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

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Surgical Assistant

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Surgical Assistant to join our growing team at our Holly Springs location. If you have a great attitude, understand the true meaning of teamwork, and ...

New

LC SERVICES 1 LLC

Surgical Assistant

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Surgical Assistant to join our growing team at our Holly Springs location. If you have a great attitude, understand the true meaning of teamwork, and ...

New

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All JobsSurgical First JobsSurgical First Assistant JobsSurgical First Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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 9, 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.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and medical centers. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized surgical fields can also influence earning potential.

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 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 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.

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.

Is a surgical first assistant a good career?

A surgical first assistant is a skilled healthcare professional who supports surgeons during operations, requiring certification and knowledge of surgical procedures. It offers a stable job outlook with opportunities for specialization and advancement, often involving working in hospitals or surgical centers. The role demands strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

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.

More about Surgical First Assistant jobs
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:
Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,125 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Veterinary Surgery Scrub Assistant

Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital

Durham, NC • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Veterinary Surgery Scrub Assistant
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Schedule: Full-time, First Shift with On-Call Requirements
About Us
The Triangle’s premier emergency and specialty hospital is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Surgery Scrub Assistant to join our surgery team.
We provide 24/7 emergency services and specialty referrals in surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, radiology, and rehabilitation. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and supportive, with an emphasis on professional growth and utilizing your skills to their fullest potential.
Job Summary
The primary focus of this role is working closely alongside the surgeon in the operating room by sterile scrubbing into procedures and providing direct intraoperative support.
The Surgery Scrub Assistant also plays an essential role in supporting the surgery department by assisting with patient flow, surgical preparation, sterile processing, and client communication. This position helps ensure the surgery service runs efficiently by supporting both clinical and operational workflows.
This role requires a proactive individual who is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced specialty environment. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative team.
The Surgery Scrub Assistant works closely with surgeons, anesthesia technicians, surgery technicians, sterile processing, rehabilitation, and client care teams to maintain a high standard of patient care and surgical efficiency.
Essential Job Functions
Scrub Assistant amp; Intraoperative Support
  • Sterile scrub into surgical procedures and provide direct assistance to the surgeon throughout procedures.
  • Maintain sterile technique and preserve the integrity of the sterile field during all procedures.
  • Prepare, organize, and pass surgical instruments, supplies, sutures, and implants during surgery.
  • Anticipate surgeon needs and ensure instruments and materials are readily available throughout procedures.
  • Assist with surgical draping, patient positioning, and maintaining surgical workflow efficiency.
  • Perform surgical counts of instruments, sharps, and sponges according to department protocols.
  • Support intraoperative efficiency by assisting with equipment setup, troubleshooting, and room readiness.
  • Ensure operating room organization and preparedness prior to procedures.

Patient amp; Appointment Support
  • Assist with patient intake for surgery appointments, including consults, rechecks, and drop-offs.
  • Prepare patients for discharge, including reviewing discharge instructions with clients.
  • Assist with patient restraint and handling for treatments and procedures.
  • Support patient care and husbandry while maintaining proper infectious disease protocols.

Surgical Preparation amp; Workflow Support
  • Perform dirty preparation and sterile preparation for surgical patients.
  • Flip and prepare surgery prep tables between procedures.
  • Set up post-operative recovery kennels to ensure readiness for incoming patients.
  • Assist in preparing patients for surgery, including shaving and basic prep duties.
  • Help maintain efficient patient flow throughout the surgery department.

Operating Room amp; Sterile Processing Support
  • Set up, break down, and clean operating rooms between procedures.
  • Clean, disinfect, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of surgery prep areas and OR suites.
  • Stock surgery areas, prep spaces, and operating rooms with necessary supplies.
  • Assist with maintaining surgical equipment and identifying supply needs.
  • Ensure proper cleaning protocols are followed for surgical instruments and equipment.

Department Support
  • Assist surgery technicians and clinicians with daily workflow needs.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked surgery department.
  • Communicate effectively with team members to support department efficiency.
  • Assist with additional departmental tasks as needed to support patient care and workflow.

Competencies
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Initiative and Self-Motivation
  • Technical Competency
  • Flexibility and Adaptability
  • Problem Solving and Analytical Skills
  • Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills

Qualifications
Required:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • 1+ years of veterinary assistant or veterinary support experience preferred
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment
  • Ability to lift, restrain, and handle animals safely
  • Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills

Preferred:
  • Previous experience in surgery, anesthesia, sterile processing, or specialty veterinary medicine
  • Interest in pursuing a veterinary technician or animal science career path
  • Familiarity with veterinary medical records and hospital software systems

​Benefits:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Short-term amp; long-term disability, life, accident, and critical illness coverage
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • PTO, CE allowance, CE PTO, uniform allowance
  • Veterinary service discounts

Apply