Surgical First Assistant

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Field description

A Surgical First Assistant (SFA) is an integral part of the surgical team. An SFA works closely with the surgeon to facilitate the procedure and process of surgery.

First Assistants are expected to prepare and position the patient for surgery, assist in visualization of operating field, provide hemostasis, harvest of surgical grafts, perform closure of incisions, and apply various wound dressings.

In addition to these intraoperative duties, SFAs also perform pre- and post-operative activities to facilitate optimal patient care.

Surgical First Assistants work under the direct supervision of the surgeon, following facility protocol and policy, as well as other laws and regulations.

Choose a program

Surgical First Assistant (Minnesota)

Career opportunities

Graduates of a Surgical First Assistant program take the first step towards becoming an integral part of the surgical team. Hospitals, outpatient surgery clinics, private practice, and other surgical centers are extremely interested in hiring skilled individuals to assist in surgical procedures to promote optimal patient outcomes.

There are many areas of surgery that rely on quality assisting. Surgical First Assistants learn skills for a variety of surgery specialties:

General Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Neurosurgery
Spinal Surgery
ENT
Obstetrical Surgery
Gynecological Surgery
Craniofacial Surgery
Radical neck Surgery
Genitourinary Surgery
Cardiac Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Trauma Surgery
Plastic Surgery
Ophthalmic Surgery
Robotic Surgery

Advanced Surgical First Assistants gain respect of their peers, become members of various professional organizations, and create opportunities within the workforce.

Earning potential

According to the National Surgical Assistant Association, the average starting salary for Surgical Assistants is $55,000; with an overall average of $75,000. These figures are calculated from information gathered in 2006.

Professional organizations

Visit the following Web sites to learn more about the Surgical First Assistant's:

Oct 29, 2012
ART003101