Surgical First Assistant

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Certificate of ‘Surgical First Assistant’ is designed to prepare 

graduates for career opportunities in the surgical field and focuses on 

specialized training in working knowledge of operating room procedures with respect to surgical anatomy, infection control, and familiarizes the student with individual requirements and recommended practices of compliance.  Emphasis is placed on the ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon, the patient, and other team members to provide an optimal surgical outcome.  Surgical first assistants must skillfully perform their duties for each procedure and uphold patient dignity, privacy, and safety professionally. 

SOME HIGHLIGHTS

The Surgical First Assistant program at American Institute for Surgical Excellence has labs conveniently located in northern and southern Ohio. The program includes patient side assist training with the Da Vinci 

surgical robotic system as well as fracture table positioning, casting and splinting and an optional endoscopic vein harvesting workshop.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Completed program application

• Proof of high school diploma or equivalent

• Official acdemic transcripts 

• Certified in Basic Life Support with AED (advanced cardiac life support is preferred)

• Current operating room experience

• Credentialed as a Certified Surgical Technologist or a graduate from an ABHES or CAAHEP accredited surgical technology program, registered nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Nurse Practicioner, or Physician Assistant

• 2 letters of recommendation-1 from surgeon and 1 from employer

• Proof of individual malpractice insurance (needed prior to clinical)

• Employed at a healthcare facility or physician’s office. If employed by physician’s office, student must provide proof of clinical site access