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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Boone, IA

$66.65/hr

Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure. Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture patients following surgery. OR Travel Nurses should be ...

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All JobsSurgical First JobsSurgical First Assistant JobsSurgical First Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Surgical First Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$15

$35

$71

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Iowa is $35.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.22 and $39.28 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.
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Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,559 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Surgical Assistant

Paradigm Oral Surgery

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Iowa Dental Implants & Oral Surgery
https://iowadios.com/
Dental Assistant - Oral surgery
Surgical Assistant - Oral surgery
Full Time| 4320 Westown Parkway, Suite #100, West Des Moines, IA 50266 | This is an in-office position.
Are you passionate about patient care and looking to make an impact in a dynamic surgical setting? If you're a motivated, detail-oriented individual who excels in a fast-paced environment, we invite you to bring your skills to our team and grow with us!
Position Overview:
Step into the dynamic world of oral surgery as an Oral Surgeon Surgical Assistant! Your role is pivotal, aiding surgeons with precision during procedures and meticulously documenting patient care. From preoperative tasks to maintaining sterile environments, your expertise ensures smooth operations. Participate in strategic discussions with surgeons, monitor patient status, and handle advanced equipment with finesse. Dive into the heart of dental care, obtaining vital radiographs and crafting detailed patient narratives.
Who We Are:
Our practice is dedicated to exceptional oral surgery in a comforting environment, prioritizing patient needs through collaboration with their general dentist. Our vision is global leadership in oral health, focusing on outstanding patient experiences and industry standards. We foster a positive work environment with career growth opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive culture that values work-life balance. Our goal is to empower employees to deliver excellent patient care and build strong relationships with referring dentists.
What We Offer:
We prioritize your personal and professional well-being, covering aspects from health to financial and social welfare.

  • Competitive Pay, Bonus potential, and Annual Merit Reviews
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401k Plan w/Company Match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with HDHP health plans
  • Medical (including Virtual Care), Dental and Vision Coverage
  • Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Short & Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • BLS/CPR Certification
  • Career Path Advancement to Clinical or Management positions
  • National Discount and Rewards Marketplace
Required Qualifications:
  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • BLS Certification (or completed within 1 month of hire)
  • Strong teamwork and independent work capabilities, demonstrating good judgment and critical thinking.
  • Passion for ensuring safety and exceptional attention to detail, vigilance, and meticulousness.
  • Basic computer proficiency.
  • Excellent manual dexterity and superior listening skills, especially in emergency scenarios.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous oral surgery experience is beneficial.
  • DAANCE certification is desirable.
  • Licensed dental assistant status is preferred.
  • Radiology certification is a plus.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and protected veterans' status.
E-Verify Participation Notice:
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the appropriate federal agency before taking any action against you, including terminating your employment.
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