Surgical First Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Surgical First Assistants qualify for H-1B visa and other work visas as healthcare professionals requiring specialized training and certification. Most positions require an associate's or bachelor's degree in surgical technology, plus additional first assistant certification. Hospitals and surgical centers regularly sponsor visas for experienced candidates. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Do you want to join an organization that invests in you as a(an) Surgical First Assist? At Methodist Hospital Northeast, you come first. HCA Healthcare has committed up to $300 million in programs to support our incredible team members over the course of three years.
JOB SUMMARY AND QUALIFICATIONS
The Surgical First Assistant works as a member of the perioperative team under the direction of the surgeon. He/she performs responsibilities of both the Surgical Technologist and the Surgical First Assistant based on department needs and as directed by the unit director or designee. The Surgical First Assistant practices within the scope of the job description and performs clinical and technical skills under surgeon supervision to assist with carrying out a safe operation with optimal patient results. This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues and the handling of instruments; however, the surgical first assistant does not concurrently function as the scrub nurse.
What qualifications you will need:
Education: Must have completed ALL of the following:
-
High School Diploma or GED
-
Successful completion of an accredited surgical first assistant training program.
Meets ONE of the following:
A. Graduate/completion of CAAHEP Surgical First Assistant, Surgical Assistant Program, Medical School Graduate OR an allied health professional with 2250 hours of surgical rotation.
B. Practiced as a surgical technologist prior to 9/1/2009
Experience: New hires as of 3/29/2011 - 2 years experience in the perioperative setting within the last 4 years in either a surgical technologist or surgical first assistant role. Employee completes initial and ongoing training and competencies as defined by service line, facility and department/unit which are specific to the needs of the patient population served (if applicable).
Minimum License, Certificates, or Registrations Required:
Must have and maintain ONE of the following:
A. Surgical Technologist Certification
i. CST – Certified Surgical Technologist through the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) (formally the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist) OR
ii. TS-C- Tech in Surgery, Certified through the National Center for Competency Testing
B. Surgical First Assistant certification
i. SA-C – Surgical Assistant, Certified through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)
ii. CSA – Certified Surgical Assistant through the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA)
iii. CSFA (formally CFA) – Certified Surgical First Assistant through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
C. LSA- Licensed Surgical Assistant through the Texas Medical Board
BENEFITS
Methodist Hospital Northeast offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:
- Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
- Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
- Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
- Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
- Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
- Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts
Learn more about Employee Benefits
Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.
Methodist Hospital Northeast is a 232 bed, full service hospital. We are home to the Joint Replacement Academy. We offer the latest treatment options for knee and hip pain. We house an impressive neurosurgical program. This program offers services from elective spine surgeries to advanced and comprehensive brain and spine care.
We are recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association as a Certified Primary Stroke Center. We handle patients with urgency. We are acknowledged by the American College of Cardiology as an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCIa. All complaints are handled crucially. We are identified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for having a Pathway to Excellence Program. We dedicate resources to our employees. We have received the Mission: Lifeline® Bronze Receiving Quality Achievement Award. This is awarded for implementing specific quality improvements. These measures were outlined by the American Heart Association. The improvements impact the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. This was outlined by the Texas Award for Performance Excellence. We have been nationally recognized by Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grade A.
"Good people beget good people." - Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder
We are a family 270,000 dedicated professionals! Our Talent Acquisition team is reviewing applications for our Surgical First Assist opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Submit your resume today to join our community of caring!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
INTRODUCTION
Do you want to join an organization that invests in you as a(an) Surgical First Assist? At Methodist Hospital Northeast, you come first. HCA Healthcare has committed up to $300 million in programs to support our incredible team members over the course of three years.
JOB SUMMARY AND QUALIFICATIONS
The Surgical First Assistant works as a member of the perioperative team under the direction of the surgeon. He/she performs responsibilities of both the Surgical Technologist and the Surgical First Assistant based on department needs and as directed by the unit director or designee. The Surgical First Assistant practices within the scope of the job description and performs clinical and technical skills under surgeon supervision to assist with carrying out a safe operation with optimal patient results. This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues and the handling of instruments; however, the surgical first assistant does not concurrently function as the scrub nurse.
What qualifications you will need:
Education: Must have completed ALL of the following:
-
High School Diploma or GED
-
Successful completion of an accredited surgical first assistant training program.
Meets ONE of the following:
A. Graduate/completion of CAAHEP Surgical First Assistant, Surgical Assistant Program, Medical School Graduate OR an allied health professional with 2250 hours of surgical rotation.
B. Practiced as a surgical technologist prior to 9/1/2009
Experience: New hires as of 3/29/2011 - 2 years experience in the perioperative setting within the last 4 years in either a surgical technologist or surgical first assistant role. Employee completes initial and ongoing training and competencies as defined by service line, facility and department/unit which are specific to the needs of the patient population served (if applicable).
Minimum License, Certificates, or Registrations Required:
Must have and maintain ONE of the following:
A. Surgical Technologist Certification
i. CST – Certified Surgical Technologist through the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) (formally the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist) OR
ii. TS-C- Tech in Surgery, Certified through the National Center for Competency Testing
B. Surgical First Assistant certification
i. SA-C – Surgical Assistant, Certified through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)
ii. CSA – Certified Surgical Assistant through the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA)
iii. CSFA (formally CFA) – Certified Surgical First Assistant through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
C. LSA- Licensed Surgical Assistant through the Texas Medical Board
BENEFITS
Methodist Hospital Northeast offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:
- Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
- Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
- Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
- Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
- Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
- Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts
Learn more about Employee Benefits
Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.
Methodist Hospital Northeast is a 232 bed, full service hospital. We are home to the Joint Replacement Academy. We offer the latest treatment options for knee and hip pain. We house an impressive neurosurgical program. This program offers services from elective spine surgeries to advanced and comprehensive brain and spine care.
We are recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association as a Certified Primary Stroke Center. We handle patients with urgency. We are acknowledged by the American College of Cardiology as an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCIa. All complaints are handled crucially. We are identified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for having a Pathway to Excellence Program. We dedicate resources to our employees. We have received the Mission: Lifeline® Bronze Receiving Quality Achievement Award. This is awarded for implementing specific quality improvements. These measures were outlined by the American Heart Association. The improvements impact the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. This was outlined by the Texas Award for Performance Excellence. We have been nationally recognized by Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grade A.
"Good people beget good people." - Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder
We are a family 270,000 dedicated professionals! Our Talent Acquisition team is reviewing applications for our Surgical First Assist opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Submit your resume today to join our community of caring!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
See all 30,504+ Surgical First Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Surgical First Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Surgical First Assistant
Target teaching hospitals and major medical centers
Academic medical centers and large hospital systems have established visa sponsorship processes and regularly hire international healthcare professionals for specialized surgical roles.
Emphasize your specialized surgical certification
First assistant certification from NBSTSA or equivalent demonstrates the specialized knowledge required for H-1B eligibility beyond basic surgical technology training.
Consider rural and underserved areas
Hospitals in rural areas or medically underserved regions often struggle to fill surgical positions and may be more willing to sponsor visas.
Network through surgical professional associations
Organizations like AST and AORN host conferences where you can connect with hiring managers from hospitals that understand visa sponsorship processes.
Highlight experience with complex surgical procedures
Document your experience assisting in cardiac, orthopedic, or neurosurgical procedures to demonstrate the specialized skills that justify H-1B sponsorship requirements.
Apply during peak hiring seasons
Hospital staffing cycles typically align with academic calendars. Apply in spring for summer positions or fall for positions starting after residency graduations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Surgical First Assistants qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, Surgical First Assistants typically qualify for H-1B visas as the role requires specialized knowledge in surgical procedures and patient care. You need either an associate's degree in surgical technology plus first assistant certification, or a bachelor's degree in a related field. The position must require this specialized education to meet H-1B requirements.
How to find Surgical First Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Surgical First Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting healthcare professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on major hospitals, surgical centers, and healthcare systems that commonly sponsor H-1B, EB-2, or EB-3 visas for medical support roles. These employers often need skilled surgical assistants and are experienced with the visa sponsorship process.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as a Surgical First Assistant?
Most positions require an associate's degree in surgical technology plus completion of an accredited surgical first assistant program. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree in surgical technology, healthcare, or related field. Additional certifications like CSA (Certified Surgical Assistant) or CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant) strengthen your sponsorship case by demonstrating specialized knowledge.
Which types of healthcare facilities sponsor visas for Surgical First Assistants?
Large hospital systems, academic medical centers, and specialty surgical centers most commonly sponsor H-1B visas for first assistants. Teaching hospitals affiliated with medical schools have established immigration processes and regularly hire international candidates. Private surgical centers focusing on cardiac, orthopedic, or neurosurgical procedures also sponsor visas for experienced first assistants.
How does state licensing affect visa sponsorship for Surgical First Assistants?
State licensing requirements vary significantly for first assistants, which can impact visa sponsorship. Some states require separate licensing while others allow practice under physician supervision. Employers typically handle licensing requirements as part of the hiring process, but you should research target states' requirements before applying. Licensed states may actually prefer visa sponsorship since it demonstrates commitment to the role.
What's the approval rate for H-1B petitions for Surgical First Assistants?
Healthcare professional H-1B petitions, including surgical first assistants, generally have higher approval rates than other fields due to clear specialty occupation requirements. The role's combination of formal education requirements, professional certification, and specialized surgical knowledge aligns well with H-1B criteria. However, the petition must demonstrate that the specific position requires the specialized training and cannot be performed by someone without your qualifications.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Surgical First Assistant jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.