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Surgical First Assistant Training Program Jobs in Chicago, IL

Promotion to Assistant Manager after Training Program: After successful completion of the training program, you will have the opportunity for promotion to Assistant Manager. Assistant Managers help ...

Promotion to Assistant Manager after Training Program: After successful completion of the training program, you will have the opportunity for promotion to Assistant Manager. Assistant Managers help ...

Manager in Training Program

Alsip, IL · On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

Promotion to Assistant Manager after Training Program: After successful completion of the training program, you will have the opportunity for promotion to Assistant Manager. Assistant Managers help ...

Promotion to Assistant Manager after Training Program: After successful completion of the training program, you will have the opportunity for promotion to Assistant Manager. Assistant Managers help ...

Showing results 41-60

Surgical First Assistant Training Program information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$28

$64

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

As of Aug 9, 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, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,844 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Advanced Practice Provider (APN or PA), Breast Surgery

University of Chicago Library

Crown Point, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

BSD SUR - General Surgery: Clinical


About the Department

General surgeons at the University of Chicago Medicine focus on a broad range of diseases, including various types of cancer, endocrine disorders, esophageal diseases, bariatric surgical treatment, breast diseases, and more. In treating this wide spectrum of diseases, our surgeons are also trained to use minimally invasive techniques, including robotic and laparoscopic approaches, to ease the patient's surgical experience. Our surgeons also work in close collaboration with experts across the hospital to ensure each patient receives the care he or she deserves to achieve optimal outcomes.
The research endeavors by faculty and investigators in the Section of General Surgery are just as wide and varied as the diseases they treat. In addition to their numerous outcomes-based research projects, our investigators are busy with complex basic science questions that will one day allow physicians to deliver better care to all patients. These scientific endeavors revolve around uncovering the pathophysiology of infections, genomics and physiology of pancreatic cancer, and much more.


Job Summary

The Advanced Practice Provider (APN or PA) supports clinical care and patient services that may include educational, research, clinical support, and administrative activities under the direction and supervision of the General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery teams.

Responsibilities

  • Supports surgical clinics and Breast Center at multiple locations, including Crown Point (IN), Hyde Park (Chicago, IL), and other sites as needed.

  • Prepares Breast Conference write-ups on a weekly basis.

  • Assists with counseling for basic genetic testing and working with Breast Center nurse to perform/order genetic testing.

  • Assists in all plastic surgery procedures, including, but not limited to, mastectomies, breast reconstruction, tissue expanders, breast augmentations, abdominoplasties, and general plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

  • Performs General Surgery procedures in clinic (i.e. cyst/seroma aspirations, abscess drainages, etc.).

  • Prepares charts for clinic (i.e. obtaining IOE, outside records, pre-charting).

  • Assists physicians and provides independent clinical care.

  • Assists in team effort to prepare for and expedite the start of surgery in the OR.

  • Opportunities for OR first assist; assists with perioperative care.

  • Provides appropriate preoperative and postoperative instructions and facilitates discharge planning.

  • Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.

  • Assists in the in- and out- patient setting in assessing patient health status and needs.

  • Assists in the in- and out- patient setting in performing specified diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

  • Assists the in- and out- patient teams in the development and implementation of comprehensive plans of care.

  • Follows through in the outpatient setting via communication with appropriate health care providers to assure that proper care and follow-up is provided.

  • Functions as a professional role model for staff while providing expert care in the in- and out- patient setting.

  • Promotes, has knowledge of and utilizes appropriate patient care protocol relating to the physical and psychological needs of adult and geriatric patients in both in- and out- patient setting.

  • Collaborates with care team members and multi-disciplinary team members to provide direct in- and out- patient care.

  • Participates in self and peer evaluation to improve quality of care.

  • Participates in the development, review, and evaluation of Surgical 1st Assist procedures.

  • Keeps knowledge base current by reading professional literature and attending educational conferences.

  • May provide cross-coverage to other General and Plastic Surgery services.

  • Designs patient education programs that include information required to make informed health care and treatment decisions.

  • Evaluates goals and outcomes taking into account thebenefit-versus-burden,safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness for the patient, family and the organization.

  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree from an accredited school/college.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through a combination of education and a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

Current and/or eligible for State of Illinois licensure/registration required. Eligibility to be privileged and credentialed through the Medical Staff Office (MSO). - State of Illinois

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • An advanced degree (or equivalent, if license received prior to July 1, 2001) from an accredited school/college of nursing or completion of an accredited Physician Assistant educational program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA).

Experience:

  • Clinical experience in a related area of specialty.

Licenses and Certifications for Advanced Practice Nurse:

  • Current Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) license in the State of Illinois or eligibility to receive by start date.

  • Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Illinois or eligibility to receive by start date.

Licenses and Certifications for Physician Assistant:

  • Current Physician Assistant license/registration in the State of Illinois or eligibility to receive by start date.

  • Certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) by start date.

Preferred Competencies

  • Ability to provide direct patient care in a professional and respectful manner.

  • Ability to provide direct patient care independently under the direction of the supervising physician.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication.

  • Ability to perform detailed work.

  • Ability to perform multiple concurrent tasks with occasional interruptions.

  • Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality while handling sensitive situations.

  • Ability to solve problems by applying math or reasoning principles.

  • Ability to train or lead others.

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)

  • Cover Letter (required)


When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Healthcare & Medical Services


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

40


Drug Test Required

Yes


Health Screen Required

Yes


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$130,900.00 - $167,200.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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