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 Technology & Software, with employers like Olmsted Medical Center, Ascension, and UC Health hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 25+ Entry Level Surgical First Assistant jobs
Description
Summary:
As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), surgical assistants provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.
Responsibilities:
- Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
- The surgical assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative duties and procedures at all times.
- The surgical assistant facilitates the safe positioning of the patient according to the surgeon's preference, patient's anatomical and physiological limits, and surgical procedure to be performed. A preoperative introduction visit may be done to assess the surgical site to better aid in positioning. Assists circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient to include but not limited to: Foley catheter placement, tourniquet application, placement of intravenous catheters, cricoid pressure application, and other procedures as needed.
- The surgical assistant performs specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques including, but not limited to: incision and layered closure of surgical sites, providing exposure, achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual, and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources, manipulation and dissection/removal of tissues, aides in implanting, securing, and/or removal of devices and drains, and applying appropriate dressing material specific to procedure.
- The surgical assistant applies any other specific dressing material such as splints or casts. Assesses skin integrity, assists in transfer of the patient, and follows the patient to recovery if needed or directed by surgeon.
- The surgical assistant who has appropriate training also performs under surgeon supervision other procedures including but not limited to: vein and graft harvesting, and graft and implant preparation.
- The surgical assistant performs additional duties as delegated by the surgeon in cooperation with state and local policy.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
- High School Diploma or equivalent is required
- Graduation from an accredited Surgical First Assist Program, State Board accredited Vocational School of Nursing, or Graduate of School of Surgical technology required
Experience
- 2 years of Surgical Tech experience preferred
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
- BLS required
- Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant required
- ACLS preferred
Work Schedule:
8AM - 5PM Monday-Friday
Work Type:
Full Time
Description
Summary:
As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), surgical assistants provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.
Responsibilities:
- Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
- The surgical assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative duties and procedures at all times.
- The surgical assistant facilitates the safe positioning of the patient according to the surgeon's preference, patient's anatomical and physiological limits, and surgical procedure to be performed. A preoperative introduction visit may be done to assess the surgical site to better aid in positioning. Assists circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient to include but not limited to: Foley catheter placement, tourniquet application, placement of intravenous catheters, cricoid pressure application, and other procedures as needed.
- The surgical assistant performs specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques including, but not limited to: incision and layered closure of surgical sites, providing exposure, achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual, and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources, manipulation and dissection/removal of tissues, aides in implanting, securing, and/or removal of devices and drains, and applying appropriate dressing material specific to procedure.
- The surgical assistant applies any other specific dressing material such as splints or casts. Assesses skin integrity, assists in transfer of the patient, and follows the patient to recovery if needed or directed by surgeon.
- The surgical assistant who has appropriate training also performs under surgeon supervision other procedures including but not limited to: vein and graft harvesting, and graft and implant preparation.
- The surgical assistant performs additional duties as delegated by the surgeon in cooperation with state and local policy.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
- High School Diploma or equivalent is required
- Graduation from an accredited Surgical First Assist Program, State Board accredited Vocational School of Nursing, or Graduate of School of Surgical technology required
Experience
- 2 years of Surgical Tech experience preferred
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
- BLS required
- Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant required
- ACLS preferred
Work Schedule:
8AM - 5PM Monday-Friday
Work Type:
Full Time
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- Education2
- Technology & Software1
- Consulting & Professional 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 Olmsted Medical Center, Ascension, and UC Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 November 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 Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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.