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Surgery Assistant Jobs in Gilbert, SC (NOW HIRING)

Lead Surgical Tech - Ortho

Aiken, SC

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary : Assist in providing quality care to the orthopedic surgical patients. Responsible for the general maintenance of equipment, room, and supplies under the direction of the Registered Nurse.

Lead Surgical Tech - Ortho

Aiken, SC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary : Assist in providing quality care to the orthopedic surgical patients. Responsible for the general maintenance of equipment, room, and supplies under the direction of the Registered Nurse.

Dental Assistant - Oral Surgery

Lexington, SC

$22 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

When you join our team as an Oral Surgeon Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Job type: Part-Time Salary: $22 - $25 ...

Dental Assistant - Oral Surgery

Lexington, SC · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

When you join our team as an Oral Surgeon Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Job type: Part-Time Salary: $22 - $25 ...

Dental Assistant - Oral Surgery

Lexington, SC · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

When you join our team as an Oral Surgeon Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Job type: Part-Time Salary: $22 - $25 ...

Showing results 41-60

Surgery Assistant information

See Gilbert, SC salary details

$11

$23

$53

How much do surgery assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgery assistant in Gilbert, SC is $23.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $25.58 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 do you become a surgery assistant?

To become a surgery assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a post-secondary program in surgical technology or a related field. Certification, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), can enhance job prospects, and hands-on training or experience in a healthcare setting is often required.

How long does it take to be a surgery assistant?

Becoming a surgery assistant typically requires completing a post-secondary program in surgical technology or a related healthcare field, which can take about 1 to 2 years. Some roles may also require on-the-job training or certification, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, which can take additional months to obtain.

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.

What does a surgery assistant do?

A surgery assistant supports surgeons during procedures by preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and handing instruments. They may also help position patients and monitor vital signs, requiring knowledge of sterile techniques and sometimes certification. Their role ensures smooth surgical operations and patient safety.

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 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 Technology Certification (NBSTSA), is often required or preferred, and strong communication and technical skills are essential for assisting in surgical procedures.

What cities near Gilbert, SC are hiring for Surgery Assistant jobs?

Cities near Gilbert, SC with the most Surgery Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgery Assistant job openings in Gilbert, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,607 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Physician Assistant - General Surgery

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

Columbia, SC • On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


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Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

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Job description

Summary
This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until September 30, 2026.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
Compressed/Flexible: Authorized.
Telework: Not authorized.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized.
Work Schedule:
Monday- Friday: Rotational, on call. Work schedule subject to change based on agency need.
The Physician Assistant (PA) will work closely with their respective team and assist in the management of General Surgery patients. They will be responsible for providing and coordinating General Surgery care for assigned patients including assessments, ordering appropriate laboratory and diagnostic studies, consulting and referring to physicians and other health care members as appropriate. The PA must also be able to perform independent direct patient care, including but not limited to history-taking, physical exams, and progress notes for General Surgery patients. PA's practice with clinical oversight, consultation, and input by a designated collaborating physician. Although PA's are not Licensed Independent Practitioners, they are authorized to practice with defined levels of autonomy and exercise independent medical decision making within their scope of practice.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Obtaining medical histories and performing physical examinations.
  • Providing and coordinating medical care for assigned patients in any care setting, including establishing diagnoses, formulating, and implementing care plans, and providing follow-up care.
  • Evaluating outpatients to determine the need for further health care.
  • Ordering diagnostic studies and other special tests, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT) scans, etc. l Carrying out health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education activities.
  • Ordering or obtaining laboratory specimens.
  • Ordering ancillary services, such as, pharmacy, social services, physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies, prosthetic services, etc. l Ordering VA specialty service consults and initiating requests for non VA medical care and consults in accordance with VHA and local facility policy and procedures.
  • Ordering patient care supplies.
  • Admitting and discharging patients in consultation with, and on behalf of, the collaborating physician, obtaining admission history and performing physical examinations, conducting patient rounds, documenting progress notes and summaries in the patient record, and writing patient orders on assigned patients.
  • PAs may be delegated the responsibility of documenting operative notes if the PA was present for the procedure, but the operative surgeon must review and co-sign the note. The PA may also be delegated the task of documenting the discharge summary, but the collaborating physician must write a discharge note, or co-sign the discharge summary written by the PA in accordance with The Joint Commission standards that are applicable. l Other patient record entries by PAs, including medical histories, physical examinations, progress notes, service consults, and patient orders do not require physician co-signature unless specifically required by Federal law, VA policy, or the standards of applicable external accrediting bodies.
  • Obtaining and documenting informed consent for treatments and procedures for which the PA is responsible. The PA's Scope of Practice must authorize obtaining informed consent for the treatment or procedure being performed. In addition, the Scope of Practice must authorize the PA to perform the procedure or provide the treatment for which the consent is being obtained or to actively participate as an integral member of the treatment team performing the procedure such as assisting the primary surgeon. NOTE: The PA need not participate in the particular procedure the patient is scheduled to undergo but the PA must be authorized to perform or participate in the procedure by their Scope of Practice and must have sufficient knowledge and training in the treatment or procedure, its indications, risk and benefits, complications, and alternative treatments, to effectively counsel the patient.
  • Providing education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs.
  • Writing orders for or prescribing medications as allowed.
  • Other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Physician Assistant Basic Requirements.
  • Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~
  • Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~
  • Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia.

Preferred Experience: Graduate of a training program which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of PA (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations. Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following: Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.
Physician Assistant-I (PA-I)
(a) Experience and Education
. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs.
b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level PA. This practice may include, but is not limited to:
i. Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care.
ii. Ability to perform patient history and physical.
iii. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient.
iv. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.
Physician Assistant-II (PA-II)
a) Experience and Education.
The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below. Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving. Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by:
i. Two years of successful practice as a PA.
OR,
ii.
Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency.
OR,
iii.
) doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II:
i. Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems.
ii. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions.
iii. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care.
iv. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care.
v. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively.
Physician Assistant-III (PA-III)
a) Experience and Education.
PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes. They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by:
i. Three years of successful practice as a PA.
OR,
ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA.
OR,
iii.) doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA.
b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-III:
i. Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care.
ii. Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE).
iii. Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials.
iv. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel.
v. Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes.
vi. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is VN-03. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of VN-01 to VN-03.
The full performance level of this vacancy is PA-III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of VN-01 to VN-03.
Physical Requirements: This work is mostly sedentary and requires some standing, bending, and carrying light items. The incumbent must have the ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time to interact with the patients and other services.
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
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About Veterans Health Administration

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US