Surgical First Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Surgical First Assistants qualify for H-1B 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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Location: Nashville, TN
Facility: Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown
Speciality: Operating Room General
Schedule: Days | Full-time
Sign-on bonus: Up to $12,000
What You Will Do:
- Elite Surgical Partnership: Serve as a seamless extension of the surgeon’s hands. During complex procedures, you will provide high-level assistance—including tissue manipulation, retraction, and advanced suctioning—acting as a critical pillar of the intraoperative team.
- Operational Excellence: Own the rhythm of the OR. From customizing the suite to meet specific surgeon preferences to managing streamlined, sterile turnarounds, your precision ensures we are always ready for the next life-changing case.
- Precision Anatomy Access: Act as the guardian of patient safety and surgical visibility. You’ll masterfully manage patient positioning and stabilizing equipment to provide optimal surgical exposure while prioritizing the dignity and comfort of those in your care.
What You Will 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.
Additional Preferences:
- True Income Stability: Say goodbye to the uncertainty of being "flexed" or called off. We provide guaranteed hours, ensuring your paycheck is consistent and your PTO is reserved for what it’s meant for: rest, family, and recharging.
- Shared Success: We win as a team. You will be eligible for a quarterly incentive bonus that recognizes and rewards our collective performance and commitment to excellence.
Why Join Our Team:
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.
We Are Hiring:
Location: Nashville, TN
Facility: Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown
Speciality: Operating Room General
Schedule: Days | Full-time
Sign-on bonus: Up to $12,000
What You Will Do:
- Elite Surgical Partnership: Serve as a seamless extension of the surgeon’s hands. During complex procedures, you will provide high-level assistance—including tissue manipulation, retraction, and advanced suctioning—acting as a critical pillar of the intraoperative team.
- Operational Excellence: Own the rhythm of the OR. From customizing the suite to meet specific surgeon preferences to managing streamlined, sterile turnarounds, your precision ensures we are always ready for the next life-changing case.
- Precision Anatomy Access: Act as the guardian of patient safety and surgical visibility. You’ll masterfully manage patient positioning and stabilizing equipment to provide optimal surgical exposure while prioritizing the dignity and comfort of those in your care.
What You Will 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.
Additional Preferences:
- True Income Stability: Say goodbye to the uncertainty of being "flexed" or called off. We provide guaranteed hours, ensuring your paycheck is consistent and your PTO is reserved for what it’s meant for: rest, family, and recharging.
- Shared Success: We win as a team. You will be eligible for a quarterly incentive bonus that recognizes and rewards our collective performance and commitment to excellence.
Why Join Our Team:
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.
How to Get 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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.
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