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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Surgery oCore Function: Surgical Tech oSchedule: 36 hrs/wk, Variable Evenings (8 or 9 Hour shifts ... assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our ...

Graduate of an accredited surgical technologist program required. Completion of Surgical ... You can be part of an exciting dynamic place that offers an employee-first culture, work-life ...

We are recruiting a Surgical Tech for a .9 FTE day shift/with call position for a Surgical Tech. ... Functions as a Second Assistant as necessary. * Notifies appropriate staff of equipment and supply ...

Surgical Technologist

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$26.55 - $39.85/hr

We are recruiting a Surgical Tech for a .9 FTE day shift/with call position for a Surgical Tech. ... Functions as a Second Assistant as necessary. * Notifies appropriate staff of equipment and supply ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$16

$36

$74

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Appleton, WI is $36.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.33 and $40.82 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.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Appleton, WI?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Appleton, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,415 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Cardiovascular Surgery Physician Assistant

Ascension

Appleton, WI

$96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform comprehensive history and physical assessments, order and interpret diagnostics, and execute direct treatment plans for cardiovascular surgery patients.

  • Lead advanced patient care activities including surgical first-assisting, inpatient rounding, and outpatient clinic follow-ups.

  • Conduct preventative health screenings, risk assessments, and routine immunizations, and provide counseling and education to patients and caregivers.


Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,047 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

422nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Your future role at a glance 

Location: Appleton, WI 

Facility Name: Ascension St Elizabeth Hospital

Schedule: Full-Time | Day Shift 

$5,000 sign on bonus and relocation assistance available (if applicable)

$2,000 CME allowance
Malpractice coverage with tail


Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.


Benefits that help you thrive
  • Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
  • Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
  • Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
  • Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
  • Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
  • Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more


How you’ll make an impact in this role

This is an exceptional opportunity for a motivated Cardiovascular Surgery NP or PA to join an employed position within a busy, well-respected practice, supported by a strong referral base and the full resources of a robust health system network.

  • Join an established, expanding surgical team currently looking to add an additional PA to work alongside existing dedicated surgical staff.
  • Call structure: 1:3 rotating call schedule with collaborative, flexible team scheduling and shared holiday rotations.

  • Practice setting: A highly diverse, multi-faceted blend of inpatient rounding, ICU management, operating room (OR) surgical time, and outpatient clinic follow-ups.

  • Access to: Advanced surgical suites, dedicated CVRICU support teams, a direct referral pipeline, and an integrated Epic EMR network.

  • Employed position within a nonprofit health system
  • Comprehensive Surgical & Clinical Management: Lead advanced patient care across the full clinical continuum—including active surgical first-assisting, inpatient rounding, and outpatient clinic panels—by independently performing comprehensive history and physical assessments, ordering and interpreting diagnostics, and executing direct treatment plans.

  • Preventative Wellness & Patient Advocacy: Champion long-term patient outcomes by conducting preventative health screenings, risk assessments, and routine immunizations, while providing vital counseling and education to patients and caregivers regarding treatment options and community resources.

About the Facility

  • Located at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, Wisconsin, a 350-bed facility with employed primary, specialty and sub-speciality care clinicians
  • Certified stroke and chest pain center - Level III trauma center
  • Serving the Fox Valley community population within an integrated regional referral network.
  • Part of Ascension, a national nonprofit Catholic health system.

Why Providers Choose Ascension

  • Provider-led, collaborative culture
  • Long-term practice stability
  • National network with local autonomy
  • Mission-centered care rooted in service
    #LI-BK1

What minimum requirements you’ll need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

  • Physician Assistant credentialed from the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date required. 
  • BLS Provider preferred. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
  • Advanced Life Support preferred. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.

Education:

  • Graduate of accredited Physician Assistant program. Master's degree preferred.

Work Experience:

  • 1 year of experience preferred.

What additional preferences we're seeking

Vein harvesting experience required.

#HEC


Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer does not participate in E-Verify and therefore cannot employ STEM OPT candidates.


What Ascension Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Ascension

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 150,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US