Surgical First Assistant
Program advisor: Jeff Bidwell
Program Description
As defined by the American College of Surgeons, the surgical first assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. This role will vary considerably with the surgical operation, specialty area, and type of facility. Clinical skills performed under direct supervision of the surgeon may include the following:
- Positioning the patient
- Preparing the skin
- Providing visualization of the operative site
- Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis
- Participating in volume replacement or auto transfusion techniques as appropriate
- Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes
- Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings
- Providing assistance in securing drainage system to tissue
The Surgical First Assistant Program is accredited through the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) and the Commission on Accreditation.
Available Credentials
Certificate
| Area | Hours to Complete |
Curriculum Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical First Assistant | 20 | Download (RTF) |
Employment Opportunities
Surgical Assistants are primarily employed by hospitals or by physicians, who often hire the First Assistant as their personal assistant in surgery. Starting salaries often range between $14 and $20 per hour.
Admission Requirements
The following should be submitted to the Office of Admissions for admission to this program:
- Application for admission
(154 K) - High School transcript or GED
- ACT, COMPASS, or ASSET scores
- Transcripts of all previous college work
- Age verification (must be 18 years of age)
The following must be completed before being accepted into the program:
- Must be CST or CNOR
- Equivalent of 8 hours of Anatomy and Physiology
- Current CPR or BLS
- Acceptable Health and Immunization Records
Length of Program
Upon completion of program in one academic year, the graduate may sit for the certifying exam for Surgical First Assistant. (The program is flexible and set up for people who work full-time. Several methods / tracts are offered to complete the program.) The Surgical First Assistant program is offered Online Assisted.
Classes Needed
Program Classes:
Fall Semester:
- SUR 280 Surgical Anatomy
- SUR 284 Principles of Surgical Assisting
Spring Semester:
- SUR 282 Perioperative Bioscience
- SUR 292 Applied Bioscience
- SUR 295 Surgical First Assistant Clinical
This curriculum guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. Students should always choose classes in cooperation with the academic advisor to ensure that all degree requirements are being met.