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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

KPC Health

Surgical Physician Assistant

Hemet, CA · On-site

Serve as first or second assist during surgical procedures across multiple specialties * perform surgical functions such as suturing, tissue retraction, hemostasis, and wound closure * maintain ...

Allied OMS LLC

Surgical Assistant

Chino Hills, CA · On-site

We seek a dedicated and detail-oriented Surgical Assistant to join our dynamic team at Aurora Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. In this role, you will support our oral surgeons critically, ensuring ...

Allied OMS LLC

Surgical Assistant

Corona, CA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

We seek a dedicated and detail-oriented Surgical Assistant to join our dynamic team at Corona Oral Surgery & Implant Center in Corona, California. In this role, you will support our oral surgeons ...

AHMC Healthcare

Certified Nurse Midwife

Riverside, CA · On-site

... section surgical procedures prior to performing the role. CNMs must perform the first assistant role at minimum 10 times per year. Qualifications Must have current and valid California State RN ...

AHMC Healthcare

Certified Nurse Midwife

Riverside, CA

$80 - $85/hr

... surgical procedures prior to performing the role. CNMs must perform the first assistant role at minimum 10 times per year. Must have current and valid California State RN license. Must have ...

AHMC Healthcare

Certified Nurse Midwife

Riverside, CA · On-site

$80/hr

... section surgical procedures prior to performing the role. CNMs must perform the first assistant role at minimum 10 times per year. Qualifications Must have current and valid California State RN ...

AHMC Healthcare

Certified Nurse Midwife

Riverside, CA · On-site

... section surgical procedures prior to performing the role. CNMs must perform the first assistant role at minimum 10 times per year. Qualifications Must have current and valid California State RN ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$17

$39

$79

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Riverside, CA is $39.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.35 and $43.65 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 Riverside, CA? For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 57% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,704 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Surgical Physician Assistant

KPC Health

Hemet, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Job description

Job Posting Title: Surgical Physician Assistant
Job Description
Overview of the Surgical Physician Assistant (PA - C) role.
As a vital member of the surgical team, a Surgical PA plays a crucial part in the seamless execution of both minor and major surgical procedures. This position combines advanced medical knowledge, technical expertise, and exceptional patient care skills to support surgeons and ensure optimal surgical outcomes. From pre-operative assessments and intra-operative assistance to post-operative care, documentation, and patient education, the scope of practice for a Surgical PA is both broad and integral to the functioning of surgical units. Working under the supervision of a licensed surgeon / physician, the PA supports surgical procedures, conducts patient assessments, develops care plans, and ensures continuity of care across the surgical continuum.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
  • Preoperative Care
    1. Conduct comprehensive histories and physical exams. Conduct pre-operative patient assessments.
  1. Order and interpret diagnostic tests as needed
  2. Educate patients and families regarding surgical procedures, risks, and recovery expectations
  3. Obtain informed consent and prepare patients for surgery
  4. Prepare operating rooms and ensure that all necessary equipment is sterilized and available.
  • Intraoperative Assistance
    1. Serve as first or second assist during surgical procedures across multiple specialties
    2. perform surgical functions such as suturing, tissue retraction, hemostasis, and wound closure
    3. maintain sterile field and assist with instrument handling and patient positioning
  • Postoperative Management
    1. Provide postoperative care and Monitoring. Monitor patient recovery and identify post-surgical complications
    2. Order, manage, and interpret tests such as X-rays and lab work.
    3. Manage wound care, drains, and dressings, and bandages
    4. Develop and implement patient treatment plans.
    5. Coordinate patient care with other healthcare professionals.
    6. Prescribe medications and order diagnostic imaging as appropriate
    7. Document progress notes and communicate updates to the surgical team
    8. Provide patient education regarding post-operative care, recovery processes and follow-up care.
Other:
  • Provide IP follow-up / management, when necessary as IP
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed patient records.
  • Perform suturing, wound care, and bandaging.
  • Coordinate patient care with other healthcare professionals.
  • Participate in surgical rounds and staff meetings.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program
  • Current CA PA license and NCCPA certification
  • Current BLS certification
  • Current ACLS certification
  • Minimum 1 year experience of surgical or OR experience
  • Surgical PA with IP and ED experience preferred.
SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:
  • Strong knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile technique, and perioperative care
  • Excellent clinical judgment, surgical skills, and ability to work under pressure.
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skill
  • Strong ethics
  • Team spirit with a positive attitude
  • Patient and calm demeanor
  • Work independently
  • Willingness to continue gaining knowledge and clinical experience
  • Must be able to travel to different location
KPC Health logo

About KPC Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

KPC Health has an integrated approach to serving the people of Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange County. Our acute care medical centers provide high quality, comprehensive and affordable healthcare for the entire family. For us, healthcare is not just about caring for our patients, but also about investing in the people throughout our communities. We are one team with one mission and that mission is for all our patients, and their families to Enjoy Life in Great Health.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Ana, CA, US

Year founded

2004

Social media

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