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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Huntsville Hospital Health System

CLN NP- DOC

Decatur, AL

$97K - $126K/yr

Surgical First Assist, rounding, office/clinical patient evaluations and education, give therapeutic injections, refer to diagnostic treatment/tests, evaluate x-ray, CT, and MRI, review lab results ...

Huntsville Hospital Health System

CLN NP- DOC

Decatur, AL

$97K - $126K/yr

Surgical First Assist, rounding, office/clinical patient evaluations and education, give therapeutic injections, refer to diagnostic treatment/tests, evaluate x-ray, CT, and MRI, review lab results ...

Huntsville Hospital Health System

CLN NP- DOC

Decatur, AL · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Surgical First Assist, rounding, office/clinical patient evaluations and education, give therapeutic injections, refer to diagnostic treatment/tests, evaluate x-ray, CT, and MRI, review lab results ...

Huntsville Hospital Health System

CLN NP- DOC

Decatur, AL · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

Surgical First Assist, rounding, office/clinical patient evaluations and education, give therapeutic injections, refer to diagnostic treatment/tests, evaluate x-ray, CT, and MRI, review lab results ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Alabama salary details

$15

$34

$68

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Alabama is $34.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.21 and $37.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical first assistant?

A Surgical First Assistant is a trained healthcare professional who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include providing exposure, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring the surgical field is maintained. They work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other operating room staff to help ensure surgeries are conducted safely and efficiently. Surgical First Assistants may be registered nurses, physician assistants, or other certified professionals who have completed additional specialized training.

How do you become a surgical first assistant?

You can become a Surgical First Assistant by first getting certified as a Surgical Technologist. You can then pursue the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential to enhance your learning process as well as your professional profile. The minimum education requirement for this job is an associate degree, but some employers will prefer a bachelor’s degree prior to your certification. At your earliest opportunity, you should begin working in a medical environment, such as a hospital or clinic.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical first assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical First Assistant, you need in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, sterile techniques, and typically a certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent. Familiarity with surgical instruments, advanced suturing techniques, and operating room technology is essential. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate surgeons’ needs are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and optimal support for surgeons during procedures.

How does a surgical first assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other members of the surgical team during procedures?

A Surgical First Assistant works closely with the lead surgeon and the entire operating room team to ensure procedures run smoothly and safely. Their responsibilities include anticipating the surgeon’s needs, providing technical support such as tissue retraction, suction, and suturing, and maintaining clear communication throughout the surgery. Collaboration requires adaptability, quick decision-making, and a thorough understanding of surgical protocols. Effective teamwork is vital, as the assistant helps maintain sterile fields, manages instruments, and supports patient safety at every stage of the operation.

What is the difference between Surgical First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), surgical assisting certificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST), surgical tech certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons during procedures, work closely in the operating roomPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist in setup
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The Surgical First Assistant and Surgical Technologist roles both operate in the operating room environment but differ significantly. Surgical First Assistants actively assist surgeons during procedures, requiring advanced certifications like CSFA. Surgical Technologists prepare the OR and support the surgical team but do not directly assist during surgery. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is a surgical first assistant a good career?

A surgical first assistant is a skilled healthcare professional who supports surgeons during procedures, requiring certification and knowledge of surgical techniques. It offers a stable job outlook with opportunities for specialization and advancement, often involving working in operating rooms with a team. The role provides meaningful work in patient care and typically involves a demanding schedule with high responsibility.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgical first assistant?

To become a surgical first assistant, candidates typically need to have a healthcare background such as a registered nurse, surgical technologist, or physician assistant, along with specialized training in surgical assisting. Certification through organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the American Association of Surgical Assistants (AASA) is often required or preferred. Additionally, strong knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques is essential.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services. Typically, urban areas and regions with large hospitals or medical centers offer the highest compensation, especially for those with advanced certifications and experience. Salary can also vary based on the healthcare facility and geographic demand for surgical services.
More about Surgical First Assistant jobs

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Alabama?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $70,984 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT - SURGERY

East Alabama Medical Center

Opelika, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

East Alabama Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

570th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

  • EAMC MISSION
    • At East Alabama Medical Center, our mission is high quality, compassionate health care, and that statement guides everything we do. We set high standards for customer service, quality, and keeping costs under control.
  • POSITION SUMMARY
    • Responsible for the delivery of safe, effective and quality patient-family centered care in the OR and other areas of perioperative services for all patient populations. Functions as a surgical first assistant during operative and other invasice procedures and throughout the perioperative continuum in accordance with scope of practice credentials, privileges, experience, education and competency verification. Demonstrate effective communication, conflict management and collaboration skills with members of the perioperative team and other stakeholders. Integrates knowledge, skills and experiences to meet the needs of patients and families throughout the continuum to include patient and family education. Utilizes standards, guidelines, protocols or pathways for care delivery. Incorporates data and information to continuously improve care and practice to enhance outcomes. Ensures improvements in practice settings by assuming responsibility for self-development.
  • POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
    • Minimum Education
      • Successful completion of an accredited Surgical Assistant program
    • Minimum Experience
      • 1-2 years Perioperative experience
    • Required Registration/License/Certification
      • BLS obtained within 90 days of hire or transfer.
    • Preferred Education
      • N/A
    • Preferred Experience
      • N/A
    • Preferred Registration/License/Certification
      • Certified surgical first assistant (CSFA) within five years of completing program
    • Other Requirements
      • N/A

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