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 JobsLocation: Nashville, TN
Facility: Saint Thomas West
Department: Main Operating Room
Schedule: Full-time | Day Shift
Sign-on bonus: Available
COMPENSATION
- Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
- Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
- Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
- Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
- Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
- Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more
Responsibilities
- Position patients and prepare the surgical suite to ensure optimal exposure, comfort and safety.
- Maintain clear visualization of the operative site through tissue manipulation, retraction, suctioning and irrigation.
- Apply appropriate techniques to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis.
- Assist with body plane closure, application of wound dressings and securing of drainage systems.
- Support post-procedure room cleanup by removing soiled case carts, supplies and waste.
LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION / REGISTRATION
- Required Credential(s):
- BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
- Preferred Credential(s):
- Approved Local Exception. Approved for local use in TN to add REGNURSE. All other ministries must seek approval to use Approved Local Exception.
- Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.
Location: Nashville, TN
Facility: Saint Thomas West
Department: Main Operating Room
Schedule: Full-time | Day Shift
Sign-on bonus: Available
COMPENSATION
- Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
- Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
- Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
- Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
- Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
- Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more
Responsibilities
- Position patients and prepare the surgical suite to ensure optimal exposure, comfort and safety.
- Maintain clear visualization of the operative site through tissue manipulation, retraction, suctioning and irrigation.
- Apply appropriate techniques to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis.
- Assist with body plane closure, application of wound dressings and securing of drainage systems.
- Support post-procedure room cleanup by removing soiled case carts, supplies and waste.
LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION / REGISTRATION
- Required Credential(s):
- BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
- Preferred Credential(s):
- Approved Local Exception. Approved for local use in TN to add REGNURSE. All other ministries must seek approval to use Approved Local Exception.
- Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.
See all 27,121+ 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.