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Surgical Instruments

Surgical First Assisting, A.S.

Program Snapshot
Academic CredentialAssociate in Science (AS)
Total Credit Hours74
Average Time to Complete2 yrs.
Academic PathwayHealth Sciences
ADVISOR FOR LAST NAME A-MShannon E. Smith, M.H.Sc., CDEI, CST, CSFA, FAST
Surgical Services Program Coordinator
850.873.3551
ssmith@gulfcoast.edu

ADVISOR FOR LAST NAME N-ZBrittany Page, AS, CST, CSFA
Assistant Coordinator
850.769.1551, ext. 5881
bpage2@gulfcoast.edu

Academic Program SpecialistAlyssa Evans
850.913.3311
Health SciencesGCSC@gulfcoast.edu

Visit the Surgical Services Website

S. Smith faculty page

B. Page faculty page

Complete Program Application

ACCESS THE PROGRAM ROADMAP

Surgical First Assistant, A.S.

Do You Want to Work Side by Side with a Surgeon Performing Life Changing Procedures?

This program will prepare you for the roles of Surgical Technologist (who prepares, opens and establishes the sterile field passing instruments and anticipating the surgeon’s needs) and Surgical First Assistant (who assists the surgeon with performing the surgical procedure and independently closes wounds).

Surgical Student

Would you like to work in a unique environment?

It is a challenging fast paced environment that can change human lives. An emergency can occur anytime and no two human beings are alike so… it is never boring.

Every day is spent exploring the human body, becoming familiar with surgical techniques, procedures and treatments.

There is always something new every day. 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 mature, you can opt to specialize in a particular field such as General Surgery, Trauma, Open Heart, Orthopedics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Robotic and/or Neuro Surgery.

Surgical First Assistant Course Requirements

ENC1101, English I
Select One:
Visual & Performing Arts
Philosophy/Religion
Literature 
Select One:
MAC1105, College Algebra 
MAC2311, Calculus with Analytical Geometry I 
MGF1106, Mathematics for Liberal Arts 
MGF1107, Survey of Mathematics 
STA2023, Statistics 
BSC2085, Anatomy and Physiology I
PSY2012 or SYG2000 Psychology/Sociology
POS2041, American National Government or AMH2020, United States History II and demonstrate Civic Literacy Competency
HSC1000, Orientation to Perioperative Services
HSC1000L, Orientation to Perioperative Services Lab
HSC1531, Medical Terminology
HSC2520, Microbiology for Perioperative Services
BSC2085L, Anatomy and Physiology Lab I
BSC2086, Anatomy & Physiology II
BSC2086L, Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
STS1310, Surgical Tech & Procedures
STS1310L, Surgical Tech & Procedures Lab/Clinical
STS1340C, Pharmacology & Anesthesia
STS1940C, Introduction to Surgery Clinical
STS2323, Surgical Procedures I
STS2323L, Surgical Simulation I Lab
STS2324, Surgical Procedures II (effective Fall 2023)
STS2324L, Surgical Simulation Lab II
STS2330C, Principles of Surgical Assisting
STS2335, Advanced Integrated Surgical Sciences
STS2336, Advanced Surgical Procedures for the Surgical Assistant
STS2361, The Art of Teamwork in Surgery
STS2365, Professional Skills for the OR Team
STS2370, Surgical Assisting Clinical
STS2936, Surgical Certification Symposium
STS2944C, Surgical Clinical I
STS2945C, Surgical Clinical II
STS2953, Surgical Technologist Portfolio I
STS2954, Surgical Technologist Portfolio II
STS2366C, Surgical Assistant Professional Skills (effective Fall 2023) OR *STS2367, Management in Healthcare

What can you do with a Surgical First Assisting Program?

  • 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, seeing patients in the office, and assisting in surgery.
  • Surgical first assistants work within the surgical field to inject local anesthetic, make incisions, insert trocars, manipulate tissue, provide hemostasis, provide retraction, dissect tissue, suture tissue, close wounds, apply casts, and other actions as directed by surgeon.
  • You can open your own business or work with a group of surgical assists independently who assist surgeons in surgery.
  • You may go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in  organizational management at GCSC or in healthcare or business management with other institutions.
  • You may also move into other related branches of medicine such as a physician’s assistant, registered nurse or physician.
Surgical First Assistant Class
Surgical First Assistant Students.
Surgical Equipment
Surgical Sterile Equipment
Who is Eligible for the Surgical First Assisting A.S. Program?
If you are a high school graduate, you can apply to this program. If you have earned credits from a regionally accredited college or university, you may have a head start at Gulf Coast State College. For more information about program eligibility , visit the Surgical Services Website.
Why Choose GCSC to Earn Your Degree?
Overall GCSC pass rate for the surgical technology certification exam (CST) was 100% for those continuing into the SFA program. The national benchmark for the CST exam is 70%. The program pass rate for the surgical first assistant certification examination (CSFA) for 2019 was 80%. 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.

Are you ready to get Started ?

Apply to GCSC

Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the application process.

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

Apply to Gulf Coast

Complete Program Application

Program Application Information

Apply for Financial Aid & 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.

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Register for Classes

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

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Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.