SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Certificate of Achievement (SFA.CA)

This program is intended for Certified Surgical Technologists who wish to continue their education to become a Surgical First Assistant. 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 varies considerably with the surgical operation, specialty area, and type of facility. Clinical skills are performed under the direct supervision of the surgeon. Through a combination of lecture, laboratory, and clinical practice, this three-semester program is designed to enable students to develop the knowledge and skills required to perform as a surgical first assistant. This program leads to a Certificate of Achievement. Graduates will be able to write the certifying examination administered by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCC-ST) to obtain the title of Certified First Assistant.

Program admission procedures:

Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the Surgical First Assistant Program. Applicants to this Program must be current Certified Surgical Technologists with a minimum of one year recent full-time experience in the operating room.

Basic admission requirements include:

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
• Proof of liability insurance
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Acceptable health immunization records

Eligible students must have one-year operating room experience before they will be eligible to begin the program. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Achievement and will be qualified to sit for national certification through the LCC.

In order to sit for the Certification Examination to become a Certified Surgical First Assistant, students must obtain a grade of “C” or better in all courses required for this Program.

A mandatory criminal history check will be conducted on all students selected to the Surgical First Assistant Program, prior to the start of the program. 1) Conviction of a felony or any attempt to commit a felony within the 15 years immediately preceding the date of the criminal history check; or 2) conviction of a misdemeanor within the 10 years immediately preceding the criminal history check, will preclude eligibility for admission. In addition, all selected students must have a drug screen test prior to the start of the program. For details  contact the Nursing Department at 248.942.3334.