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Surgical First Assistant Training Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Riverside

Program Graduate, Graduate of an accredited Surgical Assistant program or equivalent (Required ... Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical ...

UVA Health

Surgical First Assistant

Culpeper, VA

Graduate of a recognized First Assist program with National Certification or RN required. Or, if a ... Minimum of 2 years of experience assisting - Preferred Refer to the Life Support Training Policy ...

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

As of Jun 7, 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.
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Surgical First Assistant Training Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant Training Program job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Covenant Health

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview
Surgical First Assistant, Operating Room
$7,500 Sign-on Bonus for Experienced SFAs
$5,000 Sign-on Bonus for New Grad SFAs
Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift
Parkwest Overview:
Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area's largest employer.
Parkwest is Covenant Health's and West Knoxville's premier medical facility and a top-performing heart hospital, offering our patients world-class treatment with all the convenience and warmth of home.
In addition to providing the area's leading cardiac services, Parkwest has been nationally recognized for award-winning care throughout our facility. For 2020-21, Parkwest received recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the "Top 10" hospitals in Tennessee.
Knoxville located in East Tennessee is the third largest in the state, well-known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the home of the University of Tennessee. Go Vols! Living in Knoxville means experiencing all four seasons Best of all, each of them is pretty mild!
Combine all that with the abundant natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, and you have a city that truly offers something for everyone. Knoxville has a vibrant arts culture, seasonal festivals, top-notch foodie and incredible outdoor recreation. It's a perfect blend of big-city amenities and Southern charm.
Operating Room:
Parkwest Surgery is a growing cutting edge facility. The latest expansion will total 30 surgery suites. Specialties include orthopedics, cardio-vascular, robotics, gyn and urology services. Parkwest surgery is a fast paced, exciting environment. We encourage our staff through educational opportunities such as specializing in a particular service or advancing their practice. Parkwest surgery and leadership also offers students the ability to receive clinical hours for surgical scrub techs, nurses, physicians assistants and medical students.
Position Summary:
With directed delegation, assists the surgeon throughout the entire surgical procedure. The surgeon may allow the surgical first assistant to tie or cauterize vessels, muscle, or fat under their immediate direction or observation; the surgical first assistant may close the skin with suture or staples and place dressings. It is the surgeon's responsibility to verify the acceptability and appropriateness of the closure.
Recruiter: Kathleen Rice || Apply@covhlth.com
Responsibilities
  • Under supervision of MD/surgeon, facilitates patient care by providing surgical first assistant duties for the surgeon before, during and after surgical procedures; follows unit standards and processes to deliver age-appropriate care for all patients; demonstrates accountability as an individual and team member in meeting patient/family needs; participates in identifying cost-effective measures for clinical care.
  • Demonstrates expanded knowledge of surgical anatomy/ physiology and operative technique to work collaboratively with the surgeon and the other team members.
  • May apply dressings as appropriate in an aseptic manner as delegated by the surgeon.
  • Assists the operating room team in safely transferring the patient to and from the Operating Room; demonstrates proper positioning techniques; reports to the circulator and surgeon bilateral pedal pulses and posterior tibial pulses when appropriate; knows the proper position for cases and understands the use of proper positioning aids to protect nerves, bony prominences and to maintain circulation.
  • Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate preventative and/or corrective actions to ensure a safe environment for the patient and the surgical team throughout the perioperative experience
  • Plans, sets up, performs, and cleans up the assigned surgical procedure as a surgical first assistant and/or as a scrub tech; demonstrates knowledge of equipment and instrumentation pertaining to case; safely operates special equipment which may be used in surgical cases (e.g. lasers, microscopes, tourniquets, endoscopes, drills, saws, etc.); maintains instrument and equipment integrity; performs room turn-over and terminal cleaning; utilizes supplies appropriately and in a cost effective manner. When called upon can assist in daily assignments; makes sure all needed supplies/implants are available for assigned case(s); brings to the coordinator the changes that need to be made to the preference maps.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to apply the principles of asepsis in creating and maintaining the sterile field; uses proper technique when scrubbing, gowning, gloving and setting up of sterile fields; recognizes what is sterile and what is unsterile; recognizes contamination and takes proper action to correct situation; continually monitors the sterile field and surgical team to assure that sterility is maintained.
  • Performs sharp, sponge, and instrument counts according to policy; demonstrates proper counting technique for all countables, and applies proper procedures with incorrect counts; demonstrates understanding of exceptions to counts when in the functioning role of a surgical assistant.
  • May be cross-trained to provide surgical services in multiple specialty areas.
  • Makes an effort to do pre/post op rounding when appropriate.
  • 11 Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Education:
None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.
Minimum Experience:
Must have previously worked as a Surgical Technologist (CST or Non-Certified CST). Experience performing certified surgical technologist duties in an operating suite sufficient to meet the experience requirements mandated by one of the certifying bodies indicated below.
License/Certification:
Must have and maintain one of the following certifications:
Certified First Assistant (CSFA) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA);
Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) by the National Surgical Assistants Association (NSAA).
Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) by the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)

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