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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a graduate of an surgical assistant first assistant program that included didactic and ...

Surgical Technologist-OR-Trauma

Reno, NV · On-site

$31.19 - $43.68/hr

Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a graduate of an surgical assistant first assistant program that included didactic and ...

Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a graduate of an surgical assistant first assistant program that included didactic and ...

CSTFA CVOR Pediatric

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$45.26 - $65.95/hr

Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date(CSA) Certified Surgical Assistant, or (CSFA) Certified Surgical First Assistant * Minimum 5 years experience ...

CSTFA CVOR Pediatric

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$45.26 - $65.95/hr

Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date(CSA) Certified Surgical Assistant, or (CSFA) Certified Surgical First Assistant * Minimum 5 years experience ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Nevada salary details

$16

$38

$77

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Nevada is $38.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.58 and $42.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and medical centers. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized surgical fields can also influence earning potential.

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 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.

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.

Is a surgical first assistant a good career?

A surgical first assistant is a skilled healthcare professional who supports surgeons during operations, requiring certification and knowledge of surgical procedures. It offers a stable job outlook with opportunities for specialization and advancement, often involving working in hospitals or surgical centers. The role demands strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

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 Nevada? For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Nevada, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Nevada are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities in Nevada with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,749 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Physician Assistant-Hospitalist Acute

Renown Health

Reno, NV • On-site

Per diem

Re-posted 24 days ago


Renown Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Purpose

The Trauma Technologist must be able to perform multiple procedures simultaneously or in secession. In addition the technologist is responsible for supplying the operating room with the proper equipment and instrumentation that’s needed for specific surgery. During the procedure the primary responsibilities of the technologist is to maintain the sterility of the surgical field, to anticipate the needs of the surgeons, passing instruments in a timely fashion. Under direct supervision the technologist may be asked to perform the following duties such as, but no limited to: sponge or suction, hold retractors or instrument placed by the surgeons, applies electocautery to clamps on bleeders, irrigation to the operative sight, cuts suture material, connects drains to the suction apparatus, applies dressings to the wound. Once the procedure is completed it is the responsibility of the technologist to care for the instrumentation, equipment and prepare for the following case.

 This position will provide any assistance needed to expedite the room turnover thereby, providing optimum customer service to the surgeon, patient, anesthesiologist, and co-workers.

Nature and Scope

This position serves a patient population of Neonatal, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric, Trauma, and Cardiac patients.

 This position provides technical skills as a member of the surgical team, communicating with supervisors, other surgery staff, surgeons, and anesthesiologists.

 The demands on this position are very dynamic because of rapid changes in medical procedures, high-risk procedures including Trauma and Open Heart Surgery’s, technical knowledge, instrumentation, equipment, policies, procedure, and because of surgeon’s preferences in equipment, instruments, needles, and sutures.

 This position has the freedom to decide the type of equipment and supplies required for the surgical care of the patient relative to the surgeon’s preference cards and knowledge of the procedure, and to identify any breakdown in aseptic technique and take appropriate action.

 This position ensures equipment is working properly before surgical procedure, cares for equipment after procedure, and is responsible for reporting equipment that is not working properly or is broken.

 It is common to encounter potential hazards in the healthcare environment. Some of these hazards could include, but are not limited to: radiation, toxic chemicals, biological hazards, heat, noise, dust and stress. Renown Health has a Safety Management Program in place that addresses the issues.

 This position must be able to scrub all procedures in the Trauma O.R. This includes second scrub for Open Heart Services. This position is required to be able to take Trauma call and, when specifically trained, Heart call.

 Other related duties, flexible hours, and overtime may be required.

 This position does provide patient care.

Disclaimer

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Minimum Qualifications
Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Name

Description

Education:

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing and speaking English. Must complete a formal technologist school program or a formal hospital based training program. 

Experience:

One Year as an O.R. Technologist required. Those completing hospital training program within Renown or formal technologist school program with less than one year experience may be granted special considerations based on demonstrated competencies including preceptor, peer and leadership evaluations.

License(s):

None

Certification(s):

Current BLS certification by the American Heart Association standards. 

Certification of surgical technologist preferred.

Surgical First Assistant: Surgical Technologist may perform in the capacity of a first assist if he or she is a graduate of an surgical assistant first assistant program that included didactic and supervised clinical practice, is based on The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting requirements in 200201, 400201, 200340

 If uncertified, incumbent is required to complete at least 15 hours of continuing education concerning the practice of surgical technology upon completion of first year of employment and on an annual basis thereafter. If certified, incumbent must maintain minimum qualifications in order to maintain certification.

Computer / Typing:

Must possess, or be able to obtain within 90 days, the computers skills necessary to complete online learning requirements for job-specific competencies, access online forms and policies, complete online benefits enrollment, etc.


What Renown Health employees say

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About Renown Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Renown Health is a leading and respected player in the healthcare industry, based in Reno, NV, US. Established in 1862, the company has a deep-rooted history in providing high-quality healthcare services to the community. Renown Health offers a wide array of services including urgent care centers, lab services, x-ray and imaging services, primary care doctors and specialists. Its central values include excellence in quality and service, caring for people first, being proactive in the community, fiscal responsibility, integrity, and respecting every person.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reno, NV, US

Year founded

1862

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