What is Surgical First Assistant Program (Online)?
The Madisonville Community College Surgical First Assistant Program: 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 and providing assistance in securing drainage system to tissue.
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:
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Positioning the patient
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Preparing the skin
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Providing visualization of the operative site
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Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis
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Participating in volume replacement or auto transfusion techniques as appropriate
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Utilizing appropriate techniques in closure of body planes
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Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings
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Providing assistance in securing drainage system to tissue
What are my career choices?
Employment is available in hospital operating rooms, delivery rooms, physician's offices as a surgeon's assistant, or in free standing centers (outpatient or ambulatory surgery). The average wage throughout the United States ranges from $32,000 to $48,600.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Admissions Eligibility Requirements
- Must be Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), or must be able to demonstrate the entry level skills possessed by someone who has completed an entry level surgical technology program. These basic skills are listed in the Association of Surgical Technologists Surgical Technology Core Curriculum.
- Should have a minimum of one year operating room experience.
- Professional CPR Training (must be maintained for the duration of the program).
- Test scores (ACT, SAT, etc.) are not required for the surgical first assistant certificate program - test scores are required only if the student will pursue the associate in applied science degree in surgical first assisting.
Application Process
Qualified candidates must contact Surgical First Assistant Program Coordinator, Jeff Bidwell at jeff.bidwell@kctcs.edu to request a Surgical First Assistant Program Guide and link to the online Surgical First Assistant Program Application form. Application deadline is May 1st. Applications received after May 1st will only be considered if spots are available in the class.
Technical Standards
Surgical First Assistant Program (Online) involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of Surgical First Assistant Program (Online) technical functions. Therefore, all applicants should possess sufficient:
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visual acuity, such as is needed in the surgical environment and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and care;
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auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices (e.g., cardiac monitors, biomedical equipment, fire alarms, etc.);
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gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning and lifting patients required in meeting health needs related to Surgical First Assistant Program (Online);
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verbal and non-verbal communication skills (speech, reading, and writing), such as are needed in classroom and clinical settings to interact with patients and professional personnel; and
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intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.
Associate in Applied Science in Surgical First Assisting
Out of State Graduates of CAAHEP approved Surgical Technology programs may transfer many of their Surgical Technology courses towards the associate if the surgical technology school you attended was accredited by a regional or nationally accreditation body approved by the Madisonville Community college. The amount of transferable Surgical Technology credits is based on the current Surgical Technology courses offered by the Madisonville Community College. The General Education courses will be reviewed individually.
The residency requirement for the AAS degree in Surgical Assisting is 24 hours; 16 of the 24 hours of the requirement will be met by taking the Surgical Assisting courses. The remainder of any general education requirements not met, or hours needed for the residency requirement, can be completed at the college through Kentucky Virtual University “KYVU
Accreditation
Madisonville Community College Surgical First Assistant program is accredited by:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350 | Fax: (727) 210-2354
mail@caahep.org
https://www.caahep.org/About-CAAHEP.aspx
Surgical First Assisting Cohort Outcomes:
2017-2018 Surgical First Assistant outcomes:
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Retention: 90%
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65 students held the CSFA at one year
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24 students failed the CSFA
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10 students did not take the CSFA exam.
