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Surgical First Assist Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Vision Care - The Vision Care Plan is administered by Avesis and can assist with the costs of eye ... Paid Time Off (PTO) - Up to 23 days of PTO within your first year of employment - 28 days after 1 ...

Vision Care - The Vision Care Plan is administered by Avesis and can assist with the costs of eye ... Paid Time Off (PTO) - Up to 23 days of PTO within your first year of employment - 28 days after 1 ...

Vision Care - The Vision Care Plan is administered by Avesis and can assist with the costs of eye ... Paid Time Off (PTO) - Up to 23 days of PTO within your first year of employment - 28 days after 1 ...

As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees ... Vision Care - The Vision Care Plan is administered by Avesis and can assist with the costs of eye ...

As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees ... Vision Care - The Vision Care Plan is administered by Avesis and can assist with the costs of eye ...

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Surgical First Assist information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$16

$38

$77

How much do surgical first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assist in Rochester, MN is $38.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $42.50 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 Rochester, MN?

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

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assist jobs in Rochester, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assist jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Surgical First Assist jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Surgical First Assist job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assist job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,607 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Senior Anatomy Laboratory Technician

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Mayo Clinic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 705 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Organizational Relationships: 

Reports to and receives direction from appropriate campus leadership (Center for Procedural Innovation Coordinator, Operations Administrator, Operations Manager or other as assigned). Works collaboratively with physicians, scientists, allied health staff, simulation center staff, research staff, course directors and external visitors. 

Position Overview (Major Functions and Non-Essential Functions): 

The Senior Laboratory Technician utilizes their surgical and procedural knowledge and expertise to provide expert professional services, including provision of required equipment and instrumentation, to support the needs of all Mayo and external educators, innovators and researchers. The Senior Laboratory Technician is responsible for supporting the educational, clinical and research activities of the assigned laboratory, including preparing the environment, care and operation of equipment, instrument set-up, cleaning and sterilization, monitoring inventory of supplies and re-setting following an activity. The Senior Laboratory Technician will handle cadaveric tissue, communicate policies, procedures, and expectations, assist with data collection/management, dispose of hazardous waste according to policy/protocol, and assist with surgical procedures and support activities as assigned. 

In laboratories where animal tissue is utilized, the Senior Laboratory Technician will handle such tissue. In laboratories with a donor program, the Senior Laboratory Technician will provide general laboratory support including embalming, portioning and tissue management. In laboratories that work closely with simulation centers, the Senior Laboratory Technician will be cross trained to support simulation activities including the preparation and operation of simulation equipment.

The Senior Laboratory Technician will maintain current knowledge of equipment, instrumentation and supplies and their vendors required to support the laboratory, assist in the evaluation of equipment and order instrumentation and supplies. The Senior Laboratory Technician will provide training and mentorship to junior staff, proactively recommend updates to policies and procedures and make recommendations on the proficient use of surgical equipment and sterile surgical techniques. The Senior Laboratory Technician will assist in scheduling laboratory space and tissue and the associated billing process. 

Activities may occur and require support outside of the regular working day, most commonly evenings and weekends. 

**Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  Also, Mayo Clinic DOES NOT participate in the F-1 STEM OPT extension program.

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. 

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law".  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Minimum Education and/or Experience Required (Minimum Job Requirements, Education Requirements, Experience): 

Associate degree in life science or healthcare related field (Associate degree in another area or higher equivalent certification or program completion, e.g., Certified Surgical Tech, Military Surgical Tech, Surgical First Assistant or similar may be considered) and five (5) years of surgical or procedural experience working within a hospital, clinical, or pathology setting; OR bachelor's degree in a life science or healthcare related field and three (3) years of surgical or procedural experience working within a hospital, clinical, or pathology setting. Relevant experience may include work in the operating room, critical care or emergency medicine, bioskills or anatomy labs, willed body donation programs, medical examiner's offices, veterinary clinics, or other settings involving hands-on procedural work. Demonstrated proficiency of surgical or procedural techniques, instrumentation, specimen handling, and laboratory management required as well as proficiency in problem-solving, organization and self-direction. 

Additional Experience and/or Qualifications (Has Achieved Competency in the Following Areas, Job Knowledge and Additional Considerations): 

Must have the ability to work independently, with minimal supervision. Ability to be flexible and adapt to unpredictable situations. Flexibility in work hours that includes occasional off hours, evenings and weekends. Excellent problem solving, communication, and organizational skills. 

In laboratories where animal tissue is utilized, experience with animal procedures is preferred. 

In laboratories that work closely with the simulation centers, experience with simulation equipment is preferred.

Licensure/Certification Required: Certified Surgical Technician, Certified Forensic Autopsy Technician, or Veterinary Technician license with surgical or dissection experience preferred.


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About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919