Surgical First Assist

Our Surgical First Assist program expands career opportunities for certified surgical technologists. The Surgical First Assistant is a highly skilled professional, trained and educated to function as a valuable and integral part of the surgical team. You will be a successful Surgical First Assistant if you:

• are able to execute the responsibilities of the program regarding attendance, assignments and record keeping
• possess the ability to multitask efficiently
• have the endurance to stand an entire shift if needed
• are able to work efficiently with your hands
• are detail oriented and able to work on a team
• are able to communicate effectively (both verbal and written)
• understand problem sensitivity (ability to tell when something is wrong or likely to go wrong)
• have a strong commitment to patient safety
• must be able to make decisions based on the use of logic and analytical skills

START HERE: Please follow the steps on the Get Started Checklist to complete the program application process.

Admissions Resources:

• Student Health Assessment & TB Documentation
• Online Program Application
• Digital Resume
• Essential Functions
• CPR Training

Learn more about the Surgical First Assisting profession by completing this Professional Awareness Activity.

A Surgical First Assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis and other technical functions to help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Employment of Surgical First Assistants is projected to grow 31.2% from 2017-2027 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Recent graduates reported an average salary of $34,736. Career options include:

• Certified Surgical First Assistant in a hospital, surgery center, doctor's office or labor and delivery
• Private Certified Surgical First Assistant
• Certified Surgical First Assistant Clinical Preceptor, Clinical Instructor or Program Director

The Surgical First Assist program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accrediting Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354
mail@caahep.org

Surgical First Assist Program Outcomes

Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution. As a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution, we are unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following states/areas: California and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.