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Surgical First Assist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UVA Health

Surgical First Assistant

Culpeper, VA · On-site

Surgical First Assistant Job Code: SS1701 Work a minimum of 3 ten hour shifts 0700-1730 per 6 weeks and one call weekend call shift depending on departments needs per 6 weeks. ABOUT US We are ...

Beebe Healthcare

SURGICAL FIRST ASSIST

Lewes, DE · On-site

$44.69/hr

Pet Insurance Overview The Surgical First Assist provides direct support to the surgeon during surgical procedures. This role involves assisting in surgery, performing specific tasks under the ...

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the OR team. This role will be full-time, day shift, 4-10 hour shifts, schedule will vary. We offer great pay ...

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How much do surgical first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assist in the United States is $37.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $41.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surgical First Assist, and why are they important?

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 Surgical First Assists?

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 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.

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 cities are hiring for Surgical First Assist jobs? Cities with the most Surgical First Assist job openings:
What states have the most Surgical First Assist jobs? States with the most job openings for Surgical First Assist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assist jobs? For Surgical First Assist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Surgical First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,315 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper

Culpeper, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Surgical First Assistant
Job Code: SS1701
Work a minimum of 3 ten hour shifts 0700-1730 per 6 weeks and one call weekend call shift depending on departments needs per 6 weeks.
ABOUT US
We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper, we believe in caring for the whole person by getting to know - and making connections with - our patients. By combining the talent and expertise of our people, the breadth of capabilities across our system, and our commitment to helping our communities get better and stay healthy, we are improving the patient experience.
As a UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper team member, you will have a voice in patient care decisions, support the most advanced medical technologies and feel a strong sense of satisfaction from making a difference in people's lives every day.
JOB TYPE
Classification: Non Exempt
Supervises Positions:
JOB SUMMARY
Under the direct and indirect supervision of the attending physician and in a cohesive manner with all surgical staff functions in a surgical assist role, the Surgical Assistant assists the team in providing quality individualized patient care during all phases of the patient' surgical experience. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age of the patients served. Assesses data reflective of the patient' status and interpret the information needed to identify each patient' requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and provides services as described in the department' policies and procedures.
Competencies
  • Communication: Collaborates with the leadership team to identify and resolve unit issues.
    • Keeps co-workers and intra-op staff informed of any updates/issues.
    • Follows written instructions as needed.
  • Quality: Complies with established departmental and organization policies/guidelines.
    • Maintains, operates, and monitors all equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations and department standards.
  • Technical Competency: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age of the patients served.
    • Collects, organizes, and enters information into the patient scheduling application.
    • Assists with various types of surgical operations providing technically skilled duties, serving as surgical first assistant.
    • Demonstrates knowledge of instrumentation and sterile/aseptic technique.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Graduate of a recognized First Assist program with National Certification. O a physician from another country and practicing in the United States as a First Assistant, this is acceptable.
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience as surgical first assistant preferred.
Licensure: Certified Surgical First Assistant required (unless a physician from another country). National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) required.
Licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine as a Surgical First Assistant required.
Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details.
Additional Skills/Requirements Required: Ability to successfully complete generic and department-specific skill validation and competency testing. Demonstrate effective and appropriate customer service skills, verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, interpersonal relationship skills, and time management skills. Surgical tech experience to be able to independently scrub Orthopedics, General, Robotics, Vascular, Gynecological, and Spine cases. Ability to independently cover surgical first assistant call as needed.
Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A
The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Demand Code: Medium to Heavy Physical Demand: The job requires constant standing, frequently walking, and bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull 100 lbs. For any weight over 35 lbs., use Safe Handling Equipment. This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of UVA Community Health.
OTHER
May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes
On call responsibilities as directed: Yes
Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes

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