement in assisting surgeons during operations, whereas Surgical Technologists focus on preparing the operating room and sterilization. Both require certification and work in similar healthcare settings, but Surgery Assistants typically have a broader scope of hands-on assistance during surgeries.

How do you become a surgery assistant?

To become a surgery assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a certified surgical assisting program or gaining relevant healthcare experience. Certification from organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the Surgical Assisting Certification (CFA) can enhance job prospects, and strong communication and technical skills are essential for working in surgical environments.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgery assistant?

To become a surgery assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with postsecondary education such as a certificate or associate degree in surgical technology or a related field. Certification from a recognized organization, like the National Surgical Assistant Association, is often required or preferred, and strong communication and technical skills are essential for assisting in surgical procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surgery jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Surgery jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Surgery Assistant jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Surgery Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgery Assistant job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,656 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Surgery Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals

Madison, WI • On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 659 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

VCA Veterinary Emergency Service & Veterinary Specialty Center has an opportunity for a Veterinary Assistant to join our Surgery Service!
About Us:
At VCA Veterinary Emergency Service & Veterinary Specialty Center we provide top-tier specialty and emergency/critical care services for pets in need. Our facility is equipped with the latest technology, and our team is comprised of compassionate professionals who are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of car
Our board-certified surgeon performs intricate surgeries in the chest or abdomen, complex fractures, repair torn ligaments, remove cancerous growths, manage extensive non-healing wounds, reconstructive and neurologic surgeries.
Day To Day Of Our Surgery Assistants: As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting our doctors and technicians while helping create a positive experience for pets and their families. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves animals, enjoys teamwork, and wants to grow in veterinary medicine. The skills that you will be utilizing include, but are not limited to:
  • Animal Restraint
  • Laboratory duties
  • Assisting with radiographs and other diagnostic testing
  • Assist Veterinary Technicians with surgical preparation
  • Maintain proper sterile conditions
  • Preparing an operating room for surgery by making sure that the proper surgical equipment is in the room
  • Transports all surgical equipment to appropriate cleaning areas. Assists in sterile supply with cleaning and reprocessing of instrument sets.
  • Gown and glove surgeons
  • Assist surgeons in surgery, sterile scrub assist
  • Restock all supplies once they are used on periodic basis
  • Maintain patient records
  • Assisting with postoperative care of the patient

Requirements:
  • 2+ years of Veterinary Assistant experience
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds repeatedly throughout the day
  • Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly
  • Must be able to stand for a long of period of time

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday - Wednesday at our Madison location and Fridays at our Middleton, WI location.
Below are some of the many benefits of joining the VCA team!
  • Advancement and leadership opportunities

  • Internal CE and development opportunities

  • Tuition assistance including Veterinary Technology Associates, Bachelors completion and more

  • Medical, dental & vision insurance, a variety of additional coverage options

  • Free mental health care through Lyra Health (up to 12 sessions a year)

  • Access to free counseling through Cigna Life Assistance program

  • Access to Headspace app

  • Fully employer-paid life, long-term and short-term disability insurance

  • Paid vacation, paid sick time, holiday pay

  • Paid parental leave

  • Fertility coverage, gender affirmation services

  • Generous hospital discounts for your pets, a variety of other discounts including cellular service, apparel, computer equipment, etc.

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Referral bonus opportunities

  • Practice management software with digital innovations for streamlined practice flow and client communication

  • Opportunities to give back through VCA Charities and community partnerships

Ready to grow with a collaborative and supportive team? Apply now! We look forward to getting to know you!
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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