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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Rhinelander, WI

The Surgical Technologist is responsible for planning and organizing supplies, instruments and equipment for surgical procedures. Promotes education of self, peers and students. Collaborates with all ...

The Surgical Technologist is responsible for planning and organizing supplies, instruments and equipment for surgical procedures. Promotes education of self, peers and students. Collaborates with all ...

The Surgical Technologist is responsible for planning and organizing supplies, instruments and equipment for surgical procedures. Promotes education of self, peers and students. Collaborates with all ...

RN ICU

Minocqua, WI · On-site

$2.4K/day

MS 1:5 days / 1:6 nights, IMC 1:4, ICU 1:2, Peds 1:3-4 • CNAs available on unit at ratio of 1 CNA ... As a nurse-founded, nurse-owned, minority-owned travel-nurse agency, it is our first priroity to ...

Surgical First Assistant information

See Rhinelander, WI salary details

$16

$36

$74

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Rhinelander, WI is $36.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.38 and $40.87 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 job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Rhinelander, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Rhinelander, WI are:

What cities near Rhinelander, WI are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rhinelander, WI with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Rhinelander, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,527 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE - MED/SURG

ASPIRUS HEALTH

Eagle River, WI • On-site

$24.75 - $33.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Aspirus Health rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

614th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Compassion. Accountability. Collaboration. Foresight. Joy.
These are the Aspirus Core Values; and we are looking for the BEST around to join us as we demonstrate those values Every. Single. Day.
Aspirus Eagle River Hospital in Eagle River, WI is seeking a LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE to join our MED/SURG team!
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) under the general supervision of an RN, or the direction of a physician or podiatrist provides basic nursing care; records nursing care given and reports to the appropriate person changes in the condition of a patient. The LPN accepts only patient care assignments that the L.P.N. is competent to perform. The LPN assists with the collection of data; assists with the development and revision of nursing care plans; reinforces the teaching provided by the RN, physician or podiatrist and provides basic health care instructions. And in complex patient situations, the LPN performs delegated nursing or medical acts beyond basic nursing care under the direct supervision of an RN, physician or podiatrist.
HOURS: Full Time 0.9 FTE, 72 Hours Biweekly
Experience/Qualifications
  • Knowledge of patient care standards and practices normally acquired through graduation from an accredited L.P.N. program.
  • One or two years' medical experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of medical practice strongly desired.
  • Possesses an active Wisconsin practical nurse license.
  • Current BLS certification or obtained within 90 days of hire - All clinical personnel in identified job codes are required to maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) training through independent study, manikin and knowledge testing. An acceptable BLS training program is the Basic Life Support (BLS) Health Care Provider course from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross Professional Rescuer Program with AED. (See Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Policy).
  • Sterile dressing changes including wound simple packing, i.e., no packing to tunneled wounds.
  • Insert, maintain, and discontinue Foley catheters. Convert to leg bags.
  • Nasopharyngeal swabs.
  • Perform health history assessments.
  • Provide phone assessments and document these encounters.
  • Under the supervision of a RN, monitors IV flow and administration of IV medications including antibiotics.
  • Wound care: remove staples and sutures under the supervision of a RN.
  • Knowledge of organizational policies, regulations, and procedures to administer patient care.
  • Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.
  • Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
  • Skill in identifying problems and recommending solutions.
  • Skill in preparing and maintaining records, assisting with development of protocols, and responding to correspondence.
  • Skill in developing and maintaining relationships with patients, medical staff and the public.
  • Ability to assess patients in person and over the telephone and to document findings.
  • Ability to maintain quality control standards.
  • Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
  • Possesses good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to interpret and apply guidelines and procedures.
  • Surgical First Assist call coverage may be required after successful completion of training program.

Employee Benefits
  • Full benefits packages available for part- and full-time status.
  • PTO accrual from day one!
  • Generous retirement plan with match available.
  • Wellness program for employees and their families.

Aspirus Eagle River Hospital is a first critical access hospital in Wisconsin that proudly cares for Eagle River neighborhoods and surrounding communities. Eagle River Hospital is proud to offer inpatient hospital care, 24/7 emergency department (level IV trauma designation), paramedic ambulance team caring for Eagle River residents and surrounding areas. As well as radiology, laboratory, and rehabilitation therapy services. To learn more about Eagle River click here.
Our Mission: We heal people, promote health and strengthen communities.
Our Vision: Aspirus is a catalyst for creating healthy, thriving communities, trusted and engaged above all others.
As an Aspirus team, we demonstrate caring, we plan to impact the future, work with happiness and enthusiasm, recognize our power to make a difference and improve the health of our communities.
Aspirus Health is a nonprofit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin, serving northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The health system operates 18 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations with nearly 14,000 team members, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians. For more information visit aspirus.org.
About the Eagle River Community
Welcome to this little slice of heaven we call Eagle River. Home to the World's Largest Chain of 28 Connected Lakes and known as the Snowmobile Capital of the World. We're no stranger to fun. In fact, we're no stranger to anything really. We're a bunch of folks who are down to earth and down for some good times all year round. So, look at all we have to offer. We look forward to your visit.
Click here to learn more.
Credentials:
Essential:
* CPR or BLS
* LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

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