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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

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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 Sep 7, 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.

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 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 1 PRN Premium

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days 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

346th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description


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. It is the responsibility of the incumbent(s) of this position to incorporate the Mission values and philosophy of the organization into all aspects of job duties.
Responsibilities
1. Surgical Case Preparation
a. Assists in the preparation of the surgical case through creation of the sterile field, operating specialized instruments or equipment, and ensuring that proper supply levels are maintained in an effort toward providing quality health care services.
b. Provides for patient safety by performing surgical counts, checking that instruments and equipment are in good working condition, and by proper handling of specimens.
2. Quality and Patient Safety
a. Ensures that high quality health care services are provided to patients by maintaining infection control techniques and monitoring situations which could lead to breaches in technique.
b. Demonstrates and maintains clinical competency in the delivery of patient care services.
c. Utilizes all equipment, supplies, facilities, and resources in a prudent and efficient manner in order to ensure efficient departmental operations and the provision of high quality health care services.
d. Observes and adheres to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures, and follows all safety, quality assurance, and infection control standards.
3. Collaboration and Partnership
a. Facilitates the flow of the surgical procedure by anticipating the surgeon's needs while providing safe, reliable, and efficient technological assistance.
b. Participates in educational programs, in-service meetings, and training sessions in an effort to share his/her own expertise with others and further the quality of education and personal growth provided to new personnel, volunteers, and interning students.
4. Other Duties As Assigned
a. Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
Qualifications
Education
Graduate of Surgical Tech training program (1 year of experience will substitute for this requirement)
Licensure
BLS Certification

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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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