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Surgery Assistant Jobs in Chestermere, AB (NOW HIRING)

SURGICAL ASSISTANT | Calgary, AB *Please note that you will be considered as part of a candidate ... You benefit from a free LASIK surgery, 3 weeks of vacation, 3 sick days, a floater day & 1 wellness ...

SURGICAL ASSISTANT | Calgary, AB *Please note that you will be considered as part of a candidate ... You benefit from a free LASIK surgery, 3 weeks of vacation, 3 sick days, a floater day & 1 wellness ...

SURGICAL ASSISTANT | Calgary, AB *Please note that you will be considered as part of a candidate ... You benefit from a free LASIK surgery, 3 weeks of vacation, 3 sick days, a floater day & 1 wellness ...

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Surgery Assistant information

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 cities near Chestermere, AB are hiring for Surgery Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chestermere, AB with the most Surgery Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgery Assistant job openings in Chestermere, AB as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Veterinary Assistant, Surgery, Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre

VCA Animal Hospitals

Calgary, AB • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 8 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Veterinary AssistantLocation: Calgary, ABDepartment: Surgery

The Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre CARE Centre is welcoming a full-time Veterinary Surgery Assistant to join our dedicated and dynamic pet healthcare team. The CARE Centre is a 24-hour emergency and referral specialty hospital. We are committed to supporting pet owners and the veterinary community by providing the highest level of emergency and referral care.

The primary role of the Surgery Tech Assistant is to assist the AHTs and Surgeons with daily tasks and patient care.

  • Perform proper restraint techniques when assisting AHTs and Surgeons to assess and treat patients.

  • Assist Surgeons and AHTs while they collect samples, take radiographs and prepare for surgeries.

  • Scrub into surgeries and assist Surgeons during procedures.

  • Clean and autoclave instruments using proper aseptic techniques.

  • Provide physical and emotional support for patients.

  • Help to maintain the hospital treatment areas and ensure general cleanliness.

Our team members are passionate about pets and their people. The ideal candidate will be energetic, self-motivated, outgoing and possess strong organizational skills. The CARE Centre is a fast-paced environment, so the ability to multitask is essential. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to thrive in our highly team-based environment, as well as to deliver the exceptional client experience that the CARE Centre is renowned for. An interest in continual learning is supported with a continuing education allowance. Previous or equivalent veterinary experience in a clinic setting is required.

Schedule:40 hours per week, 5 days a week, including possible on-call on weekdays/weekends.

What We Can Offer You
  • Competitive compensation that reflects your skills, experience, and the role.

  • RRSP Employer Group Match Program (5%) to help you save for the future.

  • Paid time off for continuing education, vacation, sick days, and personal wellness days.

  • Annual CE Allowance.

  • Benefits: Minimum 24 hours per week for eligibility, with flexible options.

  • Paid annual certification memberships and uniform allowance.

  • Mental health support tools and resources: Virtual health care (telemedicine), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and digital wellness tools supporting mindfulness, sleep, and physical fitness.

  • Various career development pathways.

  • Generous personal pet care discounts and lifestyle perks, including exclusive shopping discounts and access to a wellness app.

Our Story

VCA Canada is a network of veterinary hospitals, with our head office in Calgary, Alberta, committed to positively impacting pets, people, and local communities for nearly 45 years. We have compassion for the neighbourhoods we serve and every pet within them, not just those we see in our hospitals. Every VCA Canada hospital location takes pride in its legacy of excellence, earning the trust of pet owners by delivering the highest quality of medicine to keep pets happy and healthy.
In 2017, VCA Canada became part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, solidifying an even stronger commitment to ensuring the strength and stability of the veterinary profession and our commitment to pet parents nationwide. VCA Canada is also passionate about providing an industry-leading Associate experience to over 4,000 Canadians employed across the country. In 2026, for the third year in a row, we were named one of Alberta's Top Employers, which recognizes organizations whose head offices are located within the province and lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Additionally,we were selected as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People 2026, which recognizes employers across Canada that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work and programs for young people starting their careers.

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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.


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