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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date. * Surgical Assistant credentialed from ...

Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date. * Surgical Assistant credentialed from ...

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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 Jun 12, 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.

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 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.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Indiana? For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,522 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
Certified Surgical First Asst

Certified Surgical First Asst

Parkview Health

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Parkview Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 268 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

371st of 871 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary

Under the Perioperative leader, assumes responsibility and accountability for assuring quality care as a health care team member within the Perioperative environment. 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 addition the CSFA participates in and actively assists the surgeon in completing the operation safely and expeditiously by helping to provide exposure, maintain hemostasis, and other technical functions. Maintains confidentiality of information regarding patients, patient families, coworkers, and physicians.

Education

Must have a high school diploma or the equivalent GED. Must be a graduate from surgical assisting program accredited through ARC/STSA, a collaborative effort of ASA, ACS, and SASA, by CAAHEP. CAAHEP is a recognized accreditation agency of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Licensure/Certification

Must have a certification for surgical first assistant obtained through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Maintains certification by earning approved continuing education or by successfully retaking the certifying examination at the conclusion of the renewal period. Must maintain current CPR certification.

Experience

Healthcare experience preferred.

Other Qualifications

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of general computer skills and applications. Must be able to lift 50 pounds; 100 pounds shared lifting. Requires knowledge of specialized first assistant techniques, procedures and adequate equipment related to hemostasis, retracting and suturing.


What Parkview Health employees say

Pay

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About Parkview Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Parkview Health, headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, US, operates within the healthcare industry providing a wide range of medical services and community wellness programs. These include primary care, specialty health services, emergency care, rehabilitation, and home health services among others. The non-profit health system was founded in 1878 and continues to serve its surrounding communities with a dedication to quality health and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Wayne, IN, US

Year founded

1995