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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Travel Med Surg RN

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$1.6K - $2.2K/wk

Specialty: Med Surg * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/21/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per ... Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$16

$36

$73

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Raleigh, NC is $36.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.23 and $40.67 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 Raleigh, NC?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $76,125 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

493rd of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Work Arrangement: Regular or Temporary: Regular Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710 Personnel Area: DUKE HOSPITAL

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together. About Duke University Hospital Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Health hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Occ Summary

The certified surgical first assistant (CSFA) will support the continuity of care for perioperative patients. The scope of practice includes preoperative patient care management, intraoperative surgical first assisting, and postoperative patient care management. The role will help expedite surgical productivity, support the education of surgical residents, 2nd assist where needed, and first assist the surgeons when surgical residents are not available. The CSFA will provide patient care for all ages and provide leadership and direction to the perioperative team where needed. The CSFA in surgery collaborates with the surgeon and the health care team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient. The CSFA practices in collaboration with and at the surgeon's direction during the intra-operative experience.

Work Performed

The certified surgical first assistant (CSFA) possesses and demonstrates competencies related to all aspects of perioperative care, including preoperative review of patient history and physical, preoperative tests results, and postoperative transfer of care and monitoring for complications. The CSFA serves as the first assistant in designated surgical procedures under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon/physician; handles all variety of tissue appropriately to reduce the potential for injury or compromised blood supply; uses surgical instruments properly, employs principles of safe tissue handling: Provides exposure to the operative site Provides and maintains hemostasis Performs wound closure Demonstrates advanced knowledge of normal and pathological anatomy and physiology Safely positions patients for the surgical procedure and assists with transport to and from the operative suite Assists surgeon in identifying patient and staff safety hazards Surgical prepping and draping of patients for the surgical procedure Provides exposure of the operative site by the appropriate use of retractors Manipulates equipment and instruments to enhance the visual field Suctions and sponges to maintain a dry surgical field resulting in an optimal visualization of the surgical field Provides counter-traction of tissue utilizing various instruments Assists with maintaining hemostasis to reduce potential for fluid volume deficits by clamping/ligating vessels, using electrocautery to tissue, applying manual direct pressure, assisting with use of pharmaceutical agents (e.g. topical thrombin) and other means as directed by the surgeon/physician Ties and cuts sutures Skillfully sutures all varieties of tissues/tissue planes with appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques Assists in closure of wound or independently closes wound under the direction of the surgeon Assists and independently applies dressing and tape at the end of the surgical procedure using proper aseptic/sterile techniques Maintains current knowledge of procedures performed The certified surgical first assistant may take a scrub role when not needed as a first assistant. Other considerations: Scope of position does not include dissection down to the area to be repaired, replaced, etc., which is done by the surgeon. The CSFA may share a single surgical site with the surgeon being assisted and may not independently perform a procedure on an opposite site except subcutaneous tissue and skin closure. Placing a screw or manipulating a tool when manipulation and positioning of hardware must be held in such a specific position that the maneuver can only be accomplished by the orthopedic surgeon. All prosthetic placements, use of tools (drills, saws, etc.) and measurement to determine prosthetic size is performed by the orthopedic surgeon. The CSFA may prepare a tendon for grafting with the surgeon harvesting the tendon for grafting. Robotic cases The CSFA will follow the guideline statement for the surgical assistant in robotic surgery from the association of surgical assistants (ASA) and maintain defined competencies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

CSFA must have sound clinical knowledge of technology and treatment applications; must also possess skills to educate/train staff and complies with AORN education standards for the CSFA; and a demonstrated knowledge of the surgeries in which the CSFA participates. Must have sound clinical OR skills (scrubbing) and have excellent interpersonal skills and organizational capability.

Level Characteristics

N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education graduates from a CSA/CFA program from: Commission on Accreditation of allied health Education Programs (CAAHEP). American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)/SA-C, National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) or CCI Institute/ CRNFA Associate of Science in Surgical Technology preferred. Experience 3 years of experience as a surgical technologist. Degrees, Licensures, Certifications certified surgical technologist (CST) certified surgical first assist (CSFA) BLS certification from American Heart Association required Duke is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. Essential physical job functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.


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About Duke University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US