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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

FMOLHS

Surgical Technologist 1

Baton Rouge, LA

Assists in the preparation of the surgical room, prepares and maintains the sterile field, provides surgical team with supplies and instruments, and cares for equipment following surgical procedures.

Petco

Veterinary Assistant

Baton Rouge, LA

$15 - $19/hr

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary ...

Petco

Veterinary Assistant

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and ... Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary ...

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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 $36.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $40.14 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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The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Baton Rouge, LA 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:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,201 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Surgical Technologist 3

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 hours ago

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description


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. Performs pre-operation preparations to the patient's skin, body and medical equipment. May be required to transport patient to and from the operating room. Relies on education, years of experience and judgment to accomplish job. Works under general supervision. Creativity and some latitude is expected to complete responsibilities.
Responsibilities
  1. Surgical Case Preparation
    1. Proper equipment, instruments, and supplies are provided for procedures and specialty areas.
    2. A well organized sterile setup/field is maintained at all times and proper sterile techniques are followed and maintained at all times contributing to smooth operations.
    3. Anticipates and responds effectively by performing assignments in a timely and efficient manner.
    4. Assistance is provided to the circulating RN with procedure/patient preparation.
    5. A working knowledge of autoclaves is followed and proper sterilization method for instruments selected.
    6. A proper procedure counting of instruments, sponges and sharps is followed.
    7. Instrumentation is accurately checked prior to procedure for proper functionality and maintained throughout procedure.
    8. Ability to function independently with complex procedures and equipment. Capable of competently scrubbing complex cases across all facility specialties.
    9. Demonstrates superior knowledge of the surgical equipment and advances surgical instrumentation within major specialties.
  2. Quality & Patient Safety
    1. Appropriate procedure supplies and equipment for age specific needs is provided within specified guidelines.
    2. Patients are transported safely without delay.
    3. Assistance is provided in the positioning of patients.
    4. Recommended AORN guidelines are followed all the time.
  3. Collaboration & Teamwork
    1. Surgeon's needs are anticipated by following case progress.
    2. Active participation in departmental improvement activities and staff meetings is provided.
    3. Provide assistance to the OR staff with room turnovers to help decrease turnover times.
    4. Overhead pages are expected to be responded to in less than 3 minutes.
    5. Assistance with clerical OR desk duties after hours by answering phones or taking messages.
    6. Anticipate being asked to volunteer and when applicable, stay late or take call shifts.
    7. Actively responds to emergency situations and/or trauma procedures in the OR.
  4. Other Duties as Assigned
    1. Other duties as assigned are completed.
    2. Coordinates with OR educator/OR manager to develop and present annual inservices on equipment, instrumentation or surgical technique
    3. Participates in the development and revision of a unit specific policy and/or SOP

Qualifications
Experience:
Five years of experience as a Surgical Tech
Education:
Graduate of Surgical Tech training program (1 year of experience will substitute for this requirement)
Licensure/Certification:
BLS Certification required
CST Required (Certified Surgical Tech) through National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or Tech in Surgery Certified (TS-C) through National Center for Competency Testing
Subject Matter expert in surgical subspecialty AND serves as a leader within the department by providing in-services/education to other team members as well as serving on Performance Improvement projects/initiatives

What Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System employees say

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About Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System is the leading health care innovator in Louisiana. We bring together outstanding clinicians, the most advanced technology and leading research to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality and safest care possible.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1911

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