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Surgical First Assistant Training Program Jobs in Illinois

Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management ... What additional preferences we're seeking * 3 or more years experience as Surgical First Assistant ...

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Chicago, IL

$33.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management ... What additional preferences we're seeking * 3 or more years experience as Surgical First Assistant ...

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 ...

Surgical Tech - CVOR - PRN

Springfield, IL

$32.58 - $48.87/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Graduate or successful completion of accredited Surgical Technology or Surgical First Assist program or has successfully completed military training in surgical technology is required. * Military ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Ascension

Chicago, IL

$33.06/hr

Per diem

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,039 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

413th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Your future role at a glance 

Location: Chicago, IL

Facility: Ascension Saint Joesph

Department: Surgery

Schedule: Day shift | PRN

Salary range: $44.00 - $46.00 per hour 


Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.


Benefits that help you thrive
  • Retirement: 403(b) plan
  • Well-being support: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources


How you’ll make an impact in this role
  • Position patients to optimize surgical site exposure while using stabilizing equipment and ensuring patient comfort and safety.
  • Support the surgical team by providing clear visualization of the operative site through tissue manipulation, retraction, suctioning, irrigation, and sponging.
  • Employ appropriate techniques to achieve both temporary and permanent hemostasis throughout the procedure.
  • Assist with body plane closure, the application of wound dressings, and the proper securing of drainage systems.
  • Collaborate as a team member to prepare the surgical suite according to preference cards and assist with room cleanup, including the removal of soiled supplies and equipment.

#LI-JB2


What minimum requirements you’ll need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

  • BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date.  American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
  • One or more of the following required:
    • Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
    • Surgical Assistant credentialed from the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.

Education:

  • High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Technical degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.

What additional preferences we're seeking
  • 3 or more years experience as Surgical First Assistant

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.


What Ascension Healthcare employees say

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About Ascension

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 150,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US