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Surgical First Assistant Training Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Surgical First Assistant

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$38.72 - $58.08/hr

Surgical Technologist program. * Certified as a one of the following: Certified Surgical First ... Clinical Educators support and guide individualized specialty education and training for competency ...

Surgical First Assistant

Salem, VA · On-site

$30.64 - $42.90/hr

HCA Healthcare has committed up to $300 million in programs to support our incredible team members ... Certificate(ST) Surgical Technologist, or (CSFA) Certified Surgical First Assistant Basic Cardiac ...

... approved, first assistant training course as well as those approved by applicable regulatory ... Required: Graduate of a CAAHEP accredited program. Preferred: Associate degree. Experience:

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Surgical First Assistant Training Program information

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$13

$27

$62

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

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant training program in the United States is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 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.
More about Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs
What cities are hiring for Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs? Cities with the most Surgical First Assistant Training Program job openings:
What states have the most Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs? States with the most job openings for Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs include:
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant Training Program job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Surgical First Assistant

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


TriStar Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Surgical First Assist- FT Days


Experience the HCA Healthcare difference where colleagues are trusted, valued members of our healthcare team. Grow your career with an organization committed to delivering respectful, compassionate care, and where the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual is recognized. Submit your application for the opportunity below: Surgical First Assistant 

Job Summary and Qualifications What qualifications you will need:


  • Vocational School Graduate
  • (CSFA) Certified Surgical First Assistant, or (SA) Surgical Assistant must be obtained within 60 days of employment start date
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support, or BCLS Instructor must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date

No Travel Required

3 years experience Required Years of Experience

Benefits

TriStar Horizon Medical Center, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

TriStar Horizon Medical Center is an accredited, 150+ bed regional medical center. We offer a full array of services. These include cardiology and diagnostic imaging. These include emergency, inpatient rehabilitation. Also including oncology, orthopedics, and women’s services. We are an Accredited Chest Pain Center and a Primary Stroke Center. TriStar Horizon is a leading provider of emergency heart and stroke care. Our satellite campus, TriStar Natchez, offers imaging and oncology services. They offer a 24/7, full-service ER that provides the same services as our main campus emergency room.

HCA Healthcare has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for ten consecutive years (2010-2019). In 2019, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.


"There is so much good to do in the world and so many different ways to do it."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you find this opportunity compelling, we encourage you to apply for our Surgical First Assistant opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be directly contacted by a member of our team. We are interviewing - apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.


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