The Certificate in Surgical Technology—Surgical First Assistant program provides opportunities for career growth for experienced operating room/surgical personnel in the field of Surgical Assisting. Surgical First Assistants work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of minimally invasive and invasive surgical procedures to maximize patient safety. This is an advanced practitioner certificate and is designed toward earning a degree in higher education.

The criteria necessary to petition for admission to the Surgical Technology—Surgical First Assistant program are:

• Proof of transcripts demonstrating formal college credit in Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology with a grade of “C” or better
• Must be a CST or CNOR with a minimum of three years experience and current employment in an operating room setting
• Letter of application to the program by the candidate why they would like to be considered to take this program
• Two letters of recommendation from surgeons
• One letter of recommendation from current employer

Candidates will be selected based on having all of the above requirements delivered to the college by November 1. This certificate requires completion of 21 semester hours in courses such as anatomy, ethical and legal responsibilities, anesthesia, pharmacology, and two courses in clinical settings.

First Assistant Certification

Once the student completes the course requirements for the Surgical First Assistant Certificate, the final step to obtain certification is to pass the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam.

For information on certification:

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting

1.800.707.0057

www.nbstsa.org

For more information:

If you decide to enter a certificate program such as Surgical First Assistant, you are urged to consult with members of Macomb’s counseling staff at 586.286.2228, and the department of Health & Public Services at 586.286.2097.