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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

CT Assist

Travel Surgical First Assistant

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$2.0K - $3.0K/wk

Surgical First Assistant * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours * Employment Type: Travel * CVOR CSFA * 3+ years EVH ...

Parkview Health

Certified Surgical First Asst

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$19.07 - $28.61/hr

The scope of responsibility of the Certified Surgical First Assistant includes the ability to anticipate, plan for, and respond to the needs of the patient, surgeon, and other team members. In ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Indiana salary details

$15

$35

$72

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Indiana is $35.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $39.81 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

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

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

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

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

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

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,522 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

National Staffing Solutions

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$2.4K - $2.8K/wk

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

At National Staffing Solutions, we have the privilege and honor of working with dedicated healthcare professionals that make a positive impact in aiding those needing healthcare services across the U.S. every day. 

It is our passion, drive and integrity that enables us to continue our focus in assisting remarkable healthcare professionals like yourself in solidifying the best career opportunities available to you.

We’re currently seeking a Certified Surgical First Assistant to join our amazing team.

Details of the Certified Surgical First Assistant opening:

  • Anticipated start date: 11/04/2024
  • Salary: $2474.01 - $2857.19 weekly
  • Anticipated duration of assignment: 13 weeks
  • Anticipated schedule: 4x10 Days
  • Enjoy peace of mind knowing you can elect Day One Medical Benefits

Daily Range of Responsibilities of the Certified Surgical First Assistant:

  • Positioning the patient for surgery and aiding with draping.
  • Clearing the area where the surgeon will operate and holding open incisions by using tissue retractors, sponges, or operating suction or irrigation equipment.
  • Selecting and passing instruments and supplies during an operation.
  • Stopping bleeding by sponging, clamping, tying, or cauterizing vessels, or suturing tissue layers as directed by the surgeon.
  • Applying dressings to surgical wounds.
  • Counting sponges, needles, and other materials before and after the operation.
  • Closing the incision at the end of the procedure.

Qualifications for the Certified Surgical First Assistant:

  • High school graduate or equivalent desired.
  • Certification from Technical School in Operating Room Technician preparatory program or Surgical Technician preparatory program.  .
  • Current State licensure or license eligible in States where applicable.
  • Completion of an accredited surgical first assistant program.
  • One or more year(s) of current experience in a comparable or equivalent job classification required.
  • Active Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification for HealthCare workers.
  • Compliant with HIPAA regulations; maintains strict confidentiality of client information.
  • Compliant with Infection Control, Standard Precautions and OSHA standards for the healthcare professional.

Submit your resume to us today for consideration of the Certified Surgical First Assistant opening and one of our dedicated recruiters will be in touch within 24 business hours.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. 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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About National Staffing Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At National Staffing Solutions, we have the privilege and honor of working with dedicated healthcare professionals that make a positive impact in aiding those needing healthcare services across the U.S. every day.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Winter Park, FL, US

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