Surgical First Assist
Advance Your Career
Our Surgical First Assist program is designed for Certified Surgical Technologists ready to take the next step in their career. You’ll learn expanded duties that focus on directly assisting surgeons during operations, including helping with visualization of the surgical site, controlling bleeding, closing wounds, and ensuring safe practices for optimal patient results. Our flexible online format with one week of in-person lab lets you continue to work full-time while advancing your career. This specialized training prepares you to become a valued surgical team member with advanced skills.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Develop Advanced Surgical Anatomy and Perioperative Techniques
You will gain expertise in assisting surgeons with complex procedures, understanding anatomical structures in depth, and performing advanced technical duties throughout the surgical process.
Apply Microbiology and Infection Control Principles
You’ll have a thorough understanding of microbiology as it relates to disease transmission and prevention in surgical settings. You will learn how to apply this knowledge to maintain sterile environments, prevent surgical complications, and protect patients from infection throughout the perioperative period.
Demonstrate Proficiency in Pharmacology and Patient Care Management
You will learn how to use pharmaceutical drugs throughout the perioperative process, including their effects and interactions. You’ll also develop skills in diagnostic testing interpretation, wound healing techniques, trauma response, preoperative and postoperative nutrition management, and techniques for maintaining homeostasis to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Surgical First Assist
Certificate
Locations: Online
The Surgical First Assist degree is designed for certified surgical technologists who already have experience in the operating room. This program prepares students to function as the surgical first assistant who support surgeons by assisting during surgical procedures and ensuring patient safety throughout the surgery.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$2,125
CREDIT HOURS
17
PROGRAM LENGTH
2-3 Terms
SCHEDULE
Full-Time
STARTING TERM
Spring
WHY SCC?
Designed for Career Advancement
Our program builds on your existing skills and knowledge as a Certified Surgical Technologist with at least two years experience into a more specialized and higher-level role within the surgical team.
State-of-the-art Training Facilities
Our Health Sciences Building provides an exceptional learning environment with cutting-edge technology including LapSim virtual laparoscopic surgery simulation. This advanced equipment gives you hands-on practice navigating complex surgical procedures in a safe, controlled setting before working with patients.
Nationally Recognized Accredited Program
Our Surgical First Assist program is one of 12 accredited surgical first assist certificate programs in the country. Our faculty has designed an intentional, comprehensive curriculum to help you succeed in this specialized role, giving you a competitive edge in the healthcare field.
Learn from Surgeons and Industry Experts
Lab skills are taught by practicing surgeons and experts in the field, providing you with invaluable exposure to real-world case studies and hands-on learning experiences. You’ll also have the opportunity to take the national certification exam before you graduate making you career advancement ready.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Surgical First Assistant
Surgical first assistants provide more advanced assistance during operations, working directly with surgeons to provide exposure, hemostasis, and closure. They make incisions, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices, and apply dressings to surgical sites.
Surgical First Assist Clinicals
In what term do students start clinicals?
Spring. Students will complete a one-week lab at the start of the semester prior to beginning clinicals.
Where do students participate in clinicals?
Students complete clinicals at their place of employment. Students must submit a letter of support from employer.
In general, what time of day and days of the week can students expect to attend clinical?
Varies depending on work hours and case requirement completion
Will the program help student secure their sites? Do students need to contact clinical sites prior to acceptance/placement?
Students need to obtain letter of support from place of employment allowing them to function in the student role to obtain required cases. If the student is unable to complete cases at the place of employment, the student will be responsible for finding another clinical site.
How many clinical hours do students complete in the program?
270 hours
Surgical First Assist Program Accreditation
Additional Program Requirements
Getting Started
Application to the SCC Surgical First Assist program involves three steps. First, students must have completed a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited Surgical Technology program. Second, students must achieve specific math and reading test scores or complete specific English and math college courses to be eligible to be admitted to the program. Third, once students achieve the required test scores or complete required courses, they can apply to the program.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution
Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
State Licensure or Certification Requirements
The Surgical First Assist program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Students completing this program will sit for the National Surgical First Assist Certification exam. This is a national certification and is accepted in all 50 states. Privileges may vary by state, depending on each state’s laws and guidelines. Nebraska State License required to practice in Nebraska.