KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM
Surgical 1st Assistant Program
Faculty
Planning Documents
Program Information
Program Description
Available Credentials
Licensure and Accrediation
Employment Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Program Cost
Length of Program
Classes Needed
Allied Health Division

Surgical First Assistant

Program advisor: Jeff Bidwell

Program Description

As defined by the American College of Surgeons, the surgical first assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. This role will vary considerably with the surgical operation, specialty area, and type of facility. Clinical skills performed under direct supervision of the surgeon may include the following:

Available Credentials

Certificate

Area Hours to Complete Curriculum Guide
Surgical First Assistant 16 Download (RTF)

Licensure and Accreditation

The Surgical First Assistant Program is accredited through “CAAHEP” The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs. After completing the program graduates are eligible for the CFA or CSA certifying exam. After certification graduates may apply to the Kentucky Medical Board for certification as a Surgical Assistant.

Employment Opportunities

Surgical Assistants are primarily employed by hospitals or by physicians, who often hire the First Assistant as their personal assistant in surgery. Starting salaries often range between $14 and $20 per hour.

Admission Requirements

The following should be submitted to the Office of Admissions for admission to this program:

The following must be completed before being accepted into the program:

Additional requirements for online assisted students

Online assisted students must meet the required program admission eligibility requirements and have an approved preceptor at their facility that will agree to perform the following duties:

Students in the distance program have a couple of options for performing the pre-clinical and clinical evaluations:

Projected Program Cost

Item Cost
Tuition (KYVC online courses; $121 per credit hour)
(Payment broken down into 9 credit hours fall, 7 credit hours spring)
$1,936
Textbook of Surgery, 17th edition by Courtney Townsend $100.00
Certification exam $150.00-$300.00
Liability Insurance (must be purchased through the college) $21.00
Dr. Shanahan Demonstrated Anatomy DVDs (Recommended) $80.00
Total Certificate Cost $2,207

Length of Program

Upon completion of program in one academic year, the graduate may sit for the certifying exam for Surgical First Assistant. (The program is flexible and set up for people who work full-time. Several methods / tracts are offered to complete the program.) The Surgical First Assistant program is offered Online Assisted.

Classes Needed

Program Classes:

Fall Semester:

Spring Semester:

This curriculum guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. Students should always choose classes in cooperation with the academic advisor to ensure that all degree requirements are being met.