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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Crystal Clinic

Surgical First Assistant

Fairlawn, OH · On-site

... First Assisting, Orthopaedics, Plastics What you'll do: * Work closely with surgeons in the ... operation, assist the surgeon with tasks such as selecting equipment, holding open incisions ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Ohio salary details

$15

$35

$72

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Ohio is $35.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.56 and $39.76 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 Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Ohio as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,454 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

Wooster, OH • On-site

Wooster Community Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Wooster Community Hospitalexternal

$31.86 - $41.12/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the surgeon during operative procedures under supervision and direction.

  • Perform positioning, prepping, draping of the patient, and provide hemostasis as directed by the surgeon.

  • Assist with wound closure, tissue handling, and applying surgical dressings.

Wooster Community Hospital rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Surgical Tech First Assist - Surgery and Womens Pavilion


MAIN FUNCTION:

Under the supervision and direction of the operating surgeon, functions during the assistant role until conclusion of the operative procedure. Does not concurrently function as the scrub. When not working as a surgical first assistant, works as a scrub as directed.

 

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS: 

 

  • Current certification/licensure from an accredited program
  • Complete an accredited Surgical First Assistant program
    • Accredited programs include those through (or recognized by) CAAHEP
  • Maintain a current AHA (American Heart Association) Healthcare Provider BLS card
  • Must obtain and maintain Medical Staff credentialing.



Must be able to respond to the hospital within 30 MINUTES

or be willing to stay on site while on call.


OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Applies principles of asepsis technique according to standards.
  2. Follows infection control according to current guidelines.
  3. Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate corrective action.
  4. Applies knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique relative to patient care wherein SFA assists.
  5. Performs positioning, prepping, and draping of patient.
  6. Provides hemostasis by clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points, ligating vessels,

and by other means as directed by the surgeon

  1. Provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning, and sponging.

techniques.

  1. Handles tissue as directed by the surgeon during the operative procedure.
  2. Performs wound closure as directed by the surgeon, sutures the peritoneum, fascia,

subcutaneous tissue and skin.

  1. Applies surgical dressings.
  2. Assists with transferring the patient from the operating room.
  3. Practices within limitations of preparation and experience
  4. Maintains continuing education relative to practice.
  5. Verifies correct sponge, tape, needle, and instrument count with other nursing personnel in room.


RESPONSIBLE TO: Department Director, Clinical Manager, Charge Nurses


GENERAL TECH MAIN FUNCTION:

Scrubs and assists the RN and other health care team members during surgical procedures. Assists in

the care, preparation and maintenance of sterile and non-sterile equipment and supplies.


Operations

  1. Verifies correct sponge, tape, needle, and instrument according to procedure.
  2. Assists the RN in receiving the patient in operating room, checks patient identity and chart to

assure all necessary information has been completed.

  1. Assists RN in assessing patient's physical and emotional needs according to the patient's age.

and development.

  1. Assembles necessary supplies and equipment and ascertains all are in working order.
  2. Assists in properly positioning patient on operating table and preparing the operative site.
  3. Using sterile technique, properly dons sterile gown and gloves, and technique sets up table with

instruments and supplies according to procedure.

  1. Gowns and gloves members of the surgical team according to procedure.
  2. Assists the surgeon and/or assistant during the operative procedure, anticipating the needs of the surgeon.








Monday to Friday with weekday, weekend, and holiday call rotation
40 hours a pay

What Wooster Community Hospital employees say

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