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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Howell, MI (NOW HIRING)

ILLUUM COSMETIC SURGERY

OR FIRST ASSIST

Novi, MI

New plastic surgery practice open in Novi, MICompetitive compensation and benefitsAn opportunity to ... EducationCurrent Michigan RN license, BSN preferredRegistered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) and/or ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Howell, MI salary details

$15

$35

$71

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Howell, MI is $35.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.12 and $39.13 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

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Howell, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Howell, MI are:

What cities near Howell, MI are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Howell, MI with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Howell, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,286 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant General Surgery

Henry Ford Health

Novi, MI • On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Henry Ford Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 575 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

420th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Be the surgical leader overnight—managing complex post-operative patients and making critical decisions that directly impact patient outcomes. Join the general surgery team at HF Providence Novi as the solo overnight provider for night, weekend, and holiday coverage.

Patient Management & Clinical Decision-Making

  • Manage post-operative patients across multiple surgical specialties (general surgery, hepatopancreatobiliary, colorectal, vascular, thoracic, plastics, urology, and orthopedics)
  • Diagnose and respond to acute changes in patient status, including acute abdomen presentations and vascular ischemia, with ability to determine urgent operative intervention needs
  • Monitor labs, imaging results, and patient progress; address nursing calls and manage urgent medication needs throughout the night shift

Consultations, Procedures & Collaboration

  • Complete new consultations in the emergency department and for admitted patients
  • Perform bedside procedures including ultrasound-guided line placement, incision and drainage, wound debridement, and troubleshoot post-operative equipment
  • Serve as surgical first assist in the operating room as needed and provide backup support to rapid response teams
  • Communicate effectively with nursing staff, surgical teams, and day-shift providers to ensure seamless overnight coverage and continuity of care

Qualifications:
Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • NP or PA graduate from an accredited program (CCNE, NLNAC for NP; ARC-PA for PA)
  • Current Michigan licensure as NP or PA (or proof of application in process)
  • National certification: ANCC or AANP (NP) / NCCPA (PA)
  • BLS certification required; ACLS required or obtainable after hire
  • Minimum 2 years acute care general surgery experience
  • Minimum 2 years surgical first assist experience
  • DEA registration and Michigan Controlled Substance License (PA only); DEA registration (NP only)

What Henry Ford Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Henry Ford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Henry Ford Health provides a full continuum of services from Primary and Preventative care, to Complex and Cpecialty care, Health Insurance, a full suite of home health offerings, Virtual care, Pharmacy, Eye care and other Healthcare retail. It is one of the Nation’s leading Academic Medical Centers, recognized for Clinical excellence in Cancer care, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Sports medicine, and Multi organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the top five NIH funded institutions in Michigan, Henry Ford Health engages in more than 2,000 research projects annually. Equally committed to educating the next generation of Health Professionals, Henry Ford Health trains more than 4,000 Medical students, Residents and fellows every year across 50+ accredited programs. With more than 33,000 valued team members, Henry Ford Health is also among Michigan’s largest and most Diverse employers, including nearly 6,000 physicians and researchers from the Henry Ford Medical Group, Henry Ford Physician Network and Jackson Health Network.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1915

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