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Surgical First Assistant Training Program Jobs in Illinois

Education Associate's Degree from a surgical technology programs accredited through ARC/STSA, or an accredited Surgical First Assist training program (NBSTSA National Board of Surgical Technology and ...

Surgical Tech - First Assistant

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$30.57 - $47.38/hr

Education Associate's Degree from a surgical technology programs accredited through ARC/STSA, or an accredited Surgical First Assist training program (NBSTSA National Board of Surgical Technology and ...

SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33.50 - $43.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

GENERAL SUMMARY The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is a highly skilled, clinically proficient ... cross-training success rates. IV. Ensures that care is provided for all patients utilizing the ...

SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Chicago, IL

$33.50 - $43.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

GENERAL SUMMARY The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is a highly skilled, clinically proficient ... cross-training success rates. IV. Ensures that care is provided for all patients utilizing the ...

RNFA or CST FA

Granite City, IL · On-site

$30 - $48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Surgical First Assistant certification or appropriate first-assist training/credentials preferred ... Graduate of an accredited nursing program required. * Current RNFA certification or completion of ...

New

What additional requirements you'll need * 3 or more years experience as Surgical First Assistant ... E-Verify statement Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please ...

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Surgical First Assistant Training Program information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a surgical first assistant training program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Surgical First Assistant Training Program, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, surgical procedures, and sterile techniques, often backed by prior healthcare experience or certification as a surgical technologist or nurse. Familiarity with operating room instrumentation, suturing techniques, and patient safety protocols is essential, and many programs require or recommend Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, effective support during surgeries and contribute to optimal patient outcomes in high-stakes clinical environments.

What is a surgical first assistant training program?

A Surgical First Assistant Training Program is a specialized educational course designed to prepare healthcare professionals to assist surgeons during operations. The training covers advanced surgical techniques, patient care before, during, and after surgery, as well as sterile procedures and instrumentation. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience in the operating room. Graduates are equipped to work alongside surgeons, improving patient outcomes and supporting the surgical team. Completion of an accredited program is often required to sit for certification exams and to work as a Surgical First Assistant.

What is the difference between Surgical First Assistant Training Program vs Surgical Technologist Certification?

AspectSurgical First Assistant Training ProgramSurgical Technologist Certification
CredentialsTypically requires specialized training and certification as a Surgical First AssistantRequires certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST) or equivalent
Work EnvironmentAssists surgeons directly during surgeries in hospitals and surgical centersPrepares operating rooms and assists during surgeries, but does not perform direct surgical assistance
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, surgical centers, and clinics needing surgical assistantsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities, and clinics for surgical support staff

The Surgical First Assistant Training Program prepares individuals to assist surgeons directly during procedures, requiring specialized training and certification. In contrast, Surgical Technologist Certification focuses on preparing support staff who prepare operating rooms and assist indirectly. Both roles are vital in surgical settings but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are some typical challenges students face during a surgical first assistant training program, and how can they prepare for them?

Students in a Surgical First Assistant Training Program often encounter challenges such as mastering complex surgical techniques, adapting to the fast-paced operating room environment, and balancing hands-on clinical practice with classroom learning. To prepare, it's helpful to develop strong time management skills, actively seek mentorship from experienced surgical staff, and engage in regular study groups to reinforce learning. Embracing a proactive attitude and being open to feedback can also make the transition smoother and enhance overall competency in the role.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs in Illinois?

For Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Surgical First Assistant Training Program job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant Training Program job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Surgical Tech - First Assistant

Sih

Carbondale, IL

$30.57 - $47.38/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Current SIH employees need to apply for positions through our internal job portal. Log in to Workday to apply through the Jobs Hub.

Location:Carbondale, IL
Shift:Days
Time Type: Full Time
Facility/Clinic Name: Memorial Hospital of Carbondale

Position Summary
Responsible for assisting the surgeon in performing a safe surgical procedure to maximize patient outcomes.
Education
Associate's Degree from a surgical technology programs accredited through ARC/STSA, or an accredited Surgical First Assist training program (NBSTSA National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting).


Licenses and Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate and Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA) and CSFA Certification within one year of employment and case log per NBTSA criteria.
Registered by the State of Illinois


Experience and Skills
One year experience as a Surgical First Assist with at least 120 logged cases.

Role Specific Responsibilities
Prepares rooms with appropriate instruments, sutures, supplies, and equipment necessary for area of specialty. Monitors and restocks supplies.
Completes skin preparation and draping
Opens sterile supplies and sets up for procedures.
Provides wound exposure through proper use of retractors so surgeon may clearly view operative site.
Through use of suction and sponges, provides a dry field of operation to permit optimum vision of tissue, viscera, vessels, etc.
Provides homeostasis by use of clamps, cautery, ligation, May complete partial wound closure subcutaneous tissues and skin only under direct supervision of the surgeon.
Applies in application of special dressings such as circumferential elastic bandages and taping
Assists in maintaining correct count of instruments, sutures, and sponges.

Decontaminates instruments, supplies and equipment according to established policies and procedures; handles and stores instruments, equipment and supplies appropriately.
Communicates and interfaces with team members, patients, and medical staff to ensure high quality patient care.
Transports patients to and from Operating room suite; position patients according to type of surgery.
Performs biological and chemical monitoring in accordance with quality assurance standards.
Adheres to SIH organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies and standards.
Reports any unusual incidents to circulating nurse
Assists in identifying, collecting, and caring for specimens.
Assists in dismantling tables and instruments after procedure
Assembles special operating tables such as fracture tables, positioning devices
Provides knowledge of surgical anatomy, operative techniques related to the operative procedure.
Provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative duties, as well, as preoperative and postoperative duties under the direction and supervision of the surgeon.

Compensation (Commensurate with experience):

$30.57

To

$47.38

To access our Benefits Guide/Plan Information, please click the link below:

http://www.sih.net/careers/benefits