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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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$16

$37

$75

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Virginia is $37.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.81 and $41.49 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 Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,644 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Riverside Health System

Onancock, VA • On-site

$38.60 - $53.08/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Job description

Onancock, Virginia
Hiring Range
$38.60 - $53.08/HourlyActual pay is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, education, credentials, skills, internal equity, and business needs.
Overview
The Surgical First Assistant serves as first or second assistant on all surgical cases, under the direction of the surgeon to provide technical assistance as required by the type of procedure being performed. Takes an active role in patient preparation and readiness, assists with the surgical suite room turnaround, equipment management, and has knowledge of special soft equipment specific to each surgical specialty. Stays current on service nuances, attends surgical updates and is vigilant in all efforts towards sound infection control practices. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to age of the patient served. Assists the surgical team in room preparation, sterilization of equipment, gathering supplies and room turnaround. Expected to float among other RHS facilities. Surgical privileges are established by the surgery department and medical staff and approved by the governing body.
What you will do
  • Assists the physician with all aspects of care during the operative procedure.
  • Collaborates with physicians to provide for the specialized needs of patients.
  • Monitor/supports personal departmental productivity through volunteering for and recommending creative changes to include flexing and shift changes to meet the needs of the department.
  • Demonstrates advanced proficiency and good problem solving skills and serves as a clinical resource to support and develop peers and assist the surgeon technically.
  • Recommends and participates in supply utilization changes that support cost containment. Participates and provides feedback in new equipment/product evaluations; identifies and recommends solutions for cost savings and waste reduction.
  • Demonstrates and maintains profession relationship with medical staff.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of how to identify and report suspected noncompliance or violations to the Quality Management System.
  • Builds trusting collaborative relationships through timely follow-up regarding requests and concerns.
  • Responsible for following safe practices as referenced in the National Patient Safety Goals, and following policy & procedures, as well as guidelines outlined in AORN, CMS, and DNV. Identifies opportunities and follows through to continuously improve service and patient care outcomes in accordance with patient safety standards, standards of excellence and RHS Code of Ethics. Capable of recognizing emergency situations and responds competently.

Qualifications
Education
  • Program Graduate, Graduate of an accredited Surgical Assistant program or equivalent (Required)

Experience
  • 1 year Operating Room experience as Surgical Assistant (Preferred)

Licenses and Certifications
  • Licensed Surgical Assistant (LSA) - Virginia Department of Health Professions (VDHP) Upon Hire(Required) and
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Upon Hire(Required) or
  • CSA - National Surgical Assistant Association (NCCSA) Upon Hire(Required) and
  • CPR/BLS Certification - American Heart Association/American Red Cross/American Safety and Health Institute (AHA/ARC) Upon Hire(Required) and
  • ACLS Provider - American Heart Association/American Red Cross/American Safety and Health Institute (AHA/ARC) Upon Hire(Preferred)

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.

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