How to Become a Surgical Assistant
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Surgical Assistant
What does a Surgical Assistant do?
The Surgical Assistant completes pre-op tasks including physical examinations and recording health history. Under the direction of physician, performs first assistant surgical duties, including tissue retraction and suturing. Being a Surgical Assistant participates in daily patient rounds, writes progress notes, conducts patient education, writes prescriptions, and prepares discharge summaries. Orders appropriate laboratory and radiographic tests. In addition, Surgical Assistant requires completion of the PANCE exam administered by National Commission of the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Requires a master's degree of Health Sciences for Physician Assistants or related. Typically reports to a physician. Requires Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C). Requires State license to practice. Surgical Assistant's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Prior to surgery, the surgical assistant may be required to set up the operating room by assembling all of the instruments that will be needed during the procedure, and by checking equipment to ensure it works correctly.
During a procedure, the surgical assistant will work closely with a surgeon or surgical nurse, usually working directly under the surgeon’s or nurse’s supervision.
Surgical assistants should work well in a team, and be able to work effectively independently as well.
In the United States, accredited programs for surgical assistants range in length from ten months to two years, and include theoretical as well as practical courses.
Many surgical assisting qualifications have stringent requirements, such as the requirement for a three or four year degree, or an Associate’s degree together with job experience.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Surgical Assistant
Best tips for those who want to become a Surgical Assistant
Here are some tips to become a Surgical Assistant.
Study and Prepare for the Certification Exam.
Allow more time than you think you will need to complete school related tasks.
Consider taking out financial aid to complete school instead of working.
Utilize your resources to ensure success.
Really focus on becoming a surgical assistant.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Surgical Assistant
Best colleges and universities for Surgical Assistant
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Surgical Assistant
Is being a Surgical Assistant Worth it?
Although hospitals employ most assistants and techs, some work in doctors' offices, outpatient centers and dental offices.
However, you can start as a technologist and use the career as a stepping stone to surgical assisting.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits both surgical technology and surgical assisting programs.
Surgical assisting programs typically require a prior health-related associate or bachelor's degree.
Researchers at an army training hospital in France have unveiled plans for a robotic surgical assistant capable of helping a human surgeon carry out tricky procedures in remote locations.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Surgical Assistant
What skills do you need to be a Surgical Assistant?
This is not a management position, but still requires important skills in order to fully execute the role. A keen understanding of the following is necessary for the role: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Patient Assessment, Patient Education, Medical Specialty: Surgery, Orders Clinical Tests, Prescribes Medications. Some of the more basic skills utilized in this role include: Clinical Documentation Software, Electronic health records (EHR) Software, Medical Practice Management Software. These skills are certainly important to the role, but keep in mind, fit into a company culture and environment is often just as important.
An effective surgical assistant must have a wide range of personal and professional skills.
Foremost, surgical assistants require strong hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
As a result, surgical assistants must have effective communication skills, a positive attitude and an ability to correctly respond to orders.
Experienced Surgical Assistant who works well under pressure and has supreme confidence.
Responsible for making sure that all of the necessary surgical instruments were available to a surgeon prior to a procedure.
Step 6: View average salary for Surgical Assistant
How much does a Surgical Assistant make?
The average salary range for a Surgical Assistant is from $121,690 to $148,670. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Step 7: Find relevant Surgical Assistant jobs, and apply.
Looking for Surgical Assistant jobs?
Here are some Surgical Assistant jobs in the United States.