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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Neurosurgery Physician Assistant

Reno, NV · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

... surgical responsibilities. • Schedule: Full-time, permanent Monday-Friday schedule. • Dynamic Workflow: Spend 2 days per week as a first-assist in the OR on complex spinal and cranial cases. The ...

... First Assist opportunity is per diem and offers a convenient schedule. We are looking for a dynamic ... Assists the surgeon with specific intraoperative procedures that are beyond the scope of practice ...

... First Assist opportunity is per diem and offers a convenient schedule. We are looking for a dynamic ... Assists the surgeon with specific intraoperative procedures that are beyond the scope of practice ...

... First Assist opportunity is per diem and offers a convenient schedule. We are looking for a dynamic ... Assists the surgeon with specific intraoperative procedures that are beyond the scope of practice ...

Showing results 21-40

Surgical First Assistant information

See Reno, NV salary details

$16

$37

$75

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Reno, NV is $37.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.95 and $41.68 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.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Reno, NV? For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,086 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner-Trauma | Renown Health - Level II | Beautiful Reno-Lake Tahoe

Renown Health

Reno, NV • On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 23 days ago


Renown Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Renown Health is  recruiting a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner to join our Trauma Surgery team. 

The Advanced Practice Provider will take 1st call, round and manage trauma patients, including pediatric rounding/consults, in ICU, ER, OR, Ortho/Neuro, Pediatric, and GSU floors. Position requires experience and proficiency in discharge planning, admitting orders, transferring and 1st assisting with trauma surgeries. The incumbent will work closely with trauma surgeons, intensivists, subspecialists, hospitalists and support staff. 
Renown Regional is a state-of-the-art, 800-bed acute care facility with comprehensive and outpatient services and 24-hour emergency care.

Job Description

  • Employed position with Renown Medical Group, LLC  
  • Level II Trauma Center — 808 bed facility; 90 bed ER
  • Block Schedule, 7on/7off; Day shift rotations
  • Epic EMR
  • First Assist Trauma Surgeons — First Assist Certification Preferred
  • Competitive Compensation – Shift pay + Quality Bonus
  • Full Health Benefits — Medical, Dental, Vision
  • CME Stipend $1500
  • Starting Bonus

Reno/Tahoe is in one of the West’s most desirable regions, offering four seasons, more than 300 days of sunshine and a welcoming family-friendly community.  The city features a vibrant dining scene, growing arts and culture, and abundant recreational opportunities.  With easy access to nearby Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains, residents enjoy world-class outdoor activities year-round – from skiing in the winter to boarding, hiking and biking in the summer – providing an exceptional quality of life.  
 

Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and Northeast California.   With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Renown Health has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation.   Our organization comprised of the area’s only Trauma Center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, an acute rehabilitation hospital, a physician-led, highly esteemed medical group, and the insurance company, Hometown Health.   In 2021, Renown Health and UNR Med joined to form Nevada’s first integrated academic health system to advance our mission of commitment to supporting health and advancing healthcare across the state by expanding clinical care, medical education, clinical research and access to evidence-based care.

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) is a research-intensive, community-based medical school.   With over $30 million in annual grants and contracts, our transformative and ground-breaking research not only sets us apart but serves to attract top-tier researchers and students. UNR Med currently trains future physicians in our M.D. program, resident physicians in our Graduate Medical Education programs, physician assistants, speech pathologists and audiologists, and scientists in our Physician Assistant, Speech Pathology and Audiology and graduate degree (Ph.D.) programs.

Interested?  Contact - Cathy Sprinkel | Manager of Recruitment-Providers | cathy.sprinkel@renown.org

Minimum Qualifications:  Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education:

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing and speaking English. Master’s prepared registered nurse (RN) certified as an Adult, Family or Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and/or Family Nurse Practitioner as defined by the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

Experience:

Two years minimum experience as an RN required. Six months clinical experience

preferred as a Nurse Practitioner. For critical care areas, one year minimum experience in critical care is required.

License(s):

Ability to obtain and maintain a State of Nevada Nurse Practitioner license. Currently licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in the State of Nevada by State board of Nursing. 

Certification(s):

Current AHA BLS Required . APN certification as adult, family, geriatric or acute nurse Practitioner, and Nevada State Board of Pharmacy License, DEA.    Certification from a National Credentialing Board preferred.

 

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About Renown Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Renown Health is a leading and respected player in the healthcare industry, based in Reno, NV, US. Established in 1862, the company has a deep-rooted history in providing high-quality healthcare services to the community. Renown Health offers a wide array of services including urgent care centers, lab services, x-ray and imaging services, primary care doctors and specialists. Its central values include excellence in quality and service, caring for people first, being proactive in the community, fiscal responsibility, integrity, and respecting every person.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reno, NV, US

Year founded

1862

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