Summary

The Surgical Assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon in all phases of surgery in order to increase the productivity of surgeons by alleviating the need for a second physician to assist in a surgical procedure.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of a Surgical Assistant program

Experience: Each Surgical Assistant must have actively practiced within the 12 months prior to application for employment; applicants must be familiar with prosthetic devices and care, medical terminology, surgical anatomy, care practices for surgical instruments and supplies, various surgical procedures, application of castings and dressing materials, safety principles, and how to operate biomedical equipment

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Applicants must have successfully completed the Board certification exam; Surgical Assistant students must achieve Board Certification within 1 year of the date of eligibility to take the Certification Examination. Additionally, all applicants must hold and maintain an up-to-date BLS certification.