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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

USPI, INC.

Surgical First Assistant

Gallatin, TN · On-site

Surgical First Assistant Gallatin, Tennessee Patient Partners Surgery Center Category Clinical Job ID 91295-147 Status Full-Time/Regular Patient Partners Surgery Center is Hiring a Certified First ...

USPI, INC.

Surgical First Assistant

Nashville, TN · On-site

Surgical First Assistant Saint Thomas Surgicare is hiring a certified first assistant. No weekends, no call, no holidays! Welcome to Saint Thomas Surgicare! Saint Thomas Surgicare is a dynamic, fast ...

Covenant Health

SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Overview Surgical First Assistant, Operating Room $7,500 Sign-on Bonus for Experienced SFAs Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health ...

Covenant Health

SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Surgical First Assistant, Operating Room $7,500 Sign-on Bonus for Experienced SFAs Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship ...

Mission Hospital

Surgical First Assistant

Dickson, TN · On-site

Surgical First Assist- FT Days Experience the HCA Healthcare difference where colleagues are trusted, valued members of our healthcare team. Grow your career with an organization committed to ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

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$15

$34

$68

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Tennessee is $34.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.26 and $37.98 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 Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $71,080 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

United Surgical Partners

Gallatin, TN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

United Surgical Partners International rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Patient Partners Surgery Center is Hiring a Certified First Assistant

$20k Sign on bonus available.

No weekends, No Holidays, No Call!

Welcome to Patient Partners Surgery Center! Patient Partners Surgery Center is a dynamic, fast-paced facility dedicated to delivering exceptional care and providing the highest quality experience for both patients and their families.

Certified First Assistant Registered at Patient Partners Surgery Center

A surgical first assistant plays a vital role in a successful surgical procedure. They are primarily in charge of assisting surgeons, such as by arranging and handing over tools, holding open incisions, and dressing surgical wounds.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Completion of a Surgical Technician Program.
  • NBSTSA Surgical First Assistant Certification required.
  • Two years of Certified Surgical First Assistant experience in multiple specialties or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
  • Able to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Other skills and abilities: General familiarity with medical terminology as it pertains to anatomy and surgical procedures in an operating room.

What We Offer

As an organization, one way we care for our communities and each other is by providing a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
  • Life and AD&D coverage
  • Availability of short- and long-term disability
  • Flexible financial benefits including FSAs and HSAs
  • 401(k) and access to retirement planning
  • Paid holidays and vacation

Who We Are

At USPI, we create relationships that create better care. We partner with physicians and healthcare systems to provide first-class ambulatory solutions throughout the United States. We are committed to providing surgical services in the most efficient and clinically excellent manner.

USPI is committed to, and proud of, our inclusive culture. An inclusive culture, in our view, is respectful of differences and nurtures and supports the contributions of each individual, while also embracing and leveraging diversity. A diverse workforce, combined with an inclusive culture, makes USPI stronger and better able to meet the needs of our diverse patient and physician population.

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