Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Surgical First Assistant jobs in Tennessee are open across Nashville and other Tennessee metros, with employers like Ascension hiring at every experience level. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 10+ Surgical First Assistant jobs











INTRODUCTION
Your future role at a glance:
Location: Nashville, TN
Facility: Ascension Saint Thomas West
Department: Main Operating Room
Schedule: PRN | Day Shift
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
How you'll make an impact in this role:
- Position patient to give best exposure for surgical procedure, using stabilizing equipment when necessary, while maximizing patient comfort and safety.
- Provide visualization of the operative site using appropriate method, including manipulation of tissue and materials, retraction, sponging, suctioning and irrigation.
- Utilize appropriate technique to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis.
- Assist with body plane closure, application of wound dressings and securing of drainage systems. Assist in room clean up and the removal of the soiled case cart, supplies, and trash from OR room as needed at the completion of the surgical case.
- Participate as a surgical team member in the preparation of the surgical suite according to surgeon's preference cards with appropriate instruments, resources and supplies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What minimum qualifications you'll need:
Licensure / Certification / Registration:
- BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date required. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
- Certified First Surgical Assistant obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date required. Hired/transferred before 5/30/21 not required to hold certification. Accepted: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting; American Board of Surgical Assistants; or National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants.
Education:
- High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Technical degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.
LIFE AT ASCENSION
Where purpose meets opportunity:
Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.
FRAUD PREVENTION NOTICE
Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.
E-VERIFY STATEMENT
Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.
BENEFITS
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Various health insurance options & wellness plans
- Retirement benefits including employer match plans
- Long-term & short-term disability
- Employee assistance programs (EAP)
- Parental leave & adoption assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Ways to give back to your community
Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance, location and salary range at the time of the offer.
See All 10 Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Surgical First Assistant JobsSurgical First Assistant Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Surgical First Assistant Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Ascension10

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services7
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in surgical first assistant jobs across Tennessee.
- 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
Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How many surgical first assistant jobs are there in Tennessee?
There are 10+ surgical first assistant openings in Tennessee on Migrate Mate as of June 2026, with the most roles in Nashville. New positions post regularly as employers across Tennessee hire.
How much do surgical first assistants make in Tennessee?
Surgical first assistants in Tennessee earn a median of about $81,640 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $59,370 for the lowest 10% to over $102,350 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which Tennessee cities have the most surgical first assistant jobs?
Nashville have the most surgical first assistant openings in Tennessee right now, with additional roles spread across smaller metros statewide.
Which companies hire surgical first assistants in Tennessee?
Employers hiring surgical first assistants in Tennessee include Ascension, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026.
Are there remote surgical first assistant jobs in Tennessee?
Yes. About 0% of surgical first assistant openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The rest are on-site roles based in Tennessee metros.
How do I apply for surgical first assistant jobs in Tennessee?
You can apply to surgical first assistant jobs in Tennessee directly on Migrate Mate. Search the listings above, find roles that match your experience and preferred Tennessee location, then apply to each one that fits.
See All 10 Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Surgical First Assistant Jobs