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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases * Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage. * Perform ...
Part-time Surgical Tech
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
First assist experience preferred. * Confident and skilled. * Knowledge in sterilization and processing. * At least 2 years of Surgical Tech experience preferred.
Part-time Surgical Tech
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
First assist experience preferred. * Confident and skilled. * Knowledge in sterilization and processing. * At least 2 years of Surgical Tech experience preferred.
Advanced Practice Provider PA NP Orthopedics
Oxford, NC · On-site
$100K - $129K/yr
Surgical Support • Participate in surgical first-assist responsibilities as permitted by training, credentialing, and organizational policies. • Round on hospitalized orthopedic patients as ...
New
Advanced Practice Provider PA NP Orthopedics
Oxford, NC · On-site
$100K - $129K/yr
Surgical Support • Participate in surgical first-assist responsibilities as permitted by training, credentialing, and organizational policies. • Round on hospitalized orthopedic patients as ...
New
Advanced Practice Provider PA NP Orthopedics
$100K - $129K/yr
Surgical Support • Participate in surgical first-assist responsibilities as permitted by training, credentialing, and organizational policies. • Round on hospitalized orthopedic patients as ...
New
Advanced Practice Provider PA NP Orthopedics
$100K - $129K/yr
Surgical Support • Participate in surgical first-assist responsibilities as permitted by training, credentialing, and organizational policies. • Round on hospitalized orthopedic patients as ...
New
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 ...
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 ...
Travel Med Surg RN - $1,688 per week
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
$1.6K/wk
Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure ... Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct ...
Travel Med Surg RN - $1,688 per week
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
$1.6K/wk
Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure ... Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct ...
Surgical Technologist - Labor and Delivery
Raleigh, NC · On-site
$23.24 - $33.41/hr
First assist surgeons during Cesarean deliveries * Prepare and manage surgical instruments and equipment with precision * Maintain strict sterile technique to protect patient safety and prevent ...
Surgical Technologist - Labor and Delivery
Raleigh, NC · On-site
$23.24 - $33.41/hr
First assist surgeons during Cesarean deliveries * Prepare and manage surgical instruments and equipment with precision * Maintain strict sterile technique to protect patient safety and prevent ...
Surgical Assistant
Holly Springs, NC · On-site
Surgical Assistant At Nu Image, we are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive, team-oriented environment. We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Surgical Assistant ...
Surgical Assistant
Holly Springs, NC · On-site
Surgical Assistant At Nu Image, we are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive, team-oriented environment. We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Surgical Assistant ...
Surgical First Assistant information
See Raleigh, NC salary details
$16.12 - $21.37
2% of jobs
$21.37 - $26.62
11% of jobs
$28.43 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$26.62 - $31.86
36% of jobs
The median wage is $32.28 / hr.
$31.86 - $37.11
20% of jobs
$38.93 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$37.11 - $42.36
19% of jobs
$42.36 - $47.60
9% of jobs
$47.60 - $52.85
2% of jobs
$52.85 - $58.10
1% of jobs
$58.10 - $63.34
0% of jobs
$63.34 - $68.59
0% of jobs
$68.59 - $73.84
0% of jobs
$16
$36
$73
How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?
What is a surgical first assistant?
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?
How does a surgical first assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other members of the surgical team during procedures?
What is the difference between Surgical First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?
| Aspect | Surgical First Assistant | Surgical Technologist |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), surgical assisting certifications | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), surgical tech certifications |
| Work Environment | Assist surgeons during procedures, work closely in the operating room | Prepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist in setup |
| Employer & Industry | Hospitals, surgical centers, clinics | Hospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities |
| Common Search/Comparison | Yes | No |
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?
What qualifications do you need to be a surgical first assistant?
Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?
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:

Duke University rating
6.7
Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
493rd of 627 rated colleges and universities
Job description
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 SummaryThe 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 PerformedThe 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 AbilitiesCSFA 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 CharacteristicsN/A
Minimum QualificationsEducation 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
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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