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Surgical Instruments

Surgical First Assisting, AS

Program Snapshot
Academic CredentialAssociate in Science (AS)
Total Credit Hours74
Average Time to Complete2 yrs.
Academic PathwayHealth Sciences
AdvisorBrittany Page, B.A.S., CST, CSFA
Coordinator, Surgical Services
850.769.1551 ext. 3551
bpage2@gulfcoast.edu

Academic Program SpecialistConnie Pimentel
850.913.3311
Health SciencesGCSC@gulfcoast.edu

Pathway NavigatorAli Payne
850.769.1551 ext. 5863
apayne7@gulfcoast.edu

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Surgical Services Website

Track your progress Degree Audit Map out your courses Degree Plan

Surgical First Assistant, AS

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

h3

English I
Visual & Performing Arts or
Philosophy/Religion or
Literature 
Select one from a list of Math Courses
Anatomy and Physiology I
Psychology/Sociology
American National Government, United States History I, or United States History II and demonstrate Civic Literacy Competency
Orientation to Perioperative Services & Lab
Medical Terminology
Microbiology for Perioperative Services
Anatomy and Physiology Courses
Surgical Assistant Courses

A complete list of courses with descriptions can be found in the Catalog

What can you do with a Surgical First Assisting Program?

What will your responsibilities be with a degree in Surgical First Assisting?

  • 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.

What can you do with  your Surgical First Assisting Degree?

  • 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.
Surgery
Surgical First Assistant Class
Surgical Equipment
Who is Eligible for the Surgical First Assisting AS 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 theGulf Coast admissions pageto learn more about the application process.

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

Apply to Gulf Coast

Complete Program Application

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.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Register for Classes

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

REGISTER

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.