Surgical First Assistant
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Step into the operating room with confidence.
The Surgical First Assistant Diploma Program at Chattanooga College, MDTC introduces students to the advanced skills and knowledge needed to support surgeons and surgical teams during operative procedures. Coursework covers areas such as surgical anatomy, intraoperative techniques, patient management, and sterile practices. The program emphasizes both classroom instruction and hands-on learning to help students understand the responsibilities of a surgical first assistant in real operating room environments.
Surgical First Assistant, Diploma
Hybrid (Online Coursework + On-Campus Labs + Clinical Rotations)
Surgical First Assistants are essential members of the surgical team, supporting procedures across a wide range of specialties. This program develops technical proficiency in surgical instrumentation, tissue handling, hemostasis, and wound closure, while reinforcing patient safety and sterile technique standards. Graduates are prepared to contribute to hospitals, surgical centers, and specialty practices where precision, efficiency, and teamwork are critical.
Pre-requisites for the program:
- Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program or hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Current certification (CST) or active RN licensure preferred
- CPR/BLS certification
- Background check, drug screening, and immunizations
- Interview with program leadership (if required)
- 3 years of experience in an operating room
- DAX
- High School Diploma
Surgical First Assistant – Program Overview
The Surgical First Assistant program at Chattanooga College, MDTC provides students with instruction in both the technical and clinical aspects of surgical assisting. The curriculum introduces topics such as advanced surgical anatomy, pharmacology, intraoperative skills, and patient care management. Students are exposed to both classroom and hands-on learning experiences that highlight the role of the surgical first assistant in supporting surgeons and improving surgical outcomes.
Experienced Instructors and Modern Labs
The Surgical First Assistant program at Chattanooga College, MDTC is taught by instructors with professional experience in surgical and perioperative settings. Faculty bring real-world operating room knowledge into classroom and lab instruction, covering surgical techniques, patient safety protocols, and intraoperative responsibilities.
Students also benefit from learning in simulated surgical labs designed to reflect modern operating room environments. Training emphasizes technical precision, critical thinking, and teamwork to prepare students for professional surgical settings.
Explore Your Path to Becoming a Surgical First Assistant: Quick Facts
Getting Started
- Connect with Us: Complete the Contact Form at the top of this page to request more information.
- Enrollment Advising: Schedule a meeting with a Chattanooga College advisor to review admission requirements and program details.
- Planning Ahead: Advisors are available to discuss prerequisites and help you prepare for enrollment in this advanced program.
Program Duration
The Surgical First Assistant Diploma program at Chattanooga College, MDTC can typically be completed in as little as 12 months, depending on scheduling and clinical placement availability.
Surgical First Assistant Diploma – Curriculum
Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to build advanced surgical knowledge and technical skill required for first assisting:
Surgical Anatomy: Develop a deep understanding of anatomical structures, surgical landmarks, and physiological systems relevant to operative procedures.
First Assist Techniques: Learn critical intraoperative skills such as tissue handling, retraction, and maintaining surgical exposure.
Suturing & Wound Closure: Practice closure techniques including suturing, stapling, and wound management across different surgical scenarios.
Surgical Pharmacology: Understand medications used in surgery, anesthesia considerations, and patient monitoring principles.
Intraoperative Skills: Gain experience in assisting during procedures, anticipating surgeon needs, and maintaining sterile environments.
Clinical Practicum: Apply your skills in real-world surgical settings through supervised clinical experiences.
Courses combine theoretical learning with hands-on lab and clinical training to ensure students are prepared for real surgical environments.
Careers
Graduates of the Surgical First Assistant Diploma program may pursue roles in a variety of healthcare settings where surgical procedures are performed.
Potential career paths include:
- Surgical First Assistant (SFA)
- Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
- Operating Room Surgical Assistant
- Surgical Team Specialist
Work environments may include:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient surgical centers
- Specialty surgical practices (orthopedic, cardiovascular, OB/GYN)
- Emergency and trauma departments
Surgical First Assistants play a key role in supporting surgeons, maintaining surgical efficiency, and contributing to positive patient outcomes in fast-paced clinical environments.
Certifications / Licenses
The Surgical First Assistant Diploma program at Chattanooga College is designed to prepare graduates for industry-recognized certification opportunities that may be required or preferred by employers.
Certification opportunities may include:
- Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) – National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
- Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) – National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA)
These certifications typically require:
- Completion of an accredited or approved training program
- Documentation of clinical case experience
- Successful completion of a national certification exam
Requirements for certification and licensure vary by state and employer. Students are encouraged to review applicable regulations and speak with an advisor for guidance on certification pathways.
Surgical First Assistant Diploma Courses/Credit Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SFA 100 | Foundations of Surgical First Assist | 4.00 |
| SFA 110 | Surgical Pharmacology and Patient Management | 4.00 |
| SFA 120 | Advanced Surgical Anatomy | 4.00 |
| SFA 130 | First Assist Techniques I | 5.00 |
| SFA 140 | First Assist Techniques II | 5.00 |
| SFA 150 | Wound Closure and Suturing Lab | 4.00 |
| SFA 160 | Intraoperative Skills & Exposure | 4.00 |
| SFA 170 | Professional Ethics & Legal Responsibility | 2.00 |
| SFA 180 | Clinical Practicum | 6.00 |
| SFA 190 | Clinical Practicum II and Capstone | 6.00 |
| Total Surgical First Assistant Diploma Credit/Hours | 44 | |
Want to Learn More about becoming a Surgical First Assistant?
Advance Your Surgical Career: Training and Clinical Experience
The Surgical First Assistant Diploma program at Chattanooga College includes extensive hands-on training and clinical experience designed to prepare students for real operating room environments.
Coursework is paired with 250 hours of supervised clinical training, allowing students to work alongside experienced surgical professionals in hospitals and surgical centers.
These experiences are designed to help students understand advanced surgical procedures, develop technical precision, and build confidence in assisting during operations. Students gain exposure to multiple surgical specialties while reinforcing patient safety and professional standards expected in the field.