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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Bend, OR (NOW HIRING)

Stcharles

Operating Room Assistant

Bend, OR · On-site

$21.53 - $27.56/hr

Surgical Cleaning Technician Certification within 1 year of hire Preferred : N/A EXPERIENCE ... First Shift (United States of America) Is Exempt Position? No Job Family: ASSISTANT CLINICAL ...

Stcharles

Operating Room Assistant

Bend, OR · On-site

$21.53 - $27.56/hr

Surgical Cleaning Technician Certification within 1 year of hire Preferred : N/A EXPERIENCE ... First Shift (United States of America) Is Exempt Position? No Job Family: ASSISTANT CLINICAL ...

Stcharles

Physician Surgical Oncologist

Redmond, OR · On-site

Participate in SCHS physicians meetings and assist in policy formation for SCHS and Physician ... Delivers first-rate customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, and is ...

Stcharles

Physician Surgical Oncologist

Bend, OR · On-site

Participate in SCHS physicians meetings and assist in policy formation for SCHS and Physician ... Delivers first-rate customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, and is ...

Stcharles

Operating Room Assistant

Redmond, OR · On-site

$21.53 - $27.56/hr

Surgical Cleaning Technician Certification within 1 year of hire Preferred : N/A EXPERIENCE ... ASSISTANT CLINICAL Scheduled Days of the Week: Variable Shift Start & End Time: Variable

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$80

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Bend, OR is $39.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.68 and $44.13 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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For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Bend, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Bend, OR are:

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Cities near Bend, OR with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Bend, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $82,623 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Advanced Practice Provider - Cardiothoracic Surgery

St. Charles Health System

Bend, OR • On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago

St. Charles Health System rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

St. Charles Health System is seeking an experienced Cardiothoracic Surgery Advanced Practice Provider to join our Heart & Lung Specialists team in Bend, Oregon. This is an opportunity to work alongside cardiothoracic surgeons and a multidisciplinary cardiac care team in a comprehensive program serving patients throughout Central Oregon.
Why Join St. Charles?

  • Join an established Heart & Lung program with expertise across cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, structural heart, and cardiothoracic surgery
  • Work closely with experienced, established cardiothoracic surgeons and a collaborative multidisciplinary team, 3 surgeons, 4 PAs
  • Practice across the hospital, operating room, and outpatient clinic
  • Care for a diverse range of cardiac and thoracic surgical patients
  • Strong focus on quality, patient-centered care, and professional development
  • Live and work in Bend, Oregon, one of the Pacific Northwest's most desirable communities
Position Highlights
  • Minimum of 156 clinical shifts annually with 1 in 4 weekend call.
  • Blend of hospital rounding, surgical assisting, outpatient clinic, and urgent/emergent surgical care, 50% operating room and 50% clinica/post-operative care.
  • First-line overnight support for CT Surgery patients and outpatient after-hours calls
  • Urgent and emergent surgical assisting as needed
  • Primary location at St. Charles Bend Hospital and the Bend Heart & Lung Center
Clinical Scope
The CT Surgery APP will provide comprehensive preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care and assist with a broad range of cardiac and thoracic procedures (1/3 thoracic and 2/3 cardiac.), including:
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting
  • Aortic and valve surgery
  • Aortic aneurysm repair
  • Lobectomy and wedge resection
  • Decortication and other thoracic procedures
  • Inpatient consultations, rounding, discharge coordination, and follow-up care
What We're Looking For
  • Current Oregon Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant license
  • Current NCCPA, AANP, ANCC, NCC, or AMCB certification as applicable
  • Current ACLS certification
  • Unrestricted Oregon DEA registration
  • Experience in hospital and outpatient clinical settings
  • Demonstrated experience as a first assistant in the operating room
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and clinical decision-making skills

Why Bend?
Live where others vacation. Bend offers more than 300 days of sunshine, exceptional access to skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation, along with a vibrant downtown, excellent restaurants, and a welcoming community.
At St. Charles, you'll have the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying the lifestyle and natural beauty of Central
Schedule Weekly Hours:
40
Caregiver Type:
Regular
Shift:
Variable (United States of America)
Is Exempt Position?
Yes
Job Family:
NURSE PRACTITIONER or PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Scheduled Days of the Week:
Shift Start & End Time:

What St. Charles Health System employees say

Pay

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Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About St. Charles Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

St. Charles Health System, located in Bend, OR, US, is a non-profit healthcare organization that operates within the healthcare and social assistance industry. The organization offers a comprehensive range of medical services including cancer care, heart, and vascular services, orthopedics, women’s services, and many more. Founded in 2001, St. Charles Health System has its roots tracing back to the early 1900s when Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in Bend. Over the years, the organization has relentlessly poured its resources into the health and prosperity of its communities and beyond.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Bend, OR, US

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