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Surgical Technologist First Assistant Jobs in Michigan

FA I= • A surgical technologist who was on the job trained as a surgical technologist and who is on the job trained as a First Assistant, no formal training (grandfathered in their role) FAII = A ...

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Surgical Technologist First Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$628

$1.6K

$2.5K

How much do surgical technologist first assistant jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average weekly pay for surgical technologist first assistant in Michigan is $1,640.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,223.08 and $2,011.54 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical technologist first assistant?

A Surgical Technologist First Assistant, also known as a Surgical First Assistant or First Assistant, is a trained healthcare professional who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include providing exposure, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and helping ensure patient safety throughout the operation. They work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members to facilitate efficient and successful surgeries. This role typically requires additional education and certification beyond that of a standard surgical technologist.

How does a surgical technologist first assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and the rest of the operating room team during procedures?

As a Surgical Technologist First Assistant, you work closely alongside the surgeon, providing direct support by anticipating their needs, handling surgical instruments, and assisting with tasks such as controlling bleeding, suturing, and tissue retraction. You also communicate effectively with circulating nurses and anesthesia providers to ensure patient safety and smooth workflow. This role requires strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, as you'll often need to adapt to changes during complex surgeries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical technologist first assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Technologist First Assistant, you need a thorough understanding of surgical procedures, anatomy, and aseptic technique, typically supported by specialized certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent. Proficiency with surgical instruments, sterile processing systems, and electronic health records is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflow, and optimal support for surgeons during complex operations.

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

AspectSurgical Technologist First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified First Assistant (CFA), surgical assisting certificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST), surgical technology certification
Work EnvironmentAssist during surgeries, work closely with surgeons in operating roomsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist during surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

The Surgical Technologist First Assistant has advanced training to actively assist during surgeries, while the Surgical Technologist primarily prepares the operating environment. Both roles are essential in surgical teams but differ in responsibilities and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical Technologist First Assistant jobs in Michigan?

For Surgical Technologist First Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Surgical Technologist First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Surgical Technologist First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical Technologist First Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,311 per year, or $41 per hour.

Surgical Technologist First Assistant

Port Huron, MI • On-site

McLaren Medical Group
1 - 5K employees

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Surgical Technologist

Position Summary: Assists surgeons and other medical professionals in operating rooms and similar environments. Prepares patients, rooms and equipment for pending surgical procedures. Assists during those procedures as part of the surgical team.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  1. Prepares operating rooms, ensuring that all equipment and supplies needed for the procedure are properly disinfected, assembled and in working order.
  2. Ensures the preparation and maintenance of the sterile field in operating room.
  3. Provides supportive care during the pre-operative phase.
  1. Prepares patient's skin for surgery; moves and positions patients in the operating room; monitors vital signs and observes status.
  2. During surgery performs scrub functions including passing sterile surgical equipment to surgeons, may cut sutures, tracking items used/performing instrument counts, collecting and labeling specimens taken and helping dress a patient's wounds. May transport patient after procedure.
  1. Ensures that operating rooms are clean, sterile and stocked prior to next procedure.
  2. Performs clerical duties such as ordering supplies, maintaining logs, pulling up and/or entering patient information, doing inventory and supporting the administrative and clerical staff as needed.
  3. Delivers compassionate support, attention, and assistance to patients and families.
  4. Ensures compliance with all health care regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA.
  5. Maintains safe and clean working environment and protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control, hazardous waste and other policies and protocols.
  6. Performs other related duties as required and directed.
Lead Duties and Responsibilities (If classified in a Lead Role):
  1. Assists in quality control and performance improvement activities.
  2. Contributes to performance feedback, hiring decisions.
  3. Ensures standards are met (quality, timeliness, customer service, etc.).
  4. Evaluates and tests new procedures/processes.
  5. Orients and/or trains new staff.
  6. Problem solving capabilities.
  7. Subject matter expert/technical leadership.
  8. Work flow/distribution of work.
  9. Assists in assuring compliance with all regulatory and other agency requirements, laws, and statutes pertaining to the operation of the department.

Qualifications: Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Completion of an accredited surgical technology training program.
  • Certified Surgical Technologist and Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant (CSTFA) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Tech First Assisting (NBSTSA).
  • One (1) month of job-related experience and/or training.
  • BLS certification and Canadian equivalent.

Preferred: One (1) year of experience in a medical setting. Additional Information