Surgical First Assistant Certificate

Surgical Assisting provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient.  In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care.  The surgical assistant to the surgeon during the operation does so under the direction and supervision of that surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.

Students will possess a working knowledge of operating room fundamentals, including aseptic principles and techniques, before moving on to the advanced levels of the program.  Surgical Assisting will provide clinical training “at the table” to reach the advanced skill level requirements to be eligible to sit for the national certification examination.