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Surgical First Assistant Training Program Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Surgical First Assistant Training Program information

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$13

$28

$64

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

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant training program in Chicago, IL is $28.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $30.96 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 Chicago, IL? For Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Surgical First Assistant Training Program job openings:
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant Training Program job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,844 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Surgical Assist - Full time 1.0 1st shift

Surgical Assist - Full time 1.0 1st shift

Advocate Aurora Health

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 772 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Department:

37703 Advocate Lutheran General Hospital - Surgery Room

Status:

Full time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hours Per Week:

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

M-F, Day shift,

Pay Range

$35.50 - $53.25Major Responsibilities:
  • Participates in the preparatory steps of surgery; assists operating team in gathering supplies, opening room for cases, assists in lifting, transferring, positioning, preparing and draping the patient.
  • Anticipates and responds to the needs of the Surgeon, by ensuring all required supplies are available for procedures prior to incision, recognizing individual preferences.
  • Provides for a clean, safe and efficient area conducive to optimal patient care. Utilizes aseptic surgical techniques in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures (e.g., assistance with gowning and gloving; preparation and draping of the surgical area; provision of a sterile field, instruments, suture and related materials; anticipation of the Surgeons' needs; holding of retractors, observing and reporting possible breaks in aseptic technique; and assisting in maintaining a sterile, dry, unobstructed field).
  • Ensures the environmental disinfection, safety and efficiency of the operating room. This includes setting up the room for each case including moving equipment (e.g., tables, cameras, microscopes, fracture table, and instrument pans), operating the various types of equipment they have been trained to use during operating room procedures, and returning equipment post procedure. Checks the working condition of equipment and facilitates having damaged items sent out for repair. Notifies appropriate people of equipment and supply problems.
  • Acts as a resource and assists in the training of Surgical Technologists and new Surgical Assistants. Participates in department and facility work teams and assists with special projects as needed.
  • May perform specific surgical activities that are validated competencies under the direct supervision of the surgeon (i.e. the surgeon is in the same room working on the same patient). A record of the validated competencies must be recorded in the caregiver's education file.
  • May perform specific validated competencies and surgical activities such as wound closure of deep capsules, muscle, subcutaneous tissue and skin under general supervision of the surgeon (i.e. validated competencies may be delegated by the surgeon who is immediately available and able to furnish immediate assistance and direction but not necessarily present in the room when the activity is performed).
  • May perform specific validated competencies and surgical activities such as position and prep of patient on the surgical table (excluding complex fracture table, spinal frame, or head stabilizers/pins/tongs), application of the tourniquet as indicated in preparation of a procedure, securing of drains, application of the dressing, cast or immobilizer at the end of a case and safe transfer from the surgical table to transport cart/bed without supervision of the surgeon (i.e. validated competencies may be delegated by the surgeon and be performed without supervision of the surgeon and with the surgeon not present).
  • Provides competency confirmed by a sponsoring surgeon and submits documentation to the medical executive committee a minimum of every two years for approval and/or renewal.
  • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providerscertification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), and
  • Surgical Technologist (CST) certification issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) needs to be obtained within 12 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
  • Surgical First Assist (CSFA) certification issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) needs to be obtained within 12 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, or
  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) issued by the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) needs to be obtained within 12 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required:
  • Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Surgical Technology.

Experience Required:
  • Typically requires 3 years of experience in a Surgical Technologist or Surgical Assistant position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
  • Advanced knowledge and skill in major operative surgical specialties performed.
  • Advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and potential complications for procedures performed.
  • Demonstrated ability to remove skin staples and wound drains.
  • Advanced knowledge and skill of aseptic surgical techniques used in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for various surgical procedures and suturing.
  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate and recognize Physician's needs and changes that requires unplanned or unanticipated interventions, and responds appropriately.
  • Remain current with ongoing computer based learning modules as assigned.
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency.
  • Certification Addendum
  • Team members will maintain annual educational requirements for hospital based certifications (e.g. DNV, CARF or others).

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Must be able to withstand a very stressful and fast-paced environment.
  • Must be able to:
  • lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
  • lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
  • carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
  • Must be able to:
  • push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
  • perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
  • Required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
  • Exposed to the following hazards on a continuous basis: mechanical, electrical, chemical, radiation, blood and body fluids.
  • Must have functional sight and hearing.
  • Required to wear masks, gloves, goggles, and gowns.
  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders and twist frequently during work shift.
  • Must be able to operate all equipment essential to performing the duties of the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our CommitmenttoYou:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training

  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job

  • Incentive pay for select positions

  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

  • Paid Time Off programs

  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, andShort- and Long-Term Disability

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses

  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave

  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs

  • Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.


About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.


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About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US