Tennessee’s surgical volume is driven by Nashville’s concentration of hospital systems and Memphis’s trauma center. Vanderbilt alone runs surgical programs across a dozen specialties. Combine that with no state income tax and compact licensing, and Tennessee is one of the best states for SFAs.
Junxion Med Staffing was built by a traveling surgical tech who knows the difference between agencies that care and agencies that just fill slots. Explore all our Travel Surgical First Assistant opportunities nationwide, check out travel healthcare jobs in Tennessee, or keep reading for the specifics on Tennessee contracts.
Why Tennessee for Travel Surgical First Assistant Jobs?
Tennessee is an NLC compact state, so if you hold a compact license, you can start your assignment without applying for a separate state license.
Top Facilities and Cities
- Nashville: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Top-ranked academic center with complex surgical programs
- Nashville: TriStar Centennial HCA flagship with high surgical volume
- Memphis: Regional One Health Center Level I trauma with heavy OR demand
- Knoxville: UT Medical Center Regional surgical center with steady SFA contracts
Pay and Benefits
Travel Surgical First Assistant contracts in Tennessee typically fall in a competitive range. Here is what a Junxion package includes:
- Average weekly pay: $2,200-$2,900/week depending on shift, facility, and experience
- Housing stipend: Junxion provides a competitive stipend so you find your own place. Most experienced travelers prefer this for full control. Learn about how stipends work.
- Meals and incidentals: Tax-free M&IE stipend
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Travel reimbursement and completion bonuses on select contracts
- 401(k) with contribution options
Licensing and Credentialing
Tennessee is a compact state. CST/CSFA certification is required. Junxion handles Tennessee-specific credentialing requirements.
CST and CSFA certification required for all SFA positions. Junxion handles the credentialing paperwork and stays on top of deadlines so you can focus on your work. Check our compact license guide for nursing details.
What a Typical Assignment Looks Like
Travel SFA assignments are about being an extension of the surgeon’s hands. You’ll position patients, provide retraction and exposure, assist with suturing, and manage hemostasis throughout each case. Shift length depends on the OR schedule — 10 hours is typical, plus call. Contracts run around 13 weeks. The first few days are about learning each surgeon’s preferences and the facility’s setup. You might cover multiple surgical specialties or focus on one service depending on the contract. Either way, it’s high-skill work that keeps you engaged from first incision to closing.
How Tennessee Stacks Up for Travel Surgical First Assistant Travelers
There’s a reason Tennessee stays on travelers’ short lists, and it goes beyond just the job market. Affordable cost of living across the state, even in the metro areas. Smoky Mountains, live music, and warm Southern hospitality make your days off actually enjoyable. No state income tax means your travel stipends and hourly rate stretch further. On your days off? Hot chicken in Nashville, hiking in the Smokies, and a cost of living that lets you actually save money on assignment.
Getting Started with Junxion
Getting started with Junxion is straightforward. You’ll connect with a dedicated recruiter who actually listens to what you want — preferred states, schedule needs, pay expectations. From there, they handle the heavy lifting: credentialing, compliance paperwork, facility coordination. You’ll see a full pay breakdown with every offer, so there are no surprises after you accept. And unlike the big agencies, you won’t get handed off to a different person every time you call. One recruiter, one relationship, your whole contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
What housing options are available for Travel Surgical First Assistant travelers in Tennessee?
Housing usually comes down to stipend vs. agency-provided. The stipend route is popular because you pick your own place and can often save money, especially in lower cost-of-living areas. Junxion bases stipends on local rates, so they’re realistic for the market you’re heading to. Agency housing is also available for some contracts if you don’t want the hassle of searching. Either way, your recruiter walks you through the math before you decide.
Can I extend my Tennessee Travel Surgical First Assistant contract?
Extensions are one of the best parts of travel — if you love your assignment, you don’t have to leave. Most facilities offer 13-week extensions, and some do shorter terms depending on their staffing needs. Your Junxion recruiter handles the logistics and checks in early enough to avoid any gaps. Pay can sometimes be renegotiated, especially if demand has changed since your original contract. Staying put when you’ve found a good fit beats starting over at a new facility every time.
How much do Travel Surgical First Assistant professionals make in Tennessee?
Weekly pay for Travel Surgical First Assistant roles in Tennessee ranges from $2,200-$2,900/week depending on facility, shift differential, and experience. Night and weekend shifts typically pay more. See full pay breakdown.
How quickly can I start a Tennessee assignment?
With a compact license and current credentials, many travelers start within 2-3 weeks. Non-compact holders should plan 4-8 weeks for licensing.
Does Junxion handle credentialing?
Yes. Junxion manages your licensing, certifications, and facility-specific credentialing. Your recruiter coordinates everything so you are ready to start on day one.
Ready to take a Travel Surgical First Assistant assignment in Tennessee? Contact Junxion and let us find the right contract for you.
Explore More
- Browse open SFA travel jobs
- Explore all travel healthcare jobs in this state
- How much do travel nurses make?
- How to start your travel healthcare career
What to Know Before You Go
Bring your own instrument set if you have one — some facilities provide everything, but others expect SFAs to have their own retractors and suturing tools. Ask about the surgical specialties you’ll cover most often, since orthopedic cases require different prep than cardiac or general surgery. Review the facility’s surgical timeout and specimen handling protocols during orientation.
Nashville traffic can be intense during rush hour, so consider housing within a few miles of your facility. The music and food scene is worth exploring on your days off. If your assignment is outside Nashville, you’ll find a slower pace and even lower costs — places like Knoxville and Chattanooga have growing healthcare markets and plenty to do.
What certifications do I need for a Travel Surgical First Assistant assignment in Tennessee?
Requirements vary by facility, but you’ll generally need your core specialty certification, BLS, and any state-specific licenses. Junxion’s credentialing team reviews every requirement before you accept a contract and handles the paperwork so nothing falls through the cracks.
SFA travelers who build strong relationships with surgeons get the best feedback and the most extension offers. The key is communication: ask each surgeon how they prefer retraction, what sutures they like, and how they want the field prepped before you scrub in for the first time. That five-minute conversation before the case saves everyone time and frustration in the OR.
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