Entry Level Surgical First Assistant Jobs
New grad surgical first assistant jobs attract recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong clinical internship work or a hands-on training program can matter more than a lengthy resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Insurance, with employers like Ascension, Olmsted Medical Center, and UCHealth hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 44+ Entry Level Surgical First Assistant jobs
$10,000 sign on bonus (Based on eligibility)
Surgical Tech First Assistant
Hours: Full time days, three 12-hour shifts per week, 6:30a-7p. Flexible to four 10-hour shifts as well.
On Call required: 1-3 shifts per month; must live within 30 minutes of Baylor Grapevine Hospital
Experience required: 2+ years of CST experience, including 1 year of First Assistant experience
About Us
Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.
Our Core Values are:
- We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
- We never settle by constantly striving for better.
- We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
- We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition Reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1
Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.
Job Summary
The Surgical Tech First Assistant works as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and a First Assistant. This position helps surgeons and surgical teams during major and complex procedures. It works under a Registered Nurse's direction as a CST. It works under a Surgeon's direction as a First Assistant.
Essential Functions of the Role
- Ensures supplies, equipment, and instruments are available and working for each procedure. Updates surgeon preference cards for equipment, radiology, supplies, and notes. Pulls, opens, and sets up cases. Coordinates with surgeons on equipment and supply needs before procedures. Assists in building specialty instrument trays.
- Prepares the operating room according to surgical procedure schedules. Arranges sterile setups of instrument table supplies and equipment for specific procedures. Wraps instruments for gas or steam sterilization. Performs quality control procedures on equipment and reports any issues. Ensures the OR is clean before and after surgery.
- Scrubs for cases in major surgical services follow established procedures and standards. This requires advanced knowledge of anatomy and surgical instruments. Scrubs must also know surgeons' preferences and other technical knowledge.
- Educates and prepares surgical teams according to procedure.
- Assists with or performs the positioning, prepping and draping of the patient.
- Assists the surgeon during procedures by passing sterile supplies and equipment. Holds retractor devices and responds to the surgical team's needs. Ties off vessels and tissues, repairs incisions, and cuts and cauterizes tissues. Stabilizes drains and applies wound dressings as needed. Performs complex surgical techniques as directed by the physician and Texas scope of practice. Receives surgical specimens following protocol and notifies the circulating nurse. Delivers specimens to the appropriate location.
- Contacts the pharmacy for RX with Registered Nurse or circulating nurse partnership.
- Coordinates and works with system vetting vendors for the surgeon and department. Researches and gets quotes for capital purchases, new equipment, and supplies with specialty coordinators. Orders supplies.
- Stays updated on surgical equipment, trends, and techniques by attending in-service or internal education programs. Serves as a resource and preceptor for those learning the scrub role. Helps the department through in-services, precepting, and mentoring staff.
Key Success Factors
- Must have good communication skills.
- Must have excellent knowledge of operating room protocol.
- Must be able to work effectively with all hospital departments.
- Must have excellent knowledge of patient protocols within a clinic setting.
- Must be able to work well with all members of the office staff.
- Must be able to assist the physician in all aspects of the practice including assisting in surgery.
Belonging Statement
We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.
QUALIFICATIONS
- EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
- EXPERIENCE - 2 Years of Experience
-
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -
Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer. - Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) required from NBSTA or NCCT.
$10,000 sign on bonus (Based on eligibility)
Surgical Tech First Assistant
Hours: Full time days, three 12-hour shifts per week, 6:30a-7p. Flexible to four 10-hour shifts as well.
On Call required: 1-3 shifts per month; must live within 30 minutes of Baylor Grapevine Hospital
Experience required: 2+ years of CST experience, including 1 year of First Assistant experience
About Us
Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.
Our Core Values are:
- We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
- We never settle by constantly striving for better.
- We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
- We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition Reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1
Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.
Job Summary
The Surgical Tech First Assistant works as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and a First Assistant. This position helps surgeons and surgical teams during major and complex procedures. It works under a Registered Nurse's direction as a CST. It works under a Surgeon's direction as a First Assistant.
Essential Functions of the Role
- Ensures supplies, equipment, and instruments are available and working for each procedure. Updates surgeon preference cards for equipment, radiology, supplies, and notes. Pulls, opens, and sets up cases. Coordinates with surgeons on equipment and supply needs before procedures. Assists in building specialty instrument trays.
- Prepares the operating room according to surgical procedure schedules. Arranges sterile setups of instrument table supplies and equipment for specific procedures. Wraps instruments for gas or steam sterilization. Performs quality control procedures on equipment and reports any issues. Ensures the OR is clean before and after surgery.
- Scrubs for cases in major surgical services follow established procedures and standards. This requires advanced knowledge of anatomy and surgical instruments. Scrubs must also know surgeons' preferences and other technical knowledge.
- Educates and prepares surgical teams according to procedure.
- Assists with or performs the positioning, prepping and draping of the patient.
- Assists the surgeon during procedures by passing sterile supplies and equipment. Holds retractor devices and responds to the surgical team's needs. Ties off vessels and tissues, repairs incisions, and cuts and cauterizes tissues. Stabilizes drains and applies wound dressings as needed. Performs complex surgical techniques as directed by the physician and Texas scope of practice. Receives surgical specimens following protocol and notifies the circulating nurse. Delivers specimens to the appropriate location.
- Contacts the pharmacy for RX with Registered Nurse or circulating nurse partnership.
- Coordinates and works with system vetting vendors for the surgeon and department. Researches and gets quotes for capital purchases, new equipment, and supplies with specialty coordinators. Orders supplies.
- Stays updated on surgical equipment, trends, and techniques by attending in-service or internal education programs. Serves as a resource and preceptor for those learning the scrub role. Helps the department through in-services, precepting, and mentoring staff.
Key Success Factors
- Must have good communication skills.
- Must have excellent knowledge of operating room protocol.
- Must be able to work effectively with all hospital departments.
- Must have excellent knowledge of patient protocols within a clinic setting.
- Must be able to work well with all members of the office staff.
- Must be able to assist the physician in all aspects of the practice including assisting in surgery.
Belonging Statement
We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.
QUALIFICATIONS
- EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
- EXPERIENCE - 2 Years of Experience
-
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -
Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer. - Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) required from NBSTA or NCCT.
See All 44 Entry Level Surgical First Assistant Jobs
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Find JobsEntry Level Surgical First Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Ascension9
- Olmsted Medical Center5
- UCHealth3
- CHRISTUS Health3
- OhioHealth2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services41
- Education2
- Insurance1
- Technology & Software1
- Non-Profit & Social Services1
Entry Level Surgical First Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level surgical first assistant job?
Entry level surgical first assistant roles typically require completion of an accredited surgical first assisting program and a current certification such as the CSFA or CSRN credential. At this stage, employers weigh hands-on clinical rotations and practicum hours heavily. Tailoring your application to highlight specific procedures you assisted with during training gives you a clear edge over candidates with only general experience listed.
Which companies hire entry level surgical first assistants?
Companies hiring entry level surgical first assistants right now include Ascension, Olmsted Medical Center, and UCHealth, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. At this level, hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical practices tend to post the most openings for new and junior candidates.
Are there remote entry level surgical first assistant jobs?
Yes, though remote work is limited for a hands-on clinical role like this. About 0% of entry level surgical first assistant openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions typically involve administrative, coordination, or education-adjacent duties rather than direct patient care in the operating room.
Are these new grad surgical first assistant jobs?
Yes, many of the listings here are new grad and junior roles that explicitly welcome recent graduates with zero to two years of experience, completed internships, or strong clinical practicum hours. A new grad posting typically does not require independent case volume and instead focuses on program accreditation, certification status, and demonstrated proficiency during supervised training.
Which industries hire the most entry level surgical first assistants?
Entry Level surgical first assistant roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Insurance, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. These sectors drive entry level hiring because they operate high-volume surgical programs that rely on structured onboarding pathways to bring junior candidates up to independent case competency.