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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Fall River, MA (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 ...

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$16

$37

$76

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Fall River, MA is $37.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.14 and $41.97 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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Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Fall River, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,616 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Advanced Practice Provider Surgery PD

Brown University Health

Newport, RI • On-site

$61.30 - $77.78/hr

Per diem

Posted 10 days ago

Brown University Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

500th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

SUMMARY The ambulatory Advanced Practice Provider (APP) is responsible for providing patient- and family-centered care that is consistently high-quality and cost effective to ensure optimal care outcomes for surgical patients. The APP reports directly to the OR Manager. 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 over time and across healthcare settings.

The APP functions as a clinical leader, educator, consultant, and liaison to healthcare providers caring for the patients across the care continuum. RESPONSIBILITIES Delivers high-quality, cost-effective care incorporating guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in a timely, efficient, and equitable manner to facilitate optimal care outcomes for a patient population with surgical needs. Demonstrates advanced surgical knowledge and skills to care for patients in the ambulatory care setting.

Takes after hours call. Must be able to respond within 30 minutes. Able to perform routine history and physical examinations, integrating laboratory data, EKG, CXR, stress testing, echocardiograms and other diagnostic tests when formulating a plan of care in partnership with other members of the care team, patients and families.

Demonstrates interprofessional collaboration and participates in team-based care. Participates in procedures for billing and coding for medical services. Competent use of EHR and Lifechart.

Participates in the continuous education and training, clinical research, and quality improvement initiatives. Participates in education, training and mentoring of APP students and new employees. Provides leadership in the development, validation, implementation, and evaluation of standards, policies, procedures, and critical paths to support the patient care delivery model.

Annually completes mandatory safety, infection control, and BLS. Prescriptive privileges per licensure. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BASIC KNOWLEDGE Graduated from a Physician Assistant program with a master's degree and has current board certification from the NCCPA or graduated from a master's program for nurse practitioners and has current board certification from ANCC or AANP.

Current RI License and DEA license. BLS and ACLS certification. EXPERIENCE Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Surgical First Assist as needed including routine follow-ups for management of pre and postop surgical care, as well as hospital follow-ups for patients assigned to their care team. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None. Pay Range $61.30-$77.78 Location Newport Hospital - 11 Friendship Street Newport, Rhode Island 02840 Work Type m-f 7:00am -5:30pm, plus call Work Shift Day Daily Hours Per Diem - As required Driving Required No Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment

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