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Surgical First Assist information

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$12

$28

$56

How much do surgical first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assist in Florida is $28.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.45 and $31.25 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.

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

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

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

What cities in Florida are hiring for Surgical First Assist jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Surgical First Assist job openings:

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Surgical First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assist job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,525 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Surgical First Assist

Surgical Institute of Central Florida LLC

Winter Garden, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description:

Job Title: Surgical First Assist

Location: The Surgical Institute of Central Florida 12363 W. Colonial Drive STE 100, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Responsibilities:

  • Provide direct intraoperative assistance to the surgeon by maintaining optimal exposure of the surgical site through retraction, positioning, suctioning, and visualization techniques.
  • Assist with hemostasis using appropriate methods and instruments as directed by the surgeon.
  • Perform tissue handling, suturing, ligation, stapling, and wound closure within scope of practice and credentialing.
  • Prepare and maintain sterile fields in the operating room to ensure aseptic technique throughout surgical procedures.
  • Anticipate surgeon needs and facilitate efficient progression of surgical procedures.
  • Handle, organize, and manage surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment before, during, and after procedures.
  • Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, and surgical technologists to promote safe and efficient operating room workflows.
  • Participate in patient positioning, skin preparation, and draping while ensuring patient safety and preventing injury.
  • Assist in achieving and maintaining infection prevention standards and compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Support intraoperative documentation and communication as required by facility policy.
  • Monitor, maintain, and restock operating room supplies as needed to support procedural readiness.
  • Adhere to all facility policies, procedures, credentialing requirements, and quality assurance standards.
     
Requirements:

Qualifications:

  • Current certification as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), Surgical Assistant–Certified (SA-C), or equivalent nationally recognized Surgical First Assistant credential required or eligible within a specified timeframe.
  • Current certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or equivalent surgical background preferred.
  • Completion of an accredited Surgical First Assist program required.
  • Previous operating room experience required, including demonstrated proficiency in surgical procedures and sterile technique.
  • Advanced knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, operative procedures, and surgical instrumentation.
  • Demonstrated competency in tissue handling, suturing, wound closure, hemostasis techniques, and intraoperative assisting practices within scope of certification.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required (ACLS preferred if applicable to facility).
  • Strong understanding of infection prevention standards, aseptic technique, and surgical safety regulations.
  • Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced surgical environment while maintaining precision and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Commitment to patient safety, surgical excellence, and high-quality perioperative care.