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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Coventry, RI (NOW HIRING)

Lifespan

Advanced Practice Provider Surgery PD

Newport, RI · On-site

$61.30 - $77.78/hr

The APP serves as a surgical First Assist as needed and manages a caseload of patients in partnership with the healthcare team to optimize health status and quality of life and coordinate care ...

Brownhealth

Physician Assistant Operating Room

Taunton, MA · On-site

$127K - $161K/yr

Acts as surgical first assist for a variety of Neurosurgery and General Surgery procedures, both intracranial and spine * Management of inpatient and outpatient Neurosurgery and General Surgery ...

Lifespan

Physician Assistant Operating Room

Taunton, MA · On-site

$127K - $161K/yr

Acts as surgical first assist for a variety of Neurosurgery and General Surgery procedures, both intracranial and spine * Management of inpatient and outpatient Neurosurgery and General Surgery ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Coventry, RI salary details

$16

$36

$74

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Coventry, RI is $36.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.28 and $40.77 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.
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What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Coventry, RI look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Coventry, RI are:

What cities near Coventry, RI are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Coventry, RI with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Coventry, RI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $76,301 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Physician Assistant - Surgical Services - Connecticut

Olesky Associates

Norwich, CT

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Olesky Associates, Inc. has been in the placement / recruiting industry for three decades.

We offer an extensive array of services, ranging from physician placement to practice and hospital brokering.

Our Search Consultants located in our home office in Massachusetts utilize a state-of-the-art computer network and database that allows instant access to all of the information necessary for mutually beneficial placements throughout the country.

This technology, combined with our personal attention and expert screening of each candidate, has made our agency extremely successful in the placement of all specialties, including:

  • Family Practitioners
  • Internists, Pediatricians
  • OB/Gyns
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Psychiatrist
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Hospitalist
  • Dermatologist
  • Oncology / Radiology
  • All medical specialties
  • All surgical specialties
  • LCSW / LICSW/ LMHC / BCBA
Job Description

Physician Assistant - Surgical Services (First Asst) - Connecticut

Experienced Surgical First Assist Physician Assistant for Hospital Based opportunity in Connecticut

The Surgical PA will provide first and second assisting in all surgical specialties and sub-specialties; providing clinical services to patients

Contribute to customer satisfaction; participate in quality assurance and improvement; and support and participate in team approach to the delivery of patient care within the department, service line and the hospital.

PA is responsible for the level of care prescribed/delivered and the appropriate utilization of resources. Demonstrate successful judgment and ability to serve appropriate unique needs of various patient populations and age groups.

Provide first and second assisting in all surgical specialties and sub-specialties; providing clinical services to patients

The PA shall work under the supervision of a Supervising Physician who shall have oversight, control, and direction of the services performed by the PA

Considerable knowledge of anatomy and physiology; knowledge of the surgical procedures performed in the various surgical specialties and sub-specialties and the supplies and equipment used in those specialties; knowledge AORN recommended practices and procedures. Knowledgeable in practices involved in patient care as it relates to different disciplines and disease states.

Knowledge of medications and their reactions and interactions; Counseling skills; considerable interpersonal skills; ability to work independently; ability to work under pressure

Minimum of 3 years Surgical Practice Experience

Licensed Physician Assistant in the State of Connecticut

BLS and ACLS Required. TNCC preferred

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply