Surgical First Assistant Jobs
Surgical First Assistant jobs are open across hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical practices, from new-grad to senior levels, with specializations in orthopedic, cardiovascular, and neurosurgical procedures. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 164+ Surgical First Assistant jobs
The Surgical Assistant works under the direction and supervision of the attending physician to provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure and other intraoperative technical functions that assist the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Performs preoperative and postoperative duties to meet needs of the patient during the perioperative period. Provides technical 1st and 2nd assistance for surgical procedures.
When you join UH, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes, but is not limited to:
- Competitive salary
- $5,000 sign on bonus
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off
- Retirement and pension plans
Essential Functions
- Provides intraoperative technical functions in all facets of the first assistant role.
- Displays knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body while delivering safe patient care.
- Establishes and maintains a safe perioperative environment.
- Supports the perioperative area or other duties as assigned per entity.
The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for providing quality care for patients and increasing patient access and satisfaction. Standard tasks to be performed by a PA as specified by the Ohio State Board of Medicine and UH entity specific Medical Bylaws.
What You Will Do- PA
- Initiates and maintains positive relationships w/pts/customers (10%)
- Initiates and maintains positive relationships w/co-workers (10%)
- Takes responsibility for self-development and supports a learning environment (10%)
- Displays commitment to the mission of the hospital and its values (10%)
- Performs patient assessment and assigns diagnosis based on recorded assessment data and current scientific and current research (20%)
- Establishes plan of care and implements interventions in accordance w/carepaths, protocols, and standards of care and current research (15%)
- Collaborates w/other health care providers in an interdisciplinary approach to provide care to the patient and family (5%)
- Contributes to the educational development of staff, patients, family and self (5%)
- Demonstrates progressive leadership and effective management (5%)
- Provides education through role modeling and in-services to meet identified learning needs and to promote professionalism (5%)
- Advances own professional development through self-directed learning, continuing education and participation in peer review (5%)
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities- PA
Demonstrated leadership skills. (Required proficiency)
Demonstrated skills in interpersonal relationships. (Required proficiency)
Computer skills to access patient medical data from UHHS mainframe. (Required proficiency)
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook. (Required proficiency)
Demonstrated skills in related to Informatics Technology. (Required proficiency)
- Lifting - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Carrying - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Pushing - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Pulling - Frequently (50 lbs)
The RNFA works under the supervision of the attending physician to assess manage and evaluate the surgical patient during the perioperative period. The RNFA provides technical 1st and 2nd assistance for surgical procedures.
What You Will Do- RNFA
- Applies the nursing process in all facets of the nurse first assistant role.
- Displays knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body while delivering safe patient care.
- Establishes and maintains a safe perioperative procedural environment.
- Offers education development opportunities to residents, nursing staff, students and any other appropriate persons in the specific surgery and patient management.
- Utilizes ongoing data collection perioperative, procedural, and follow-up information to aid in research care studies that promote effectiveness and quality of patient care.
Skills and Abilities- RNFA
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, proper use of all instruments and equipment used during CT surgery procedures. (Required proficiency)
- High degree of hand/eye coordination and uniform mental attention (Required proficiency)
Required For All Jobs
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
- Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
Education- Surgical Assistants
Completion of an accredited Surgical Assistant Program or an equivalent program that meets the educational requirements of the designated national certifying body. (Required)
Education- Physician Assistants
- Master's Degree from an accredited PA educational program – Required
Education Qualifications- RNFA
- Graduation from an accredited RN Program -Required
- Completion of state approved RNFA program -Required
Licenses and Certifications- RNFA
- Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) authorized by the Ohio Board of Nursing to practice as a registered nurse first assistant prior to April 1, 1998 and who holds as of October 1, 1998 certification as a CNOR. (Required)
Work Experience- Surgical Assistants
- Physician relations experience -Strongly Preferred
Work Experience- Physician Assistant
- 1+ years as a PA -Strongly Preferred
Experience Qualifications- RNFA
- 2+ years Perioperative nursing experience -Required
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal skills-Required
- Detail oriented with excellent organizational and analytical skills-Required
- Demonstrated skills related to Informatics Technology-Required
- Working knowledge of equipment with the ability to troubleshoot issues for resolution. -Required
Additional Licenses and Certifications- Surgical Assistant
- National Certification Required
- National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Required
- Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) Required
Licenses and Certifications-Physician Assistant
- Physician Assistant (PA) (Required)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) (Required)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) (Preferred)
- Passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (Required)
- Practice with a supervising physician (Required Upon Hire)
- Maintain national PA Certification (Required)
- Practice with a supervising physician (Required Upon Hire)
- Crawling Occasionally
- Reaching Frequently
- Handling Frequently
- Grasping Frequently
- Feeling Constantly
- Talking Constantly
- Hearing Constantly
- Repetitive Motions Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly
- Lifting - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Carrying - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Pushing - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Pulling - Frequently (50 lbs)
Physical Demands for all positions
- Standing Frequently
- Walking Frequently
- Sitting Rarely
- Lifting Frequently 50 lbs
- Carrying Frequently 50 lbs
- Pushing Frequently 50 lbs
- Pulling Frequently 50 lbs
- Climbing Occasionally 50 lbs
- Balancing Occasionally
- Stooping Frequently
- Kneeling Frequently
- Crouching Frequently
- Crawling Occasionally
- Reaching Frequently
- Handling Frequently
- Grasping Frequently
- Feeling Constantly
- Talking Constantly
- Hearing Constantly
- Repetitive Motions Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly
The Surgical Assistant works under the direction and supervision of the attending physician to provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure and other intraoperative technical functions that assist the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Performs preoperative and postoperative duties to meet needs of the patient during the perioperative period. Provides technical 1st and 2nd assistance for surgical procedures.
When you join UH, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes, but is not limited to:
- Competitive salary
- $5,000 sign on bonus
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off
- Retirement and pension plans
Essential Functions
- Provides intraoperative technical functions in all facets of the first assistant role.
- Displays knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body while delivering safe patient care.
- Establishes and maintains a safe perioperative environment.
- Supports the perioperative area or other duties as assigned per entity.
The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for providing quality care for patients and increasing patient access and satisfaction. Standard tasks to be performed by a PA as specified by the Ohio State Board of Medicine and UH entity specific Medical Bylaws.
What You Will Do- PA
- Initiates and maintains positive relationships w/pts/customers (10%)
- Initiates and maintains positive relationships w/co-workers (10%)
- Takes responsibility for self-development and supports a learning environment (10%)
- Displays commitment to the mission of the hospital and its values (10%)
- Performs patient assessment and assigns diagnosis based on recorded assessment data and current scientific and current research (20%)
- Establishes plan of care and implements interventions in accordance w/carepaths, protocols, and standards of care and current research (15%)
- Collaborates w/other health care providers in an interdisciplinary approach to provide care to the patient and family (5%)
- Contributes to the educational development of staff, patients, family and self (5%)
- Demonstrates progressive leadership and effective management (5%)
- Provides education through role modeling and in-services to meet identified learning needs and to promote professionalism (5%)
- Advances own professional development through self-directed learning, continuing education and participation in peer review (5%)
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities- PA
Demonstrated leadership skills. (Required proficiency)
Demonstrated skills in interpersonal relationships. (Required proficiency)
Computer skills to access patient medical data from UHHS mainframe. (Required proficiency)
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook. (Required proficiency)
Demonstrated skills in related to Informatics Technology. (Required proficiency)
- Lifting - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Carrying - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Pushing - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Pulling - Frequently (50 lbs)
The RNFA works under the supervision of the attending physician to assess manage and evaluate the surgical patient during the perioperative period. The RNFA provides technical 1st and 2nd assistance for surgical procedures.
What You Will Do- RNFA
- Applies the nursing process in all facets of the nurse first assistant role.
- Displays knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body while delivering safe patient care.
- Establishes and maintains a safe perioperative procedural environment.
- Offers education development opportunities to residents, nursing staff, students and any other appropriate persons in the specific surgery and patient management.
- Utilizes ongoing data collection perioperative, procedural, and follow-up information to aid in research care studies that promote effectiveness and quality of patient care.
Skills and Abilities- RNFA
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, proper use of all instruments and equipment used during CT surgery procedures. (Required proficiency)
- High degree of hand/eye coordination and uniform mental attention (Required proficiency)
Required For All Jobs
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
- Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
Education- Surgical Assistants
Completion of an accredited Surgical Assistant Program or an equivalent program that meets the educational requirements of the designated national certifying body. (Required)
Education- Physician Assistants
- Master's Degree from an accredited PA educational program – Required
Education Qualifications- RNFA
- Graduation from an accredited RN Program -Required
- Completion of state approved RNFA program -Required
Licenses and Certifications- RNFA
- Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) authorized by the Ohio Board of Nursing to practice as a registered nurse first assistant prior to April 1, 1998 and who holds as of October 1, 1998 certification as a CNOR. (Required)
Work Experience- Surgical Assistants
- Physician relations experience -Strongly Preferred
Work Experience- Physician Assistant
- 1+ years as a PA -Strongly Preferred
Experience Qualifications- RNFA
- 2+ years Perioperative nursing experience -Required
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal skills-Required
- Detail oriented with excellent organizational and analytical skills-Required
- Demonstrated skills related to Informatics Technology-Required
- Working knowledge of equipment with the ability to troubleshoot issues for resolution. -Required
Additional Licenses and Certifications- Surgical Assistant
- National Certification Required
- National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Required
- Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) Required
Licenses and Certifications-Physician Assistant
- Physician Assistant (PA) (Required)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) (Required)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) (Preferred)
- Passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (Required)
- Practice with a supervising physician (Required Upon Hire)
- Maintain national PA Certification (Required)
- Practice with a supervising physician (Required Upon Hire)
- Crawling Occasionally
- Reaching Frequently
- Handling Frequently
- Grasping Frequently
- Feeling Constantly
- Talking Constantly
- Hearing Constantly
- Repetitive Motions Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly
- Lifting - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Carrying - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Pushing - Frequently (50 lbs)
- Pulling - Frequently (50 lbs)
Physical Demands for all positions
- Standing Frequently
- Walking Frequently
- Sitting Rarely
- Lifting Frequently 50 lbs
- Carrying Frequently 50 lbs
- Pushing Frequently 50 lbs
- Pulling Frequently 50 lbs
- Climbing Occasionally 50 lbs
- Balancing Occasionally
- Stooping Frequently
- Kneeling Frequently
- Crouching Frequently
- Crawling Occasionally
- Reaching Frequently
- Handling Frequently
- Grasping Frequently
- Feeling Constantly
- Talking Constantly
- Hearing Constantly
- Repetitive Motions Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly
Surgical First Assistant Jobs by Experience Level
See All 164+ Surgical First Assistant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Surgical First Assistant JobsSurgical First Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Ascension10
- TriStar Health8T
- MPOWERHealth4M
- CHRISTUS Health4
- Tenet Healthcare4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services40
- Education1
- Agriculture & Farming1
- Technology & Software1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in surgical first assistant jobs.
- Current CNFA or CSFA certification from a nationally recognized credentialing body
- Minimum two years of first-assist experience in an operating room setting
- Proficiency in open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted surgical procedures
- BLS and ACLS certification current at time of hire
- Completion of an accredited surgical first assistant or surgical technology program
- Familiarity with sterile field management, instrumentation, and surgical site preparation
Tips for Your Surgical First Assistant Job Search
List every procedure you've scrubbed
Hiring managers scan for specific case volume, not just credentials. List orthopedic, laparoscopic, or cardiovascular procedures you've assisted with and note case counts where your memory allows. Generic 'surgical experience' won't stand out.
Verify your CNFA or CSFA is current
Many job postings filter out applicants whose certification has lapsed. Double-check your CNFA or CSFA renewal date before you apply, and if it's within three months of expiring, renew it first so you don't stall an offer.
Target ASC openings alongside hospital postings
Ambulatory surgery centers hire surgical first assistants steadily and often move faster from interview to offer than large hospital systems. Search specifically for ASC and outpatient surgical center postings so you don't miss that segment of openings.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists surgical first assistant openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your specialty and apply directly to each listing without jumping between multiple sites.
Prepare for a practical skills interview
Many surgical facilities add a clinical or scenario-based round after the initial HR screen. Practice walking through your first-assist protocol for a common case type, your response to surgical complications, and your sterile technique decisions out loud before that stage.
Negotiate start date around credentialing timelines
Hospital privilege credentialing can take four to eight weeks after an offer. Ask the hiring coordinator about their credentialing timeline before you accept so your start date is realistic and you don't jeopardize your current position by leaving too early.
Surgical First Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most surgical first assistants?
The companies hiring the most surgical first assistants right now include Ascension, TriStar Health, and MPOWERHealth, with the largest share of openings in Tennessee, Florida, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Health systems and large ambulatory surgery center networks consistently post the highest volume of openings.
How many surgical first assistant jobs are remote?
About 0% of surgical first assistant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most surgical roles. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include surgical education, clinical training coordination, and surgical sales support roles that carry a first-assist background requirement.
How do you become a surgical first assistant?
You become a surgical first assistant by completing an accredited surgical technology or surgical first assistant program, accumulating clinical hours in an operating room, and then earning your CNFA or CSFA certification through a recognized credentialing body. Many candidates start as surgical technologists, build case volume across specialties, and then complete a formal first-assist training program before sitting for certification.
How do you get hired as a surgical first assistant with little experience?
Getting hired with limited experience means leading with your certification, case-type exposure during training rotations, and any scrub-tech experience you can document with procedure specifics. Target smaller ambulatory surgery centers and specialty clinics, which are more likely to invest in developing newer first assistants than large hospital systems. Emphasizing your training in a high-demand specialty like orthopedics or general surgery also strengthens your candidacy early on.
What does the surgical first assistant interview process look like?
The surgical first assistant interview process typically starts with a phone screen by a recruiter or nurse manager, followed by an in-person or video interview with the surgical services director or lead surgeon. Many facilities include a clinical scenario round where you walk through your first-assist decisions for a specific case type. A credential and reference check, and sometimes a tour of the OR suite, usually complete the process before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to surgical first assistant jobs?
You can find and apply to surgical first assistant jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your specialty and experience level, then apply directly to each listing. No detours to external sites are needed.
See All 164+ Surgical First Assistant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Surgical First Assistant Jobs