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Surgical First Assistant Training Program Jobs in Boston, MA

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Surgical First Assistant Training Program information

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How much do surgical first assistant training program jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant training program in Boston, MA is $29.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $32.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Boston, MA? For Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs in Boston, MA are:
Certified Surgical First Assistant, Operating Room, 32 Hours, Days

Certified Surgical First Assistant, Operating Room, 32 Hours, Days

UMass Memorial Health

Marlborough, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


UMass Memorial Health rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Are you a current UMass Memorial Health caregiver? Apply now through Workday.
Exemption Status:
Non-Exempt
Hiring Range:
$28.77 - $46.74
Please note that the final offer may vary within this range based on a candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.
Schedule Details:
Monday through Friday, On Call - Required, Weekends - Every Fourth Weekend
Scheduled Hours:
6:54-3:15 or 9:00-5:30
Shift:
1 - Day Shift, 8 Hours (United States of America)
Hours:
32
Cost Center:
10021 - 2110 Operating Room
Union:
SHARE Marlborough
This position may have a signing bonus available a member of the Recruitment Team will confirm eligibility during the interview process.
Everyone Is a Caregiver
At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver - regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 20,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day.
To provide primary assistance to the Surgeon during a surgical procedure. To assist the surgeon in this expanded role of perioperative care, the STFA acquires the additional knowledge, skills and judgment necessary through advanced education and supervised practice. The role of a Surgical First Assistant requires active participation during the procedure, providing exposure, hemostasis, tying or sewing, tissue handling plus other functions as assigned or determined by the primary surgeon responsible for the patient and procedure; other duties as assigned or directed by the within the scope of Surgical First Assistant practice. May function as a scrub tech as needed to accommodate the needs of the department.
UMass Memorial-Marlborough Hospital strives to be the community hospital of choice for patients and the workplace of choice for health care professionals and physicians. We serve as a role model in the community by promoting healthy lifestyle habits such as a tobacco and smoke free campus and the hiring of nicotine free employees.
Summary:
To provide primary Assistance to the Surgeon during a surgical procedure. The role of a Surgical First Assistant requires active participation during the procedure, providing exposure, homeostasis, tying or sewing, tissue handling plus other functions as assigned or determined by the primary surgeon responsible for the patient and procedure; other duties as assigned or directed by the within the scope of Surgical First Assistant practice.
Qualifications:
  • American Board of Surgical Assistant Certification.
  • Documentation of ongoing clinical competencies and continuing education.
  • BLS and ACLS competent.
  • High School graduate or equivalent
  • Graduate of an accredited Surgical Assistant Program; successful completion of appropriate pretest/exams, classroom orientation and clinical orientation is required.
  • Well organized and possess high degree of Manual Dexterity.
  • 3 years' experience in a hospital-based surgical service.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, customer service and communication skills required OR equivalent combination of the above

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
We're striving to make respect a part of everything we do at UMass Memorial Health - for our patients, our community and each other. Our six Standards of Respect are: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player and Be Kind. If you share these Standards of Respect, we hope you will join our team and help us make respect our standard for everyone, every day.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Memorial Health recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at talentacquisition@umassmemorial.org. We will make every effort to respond to your request for disability assistance as soon as possible.

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