Military Surgical Assistants
Military Career
General Information
Description
Surgical assistants provide care, safety, and support to service members and their families before, during, and after surgery. They assist physicians and other healthcare providers by preparing the operating room, sterilizing the surgical instruments, and assisting with anesthesia. These professionals may need to assist with surgery for injuries resulting from combat or other disasters.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Surgical assistants work in hospitals and clinics on land or aboard ships. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals.
Comparable Industries
- Health Science
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Surgical Assistants in the Military
10,959
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$83,396
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$25,840 - $362,582
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Associate's degree 24%
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Post baccalaureate 16%
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Post-secondary certificate 15%
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High school 13%
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Some college 10%
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Master's degree 7%
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Bachelor's degree 7%
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Post-doctoral training 4%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Surgical assistants in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, laboratory demonstrations, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Patient care techniquesEmergency medical treatmentMethods of sterilizing surgical equipmentWorking on a medical teamBasic nursing careMinor surgical proceduresClinical laboratory proceduresMethods for diagnosing diseasesMedical management information systems
Read MoreKnowledge
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