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Surgical Assistants

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.

What you’d do

  • Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
  • Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
  • Pass instruments or supplies to surgeon during procedure.
  • Assist with patient resuscitation during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events.
  • Verify the identity of patient or operative site.
  • Obtain or inspect sterile or non-sterile surgical equipment, instruments, or supplies.
  • Assist members of surgical team with gowning or gloving.
  • Cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Coordination

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant)
  • RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant)
  • Surgical First Assistant
  • Surgical Technician (Surgical Tech)
  • Certified Surgical Technician (Certified Surgical Tech)
  • CRNFA (Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant)

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