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Surgical First Assisting, A.S.

 

patchWant to WORK IN AN exciting fast paced OPERATING ROOM?

hands onWould you like to work in a unique environment? As a surgical first assistant, you will be in a challenging, fast-paced environment that can change human lives. An emergency can occur at anytime and no two human beings are alike. Everyday is spent exploring the human body, becoming familiar with surgical techniques, procedures and treatments. There is always something new to learn as technology and innovative changes are ongoing. 

A surgeon mentor provides the training and guidance to perfect your surgical techniques such as tissue manipulation and wound closure. As you progress, you can opt to specialize in a particular field such as General Surgery, Trauma, Open Heart, Orthopedics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Robotic and/or Neurosurgery. 

WHAT DO GRADUATES DO?

  • Prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, prepare and maintain sterile field, prevent the risk of infection, and assist with surgical operations.
  • Anticipate the next step, passing instrument, supplies or equipment thereby facilitating the surgical procedure.
  • Work alongside surgeons, making rounds preoperatively and postoperatively, seeing patients in the office, and assisting during the surgical procedure.
  • Assisting techniques include the provision of retraction, tissue manipulation, hemostasis, providing assistance with devices, instrumentation, approximation of tissue and suturing wounds.
  • Open your own business assisting surgeons in surgery.

WHERE DO YOU WORK?

  • Hospitals or ambulatory care centers
  • For a surgeon or surgical group
  • Join a group of surgical assistants or open your own business working with several surgeons
  • Opportunities abound, are you interested in traveling? You can apply for traveling assignments throughout the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed this program and other important information, please visit www.gulfcoast.edu/ge/sfa

Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for surgical technologist occupations was $44,330 in May 2015.  

Apply to GCSC Now!

 

Who is eligible for the Surgical First Assistant, C.C.C. program?

This program is flexible and offers options to fit your needs:

  1. There are two program entry options:
    1. If you have no Experience, you enter the on-site 2 year program to become certified in both Surgical Technology and Surgical First Assisting. Classes begin with prerequisite Anatomy and Physiology I with lab (4 credits) in January or May every year.
    2. If you are already a CST, you can enter the online program as a 2nd Year sophomore (CST to CSFA Program). Classes begin in January to March 20th and August to September 10th each year (Open Entry/Open Exit Classes). You must transfer in 8 college credits of Anatomy and Physiology with Labs (I and II) or you may enroll  and successfully complete with a "C or better" prior to enrolling in STS2335 Advanced Integrated Sciences Course.
      1. You can do everything in your home town except for the on-site Lab Week (M-F) to learn the techniques necessary to begin clinical rotations. Those with significant SFA experience may be approved for alternate documentation of skills mastery. 
      2. External college credit is awarded to those  with current certification as a surgical technologist (CST or ST-C) or have documented military training as a surgical technologist (operating room technician) which can include up to 45 college credits.
      3. There is an on site clinical option; come here to complete your cases if you cannot arrange a clinical site in your home town.
      4. We work with you to develop an individualized plan that meets your needs.
  2. Program offers two exit points: You can choose the one that meets your needs. This means you can attain your additional AS degree requirements either before, with or after  attainment of the College credit certificate.  
    • College credit certification option: 59 College Credits
    • Associate’s degree track option: 74 College Credits

If you would like further Information, go to:

WHY CHOOSE GULF COAST STATE COLLEGE TO EARN YOUR degree?

  • Overall GCSC pass rate for the surgical technology certification exam (CST) was 100% for the SFA program. The national benchmark for the CST exam is 70%.
  • The program pass rate for the surgical first assistant certification examination (CSFA) was 87%. The national benchmark for the CSFA exam is 71%.
  • You'll get a great education with one of the lowest tuition rates in the state.
  • With small class sizes and professors who care, you'll get the personal attention you deserve.
  • More than 90% of our graduates would recommend Gulf Coast State College to others.

Class

 Surg

How do I apply to the Surgical First Assistant, C.C.C. program?

Prior to applying to the program, you'll need to complete the general admission application to Gulf Coast State College.  Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the application process.

To apply for the program, you can pick up a program application packet from the Health Sciences Division containing a current listing of admission and course requirements, or print out a Surgical First Assisting application.

Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.

How do I register for my classes?

Check out the class registration dates and plan your schedule today.

How do I apply for financial aid and scholarships?

There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.

 

 Program Requirements

 Recommended Course CH
#*HSC1531, Medical Terminology (Extra points in the admission index for those who have successfully completed a medical terminology course) 2
Prerequisite Courses: All must be completed with a “C” or better.
+*BSC2085, Anatomy and Physiology I 3
+*BSC2085L, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 1
+*BSC2086, Anatomy and Physiology II 3
+*BSC2086L, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab 1
#*HSC1000, Orientation to Perioperative Services 3
#*HSC1000L, Orientation to Periop Services Lab 1
#*HSC2520, Microbiology for Perioperative Services 3
Major Courses
#+*STS1310, Surgical Tech & Procedures 6
#+*STS1310L, Surgical Tech & Proc Lab/Clinical 2
#+*STS1340C, Pharmacology and Anesthesia 3
+#*STS1944C, Introduction to Surgery Clinical 2
+#*STS2323, Surgical Procedures I 4
+#*STS2323L, Surgical Procedures I Lab 1
+#*STS2324, Surgical Procedures II 4
+#*STS2324L, Surgical Procedures Simulation Lab II 1
#+*STS2330C, Principles of Surgical Assisting 2
+#*STS2335, Advanced Integrated Surgical Sciences 2
+#*STS2336 , Advanced Surgical Procedures for the Surgical Assistant 2
*STS2361, The Art of Teamwork in Surgery 1
*STS2365, Professional Skills for the OR Team 1
#+*STS2370C, Surgical Assisting Clinical 3
+*STS2936, Surgical Certification Symposium 1
+#*STS2944C, Surgical Technologist Clinical I 3
+#*STS2945C, Surgical Technologist Clinical II 3
+#*STS2950, Surgical Assisting Portfolio 1
+#*STS2952, Surgical Transition Portfolio 1
+#*STS2953, Surgical Technologist Portfolio I 1

TOTAL CERTIFICATE HOURS

59

NOTE:  For those students who do not have at least one year’s experience, the course STS2943, SA Scrub Role Clinical is required prior to graduation.

• General Education Core.

+ Prerequisites and/or corequisites required.  See course descriptions.

# Applies to A.S. degree and certificate programs.

= PSAV course.

* Minimum grade of "C" required.

 
 

Contact the Advisor

LLM 

Professor Libby McNaron  Coordinator Surgical Services 

Health Sciences Building, Third Floor, HS326
850--873-3551 or 850-769-1551, extension 3551

lmcnaron@gulfcoast.edu

Visit my faculty page

Department Chair

Laura Justice
Chair, Health Sciences
850-769-1551, extension 3828
ljustice@gulfcoast.edu

 
APPLY TO THE COLLEGE NOW!2ND STEP: Information packet to APPLY TO THE PROGRAM (NONEXPERIENCED STUDENTS)2ND STEP: INFORMATION PACKET TO APPLY TO THE PROGRAM (EXPERIENCED STUDENTS)
 
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