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Surgery Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

CNA PreOp / PACU - PRN

Durham, NC · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

PRN Certified Nursing Assistant PreOp/PACU North Carolina Specialty Hospital (NCSH), is a private ... North Carolina Specialty Hospital offers surgical specialties in orthopedics, ophthalmology, ear ...

New

CNA Preop/PACU - Full Time

Durham, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Southpoint Surgery Center (SPSC), an affiliate of North Carolina Specialty Hospital, is a new ... CNAI certification required; CNA II certification preferred * Basic Life Support (BLS ...

CNA Preop/PACU - Full Time

Durham, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Southpoint Surgery Center (SPSC), an affiliate of North Carolina Specialty Hospital, is a new ... CNAI certification required; CNA II certification preferred * Basic Life Support (BLS ...

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Surgery Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$26

$60

How much do surgery assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgery assistant in Raleigh, NC is $26.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $29.23 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 are the most commonly searched types of Surgery jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Surgery jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Surgery Assistant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Surgery Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Surgery Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,527 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Physician Assistant - Thoracic Surgery, APP Robotic

Duke Health

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Duke Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
Duke Health Integrated Practice
Duke Health Integrated Practice comprises more than 110 primary and specialty outpatient clinics, extending the reach of the Duke Health mission across the state of North Carolina.
Job Location
(Duke Medical Pavillion, Duke North OR, and South Clinic Durham, NC)
Job Summary
We are seeking a Physician Assistant to join Duke's Cardiothoracic Surgery team as part of a premier robotic thoracic surgery group. The role would serve as a primary robotic first assistant on general thoracic surgery cases; including anterior mediastinum, foregut, and lung resections. The role will also include responsibilities such as managing robotic APP coverage, clinical instruction, and research.
One day per week will include providing APP coverage in the multidisciplinary benign esophageal outpatient clinic.
Desired Experience:
  • Minimally invasive surgery experience
  • Robotic PA experience
  • Prefer thoracic surgery experience
  • General surgery experience

Job Hours
Monday-Friday, day shift, with flexibility to meet clinic and OR coverage needs. There are no on-call requirements for this role.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases
  • Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage.
  • Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to assist physician in diagnosing medical and surgical problems and prescribing necessary treatment and services for quality patient care; record the normal and abnormal data for review by the physician.
  • Take patient histories, conduct physical examinations, and record in the patient's record; write progress notes; prepare patient workups and summaries noting pertinent positive and negative findings; obtain psychosocial history relevant to patient care, and assume responsibility for developing therapeutic relationships with patients.
  • Order and schedule laboratory studies and diagnostic procedures; explain necessity, preparation, nature and anticipated effects of scheduled diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to the patient.
  • Triage outpatient phone calls and coordinate all necessary efforts in support of direct patient care. Communicate with family members regarding patient care and concerns; provide patient care support and follow up to ensure patient care is coordinated/communicated effectively; provide clinical instruction and oversight to nursing staff. Ensure appropriate communication with all referring physicians. Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of care to outpatient coverage.
  • Initiate referrals to other healthcare providers, and/or consults with the attending physician(s) or the collaborating physician.
  • Provide timely documentation in the electronic medical record of all relevant data including results of diagnostic tests; laboratory results; patients' condition and response to therapies/interventions; communications with physician colleagues and other healthcare providers.
  • Review outside records including clinic notes, hospital records, imaging, lab, and other test results
  • Analyze clinical practice patterns to provide the best medical care and to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Participate in basic science and clinical research projects conducted by supervising physician. Participate in teaching students and residents when requested in clinic.

  • Attend the monthly multidisciplinary conference and participate in patient follow-up from that.

  • Regularly monitor and respond to patient and provider mychart messages, including cross coverage when necessary of the Esophageal Center at Duke Pool

  • Attendance at Surgery Grand Rounds and participation in other divisional educational events is encouraged.

Minimum Job Eligibility Requirements
Education
  • Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program. A Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred.

Certification
  • BLS required.

License
  • Must be licensed in the state of NC, and be certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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