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Surgical Tech First Assistant Jobs in Connecticut

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals, who are an integral part of the team of ... Assist and anticipate the needs of the surgeon. Verify with Circulating Nurse complete, sponge ...

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Surgical Tech First Assistant information

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$12

$26

$59

How much do surgical tech first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical tech first assistant in Connecticut is $26.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical tech first assistant?

A Surgical Tech First Assistant, also known as a Surgical First Assistant or Surgical Assistant, is a highly skilled professional who works closely with surgeons during surgical procedures. Their main responsibilities include helping to control bleeding, closing incisions, handling tissues, and providing other critical support to ensure the operation goes smoothly. They may also be involved in preoperative and postoperative care. Surgical Tech First Assistants must have advanced training beyond that of a standard surgical technologist, often including certification and hands-on clinical experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical tech first assistant?

To thrive as a Surgical Tech First Assistant, you need a solid background in surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile technique, typically supported by completion of an accredited surgical assisting program and certification (such as CSFA or CFA). Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic documentation systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure patient safety, support surgeons efficiently, and maintain smooth surgical workflows.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by surgical tech first assistants in the operating room?

Surgical Tech First Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to unexpected changes during procedures, maintaining sterile technique under pressure, and effectively anticipating the needs of the surgical team. They must also manage the demands of long surgeries and periods of standing, while ensuring clear communication with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes.

What is the difference between Surgical Tech First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical Tech First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), additional trainingCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons directly during procedures, operating roomsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist in setup
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities, clinics

The Surgical Tech First Assistant works closely with surgeons during procedures, providing direct assistance, while Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room and support the surgical team. Both roles require certification, but the First Assistant has additional training to perform more advanced tasks during surgery.

Infographic showing various Surgical Tech First Assistant job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,339 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

SURG TECH-YSC SPOR

Yale New Haven Health

New Haven, CT • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Yale New Haven Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 232 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals, who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists are experts in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran
Responsibilities
  • 1. Contributing to the preparation of the surgery by assisting the Circulating Nurse in making available all necessary supplies, instrumentation and equipment according to the needs of the patient and the surgical team.
  • 2. Maintaining safety awareness as it applies to patient and equipment. Proper handling and identification of all specimens.
  • 3. Collaborating with team members to check and accurately restock necessary supplies in assigned room in a fiscally responsible manner.
  • 4. Preparing the operative site for surgery under the direction of a registered nurse and assists the other members of the surgical team as needed; reports status of procedure to relief team.
  • 5. Demonstrating commitment to personal growth and development. This is to include attending in-services, maintaining certification, keeping up-to-date on meeting minutes and updated policies and procedure.
  • 6. Recognizing the importance of teamwork, consideration, and cooperation within the operating room.
  • 7. Responsible for preparing and maintaining sterile fields to assure quality patient care. This is to include assuring integrity of asepsis according to policies and procedures; maintain alertness and report any break in technique. Assist and anticipate the needs of the surgeon. Verify with Circulating Nurse complete, sponge, needle and instrument counts. Inspection of supplies and equipment for evidence of proper sterilization and integrity according to standards.
  • 8. Identifying the principles of sterile technique and applies these techniques when assisting each operative procedure.

Qualifications

EDUCATION


A graduate of CAAHEP accredited surgical technology program or formal program as defined by the LCCST. (Training may be through a hospital based program or through the military.)


EXPERIENCE


1-2 years of experience and certification as a surgical technician preferred.


LICENSURE


Must obtain LCC-ST certification within 1 year of employment if not already certified.


SPECIAL SKILLS


Demonstrated knowledge of the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique combined with the knowledge of human anatomy and various instrumentation and procedures in all surgical areas and services. Demonstrates knowledge of all aspects of the Perioperative Department and works independently on surgical procedures. Utilizes the recommended guidelines as set forth in the Association of Surgical Technologist Standards of Practice in accomplishing job-related responsibilities.


PHYSICAL DEMAND


Standing 90% of the work day. Ability to lift up to 36 pounds, handle highly-stressful physical and interpersonal situations, do repetitive work, fine hand manipulations, and work at an elevated level from floor. Able to cope with repeated skin scrubbing and withstand variation in room temperatures.


YNHHS Requisition ID
146630Qualifications:

EDUCATION


A graduate of CAAHEP accredited surgical technology program or formal program as defined by the LCCST. (Training may be through a hospital based program or through the military.)


EXPERIENCE


1-2 years of experience and certification as a surgical technician preferred.


LICENSURE


Must obtain LCC-ST certification within 1 year of employment if not already certified.


SPECIAL SKILLS


Demonstrated knowledge of the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique combined with the knowledge of human anatomy and various instrumentation and procedures in all surgical areas and services. Demonstrates knowledge of all aspects of the Perioperative Department and works independently on surgical procedures. Utilizes the recommended guidelines as set forth in the Association of Surgical Technologist Standards of Practice in accomplishing job-related responsibilities.


PHYSICAL DEMAND


Standing 90% of the work day. Ability to lift up to 36 pounds, handle highly-stressful physical and interpersonal situations, do repetitive work, fine hand manipulations, and work at an elevated level from floor. Able to cope with repeated skin scrubbing and withstand variation in room temperatures.


Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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