ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Surgical First Assist Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Edmonton, AB · On-site

SURGICAL ASSISTANT (Intraocular Lens Procedures) | Edmonton, AB Being a Surgical Assistant at LASIK MD (an affiliated entity of Vision Group) means helping the surgeon in the operating room. It means ...

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Edmonton, AB · On-site

SURGICAL ASSISTANT (Intraocular Lens Procedures) | Edmonton, AB Being a Surgical Assistant at LASIK MD (an affiliated entity of Vision Group) means helping the surgeon in the operating room. It means ...

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Edmonton, AB · On-site

SURGICAL ASSISTANT (Intraocular Lens Procedures) | Edmonton, AB Being aSurgical Assistantat LASIK MD (an affiliated entity of Vision Group) means helping the surgeon in the operating room. It means ...

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Calgary, AB · On-site

SURGICAL ASSISTANT | Calgary, AB *Please note that you will be considered as part of a candidate pool for upcoming permanent, full-time opportunities.* Working in a LASIK MD clinic (an affiliated ...

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Calgary, AB · On-site

SURGICAL ASSISTANT | Calgary, AB *Please note that you will be considered as part of a candidate pool for upcoming permanent, full-time opportunities.* Working in a LASIK MD clinic (an affiliated ...

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Calgary, AB

SURGICAL ASSISTANT | Calgary, AB *Please note that you will be considered as part of a candidate pool for upcoming permanent, full-time opportunities.* Working in a LASIK MD clinic (an affiliated ...

Definity Financial

Assistant, Administrative

Edmonton, AB · Hybrid

CA$45K - CA$82K/yr

Act as the first point of contact for IT-related inquiries and incidents * Troubleshoot and resolve ... Focus on inclusion with employee groups, support for gender affirmation surgery, access to BIPOC ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSurgical First Assist JobsSurgical First Assist Jobs in Alberta

Surgical First Assist information

See Alberta salary details

$20

$48

$97

How much do surgical first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assist in Alberta is $48.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical first assist?

Surgical First Assists, also known as surgical first assistants or first surgical assistants, are healthcare professionals who provide direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include helping with patient positioning, maintaining a sterile field, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring the surgical team's efficiency and safety. They work closely with surgeons and other operating room staff to optimize patient outcomes and may be registered nurses, physician assistants, or other trained professionals with specialized surgical training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical first assist?

To thrive as a Surgical First Assist, you need extensive knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques, usually backed by a clinical degree and certification such as the CSA or CSFA. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room technology, and electronic medical records is essential. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure patient safety, effective teamwork, and optimal surgical outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a surgical first assist might face during procedures, and how can they be addressed?

Surgical First Assists often encounter fast-paced, high-pressure environments where quick decision-making and adaptability are crucial. Challenges may include anticipating the surgeon's needs, maintaining sterility in unpredictable situations, and effectively communicating with the surgical team. To address these, developing strong situational awareness, enhancing technical skills through ongoing training, and fostering open communication with colleagues are essential. Proactively preparing for each case and participating in pre-operative briefings can also help mitigate common challenges.

What is the difference between Surgical First Assist vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical First AssistSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), RN with additional trainingCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist during surgeries, work closely with surgeons in operating roomsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist during surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

While both roles support surgical teams, Surgical First Assistants actively assist during procedures and have advanced certifications, whereas Surgical Technologists primarily prepare the operating room and assist in non-sterile tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job fit within surgical settings.

How long does it take to become a surgical first assist?

Becoming a surgical first assist typically requires completing a relevant healthcare degree, such as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner program, which takes about 2-4 years. Additionally, gaining specialized surgical assisting training and certification, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential, can take several months to a year after completing the educational requirements.

What can a surgical first assistant do?

A surgical first assistant supports surgeons during procedures by providing exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, and suturing. They work under the surgeon's supervision, often requiring certification and knowledge of surgical instruments and sterile techniques to ensure patient safety and efficient operation flow.

What degree do you need to be a surgical first assist?

To become a surgical first assist, individuals typically need to have a healthcare-related degree such as a registered nurse (RN), physician assistant (PA), or surgical technologist certification, along with specialized training and experience in surgical procedures. Many states also require certification from organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA).

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and medical centers. States or cities with a higher volume of complex surgeries and advanced medical facilities often offer increased compensation for experienced surgical first assistants. Factors like certifications, experience, and working in specialized surgical environments also influence earning potential.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assist jobs in Alberta?

For Surgical First Assist jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assist jobs in Alberta look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assist jobs in Alberta are:

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assist jobs in AB?

For Surgical First Assist jobs in AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Surgical First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assist job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,624 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Surgical Assistant

LASIK MD

Edmonton, AB • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare the operating room and tools for intraocular lens procedures.

  • Assist the surgeon during procedures and support patient care from start to finish.

  • Support the organization's risk management by identifying and reporting patient safety concerns or risks.

Job description

See if you are our next:   

SURGICAL ASSISTANT (Intraocular Lens Procedures) | Edmonton, AB

Being a Surgical Assistant at LASIK MD (an affiliated entity of Vision Group) means helping the surgeon in the operating room. It means anticipating their actions and preparing their work tools. It means teaming up with them and the other caregivers to support the patient from the start to the end of their experience. All this while seeing with your own eyes the happiness of a clear vision regained.
 
Join our team, where our Great Place to Work® certification represents our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive culture for every member of our organization.     

A look at your benefits   

  • You receive a quarterly bonus.
  • You have a permanent full-time position (32-40hrs/week).
  • You benefit from a free LASIK surgery, 3 weeks of vacation, 3 sick days, 1 floater & 1 wellness day.
  • You benefit from group insurance, telemedicine & RRSP match.
  • You work with experts in Ophthalmology & you can count yourself as a team member of one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

Your tasks at a glance   

  • You will become a specialist of the tools and technologies used in intraocular procedures.
  • You are the person the surgeon relies on to prepare the room and its tools before the procedures.
  • You always find the right words to support and reassure the patient if necessary.
  • You thrive in a team environment and know by heart the actions to take to coordinate and support each intervention.
  • You are comfortable working on your feet in the operating room.
  • You are a stickler for details and work with precision and accuracy.
  • You will be cross-trained in other technical roles within the operating room and in Receptionist duties. 
  • You support the organization’s Risk Management program by identifying and promptly reporting patient safety concerns, incidents, or potential risks to clinic management, to assist in the organization’s overall efforts to identify, report, and mitigate risks.

A clear view of your assets   

  • You have excellent communication skills in English.  
  • You find it easy to connect with others and quickly build trust.
  • You have a sense of responsibility and take your role seriously.
  • You have a definite interest in the field of health and in helping others.
  • You are comfortable with computers, technology, and Microsoft 365 (knowledge of EMR systems is an asset).
  • Your experience in the healthcare field is considered an asset (Optometric Assistant, Orderly, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Lab Technician, Sterilization Assistant, Animal Health Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, etc.).
  • Schedule: You have flexible work availability from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, with Saturdays/Sundays on rare occasions.
  • Required: You are comfortable traveling between our LASIK MD South, LASIK MD North West locations.

From our point of view   

If you think you are the right candidate for this position and are ready to join a passionate and dedicated team, apply now.