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
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](/academics/degrees-programs/program-by-pathway/health-sciences/surgical-first-assistant-as/images/surgery-student.jpg)
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
Philosophy/Religion or
Literature
American National Government or United States History II and demonstrate Civic Literacy Competency
Medical Terminology
Microbiology for Perioperative Services
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](/academics/degrees-programs/program-by-pathway/health-sciences/surgical-first-assistant-as/images/surgery.jpeg)
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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 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.