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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

May assist with sterile processing. * Assists the surgical staff during the procedure, within the scope of practice. * After procedure, cleans room and prepares for next procedure. * Identifies ...

The Surgical Technologist 2 prepares and maintains medical equipment for surgical procedures ... Patients are transported safely and timely. * Assist in the positioning of patients as needed.

May assist with sterile processing. * Assists the surgical staff during the procedure, within the scope of practice. * After procedure, cleans room and prepares for next procedure. * Identifies ...

The Surgical Technologist 3 prepares and maintains medical equipment for surgical procedures. Follows hospital regulations and industry procedures to tend to patient during pre-operation procedures.

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$15

$36

$72

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Baton Rouge, LA is $36.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $40.19 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 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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,210 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner First Assist or Physician Assistant - Colon & Rectal Surgery

Ochsner Health

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Ochsner Health rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 447 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

605th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, andinnovate.Webelieve that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

This job works in a collaborative model including but not limited to: residents, fellows, attendings, and staff who care for outpatient clinic patients of the organization. This job works under the supervision of the Medical Director or approved staff physician and in association with the PCCs, staff nurses, and discharge coordinator in the planning, implementation and evaluation of medical and nursing care; and assumes responsibility for primary and urgent medical management, emergency stabilization of all critically ill patients, teaching of residents and medical students, staff development and education, patient education and discharge planning.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Nurse Practitioner first assist or Physician Assistant

Education

Nurse Practitioner

Required - Master's degree in Nursing

Physician Assistant

Required - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physician Assistant medicine or Health Sciences, or graduate of an approved Physician Assistant Training Program

Work Experience

Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

Required - None

Preferred - 3 years' related working experience

Certifications

Nurse Practitioner:

Required - Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of practice.

Certification in related specialty through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

RN First Assist (RNFA) certification through an accredited program.

Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) from the American Heart Association.

Eligible for prescriptive authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Nursing/Medical Examiners.

Physician Assistant:

Required - Current license as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice

National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certified

Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification from the American Heart Association

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification from the American Heart Association

Eligible for Prescriptive Authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Medical Examiners

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

  • Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of required job information.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
  • Proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Working knowledge of Advanced Practice Provider policies and protocols at a department and campus/system level.
  • Ability to have reliable transportation as must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.
  • Ability to work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).

Job Duties

  • Utilizes the approved medical practices process in the delivery of all patient care.
  • Provides care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the ages of patients served in assigned areas.
  • Maintains an attitude of inquiry towards medical practices and patient care outcomes, and may develop research methodology.
  • Provides education experiences to patient families, staff, other health professionals, and to the community.
  • Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.

Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.


Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!


Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.


Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.


Ochsner Health endeavors to make our site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, or if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our HR Employee Solution Center at 504-842-4748 (select option 1) orcareers@ochsner.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.


Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.



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