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Surgical First Assist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Inova Health System

Surgical First Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Surgical First Assistant In Labor And Delivery Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may ...

New

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! Full-time (40 hrs/week) Day Shift: Monday-Friday, either two shifts-7:00am-3:00pm and two shifts-7:00am-7 ...

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$48.51 - $79.07/hr

Inova Fairfax Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant to join the team. This role will be Full-time and days may vary. Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader ...

Inova Primary Care

Surgical First Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may vary. Inova is consistently ranked a national ...

New

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may vary. Inova is consistently ranked a national ...

New

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$48.51 - $79.07/hr

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may vary. Inova is consistently ranked a national ...

OrthoVirginia

Surgical Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$40.91 - $61.37/hr

Surgical First Assistant Bring Your Surgical Expertise to a Collaborative Orthopedic Team As a Surgical First Assistant at OrthoVirginia , you'll work directly alongside our surgeons and ...

OrthoVirginia

Surgical Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$56 - $84/hr

Surgical First Assistant Bring Your Surgical Expertise to a Collaborative Orthopedic Team As a Surgical First Assistant at OrthoVirginia, you'll work directly alongside our surgeons and perioperative ...

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Surgical First Assist information

See Washington salary details

$18

$42

$86

How much do surgical first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assist in Washington is $42.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.04 and $47.36 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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

Surgical First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,700 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

Inova Health System

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 2 days ago

New

Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Surgical First Assistant In Labor And Delivery

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may vary.

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation.

Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions – starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.

Surgical First Assist Job Responsibilities:

  • Confirms procedure with surgeon and determines specific equipment needed per procedure by reviewing permit to confirm procedure and special needs.
  • Assists in setting up OR room. Make clinical decisions based on experience, patient population data, and observation in concert with the primary surgeon
  • Provides retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and /or technique. Assists in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, using and applying of appropriate surgical instrument for the task, placement or ties, placement of ligatures, applying chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon. Uses the electrocautery mono and bi-polar at surgeons' direction, clamping, ligation, and cutting of tissue per surgeons' directive. Selects and applies wound dressing per surgeon's directive; applies splints, casts, and other specialty dressings under the direct supervision of the surgeon. Assists with resuscitation of patient during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events in the operating room
  • May perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education: Completion of Surgical First Assistant program through an accredited organization.
  • Experience : Minimum of 1 years as First Surgical Assistant
  • Certification: BLS from the American Heart Association
  • Licensure - Licensed Surgical Assistant Upon Start, must meet licensure criteria and be licensed as a Surgical Assistant in the Commonwealth of Virginia at the time of hire

What Inova Health System employees say

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