Surgical Services

Surgical Services ProgramS

Our programs provide you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to become a certified expert in one of these related fields. The Surgical Technology and Surgical First Assist programs at Gulf Coast State College are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) based on the review and recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) program at Gulf Coast State College follows the current Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) core curriculum to ensure the program meets the current standards and guidelines required of RNFA programs.

Members of the surgical team work in a variety of places, and the options are many. Choose the program that meets your immediate needs.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other information, please visit the Gulf Coast Gainful Employment Page and select the Program and/or view the specific program information packet.

State of the Art Training

HSC 1004 Healthcare Dual Enrollment Class

Not sure which program you are interested in?  This  class is available as an exploration of healthcare careers for both high school students and college students; 3-credit class completely online.  See an Advisor for more information.

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

This 17-month program includes prerequisites and core classes beginning in August of each year. 

There are 15 credit hours of General Education courses (5 classes) for the Associate Degree in Surgical Services (AS1-HS).  Once completed, you can continue your education by obtaining a Bachelor Degree in Applied Science (BAS) at Gulf Coast State College.

Currently, Certified Surgical Technologists (CST/TS-C)  who wish to obtain an Associate's Degree in Surgical Services can apply for college credit through the articulation agreement based on verification of a successful and current certification (CST), and completion of the external credit packet.  A minimum of 16 college credits, or 25% of the college credits required, must be taken at Gulf Coast State College. 

Surgical First Assistant Program

There are Two Entry Points:

As a new student  with NO medical experience in the Traditional Dual Enrollment CST/CSFA program, you complete the program within 5 semesters/ 22 months. Students who successfully complete program requirements are eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) exams through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). 

CST/TS-C to SFA Bridge Program, gain college credit for your certification and experience level.  Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or current Tech in Surgery - Certified (NCCT) can apply for the Bridge Program to obtain their Surgical First Assistant (SFA) in one year or less through our distance learning program. Upon successful completion of the CST/TS-C to SFA Bridge program, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). 

For those entering the CST to CSFA Program ONLY:

There are two completion points for either a College Credit Certificate (SFA-CCC), or an Associate Degree option (SFA2-AS). You can choose to complete the College Credit Certificate for SFA, and then proceed to get your Associate Degree in Surgical First Assisting with further education credit hours (SFA2-AS).  You can then go on to complete a Bachelor Degree in Applied Science (BAS) with a concentration in Health Sciences at Gulf Coast State College, at a more economical cost compared to other major universities. 

Professional Organizations

Visit the Following Websites to Learn More About the Profession of the Surgical First Assistant.

Registered Nurse Programs

Perioperative Nursing for Registered Nurses

• If you are a current GCSC Nursing student with a minimum GPA of a 2.0, you have the opportunity to take these occupational training courses between your 2nd and 4th semesters (summer semester). 

• If you are licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN), you may take these occupational training courses to gain the knowledge and training to advance into the Operating Room. 

• If you desire to experience further hands-on skill opportunities in the clinical setting, you can take
  NSP 2290L, Clinical Internship in PeriOperative Nursing, during the same semester as NSP 2290, PeriOperative Nursing Theory. 

Registered Nurse First Assistant Advanced Technical Certificate (RNFA-ATC)

• Apply to the program and complete the required courses to become a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) in the State of Florida. The program is completely online, except for a mandatory on-site lab session that spans over 4 days. 

• The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) program admits once per year in the summer semester and is delivered over two semesters (summer and fall).

• As a Certified PeriOperative Nurse (CNOR) eligible operating room experienced Registered Nurse with either a Bachelor's or Associate's degree, you are required to take the 3 RNFA classes (9 credits) and submit your CNOR certification once obtained. Graduation of the RNFA-ATC program cannot be approved until the program receives proof of your CNOR certification.

• As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN),  you are required to take the 3 RNFA classes (9 credits).
  
  
• For those who do not have a Bachelor of Science degree, GCSC offers Accredited online B.S. Degrees which are more economical than major universities.

RN-BSN PROGRAM