How to become A Surgical Assistant

Behind every good surgeon and every successful surgical procedure is an efficient Surgical Assistant - the first to scrub in, the first in the surgical line of fire but often the last to be acknowledged or recognised for their valuable services.

• Certified First Assistant
• Certified Surgical Assistant

What do Surgical Assistants do?

A Surgical Assistant would typically need to:

• Provide assistance to surgeons during surgical and medical procedures; perform related pre-surgery and post-surgery tasks
• Interview patients before the surgery to gather, verify and record information about their medical conditions and health history
• Arrange for x-rays, charts and other essential patient documentation for quick reference
• Select, set up and sterilise the necessary equipment, medical devices and tools in the OR after making sure they are in proper working order
• Position the patient for treatment and cover them with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field
• Adjust and maintain OR parameters as per the surgeon’s specifications
• Help the surgeon focus on the surgery by undertaking basic surgical duties such as monitoring the electronic equipment and the patient’s vital signs
• Provide the surgeon with surgical tools or instruments when needed
• Intubate the patient, administer needles, close and dress wounds, cut sutures and resuscitate patients, if necessary
• Administer anaesthetics or sedatives and other intravenous medications; administer blood or other fluids intravenously
• Clean and restock the OR after the surgery is completed; maintain an inventory of medical instruments and tools
• Help move the patient to or from the OR; monitor the patient’s surgical site and condition after surgery

Most Surgical Assistants work in a hospital where they spend most of the day on their feet in the OR. The nature of their job demands that they work both independently and in a team environment including nurses and surgeons.

Surgical Assistants typically work full-time for around 40 hours/week, although higher caseloads can result in extended shifts that might comprise weekends and holidays. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Surgical Assistants can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Candidates can also use state employment services to land a job as a Surgical Assistant. 

Surgical Assistants are generally employed by: 

• Hospitals
• Outpatient Care Centres
• Offices of Physicians
• Offices of Dentists

Healthcare associations, such as The Association of Surgical Assistants, provide unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. They offer all the certification courses members will need throughout their professional careers. 

Affiliated Surgical Assistants may attend conventions, seminars, and dinners frequented by peers, mentors, and other industry leaders. The events help them keep up with the newest breakthroughs and latest developments in the field, including plum jobs.

• You need to be attentive and ready to assist according to the instructions you receive
• You will have to spend long hours on your feet during surgical procedures
• You may have to lift loads and also help lift and position patients
• There will be a risk of contracting infectious diseases
• You will have to endure unpleasant sights, odours, and materials

Any academic program that a prospective Surgical Assistant takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship or a training course which may pave the way for your first job.

With most employers showing a marked preference for candidates who have at least three of experience in an operating room (OR), it is highly recommended that you make the most of any opportunity to fulfil this requirement.

Previous work experience as a surgical technician, registered nurse or physician assistant will teach you to interact with patients, prepare the OR and surgical equipment and take care of the equipment. It will also help you understand some of the physical and emotional demands of a career in medicine.

Read about the profession, perform community service, and interview/ job shadow experts working as Surgical Assistants to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

It helps to document any notable experiences on letters of recommendation to work around the stiff competition for entry to training programmes and internships.

Surgical Assistants typically need an accredited four-year bachelor’s degree in science, nursing or physician assisting. In addition, you must complete a ten- to twenty-month-long training course.

A two-year associate degree in surgical technology or an HND (Higher National Diploma) can also pave the way for a career as a Surgical Assistant. You will learn in-depth about topics such as microbiology, anaesthesia and pharmacology.

Take college preparatory courses in high school. You must build a strong foundation in science and biology during high school to ease into the medical field. English and speech classes will also help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.

An accredited bachelor’s degree, supervised clinical experience, and passing an examination are common prerequisites to acquire certification and licensure as a Surgical Assistant. You may also need to undergo a physical exam and a drug test before being permitted to work. Contact your local medical or health licensure board for exact details.

Certification demonstrates a Surgical Assistant’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Surgical Assistants require the Certified First Assistant or Certified Surgical Assistant credential. 

Additional certifications in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)/AED (automated external defibrillator) from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires passing an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship, residency or apprenticeship. Contact your national regulatory body to obtain precise details about the licensing process. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Surgical Assistants. You can switch careers and become a Licensed Practice Nurse or Staff Nurse.

Managerial positions such as Registered Nurse Supervisor, Office Manager or Case Manager are viable options once you acquire significant experience in the field. Eventually, you may be promoted to Director of Nursing, Practice Manager, Patient Care Manager or Clinical Manager.

Surgical Assistants with a bachelor’s degree, requisite certification, licensure, work experience, and the necessary skills have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in the healthcare sector for public wellbeing and career progression. It embraces new learning objectives, methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT.

Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, and professional publications serve to educate, influence, support, and foster lifelong enlightenment in all career-grade Surgical Assistants.

Forward-looking Surgical Assistants may wish to acquire a master’s degree and additional managerial qualifications to ease their way up the career ladder. CPD will also help with the renewal and recertification of required certifications and licences, which must be done every two years.

As a vital member of the surgical team, you will need to stay abreast of the latest research and increasingly sophisticated medical technologies and methodologies. 

Current Scenario

An ageing population and rapidly evolving medical technology will see a remarkable rise in the number of surgical procedures done each year. Surgical Assistants will continue to grow in demand, and they will have no trouble finding a job. 

Essential Traits

It is essential to nurture valuable soft skills such as effective communication skills, positive self-confidence, cleanliness and hygiene, precision and the ability to solve problems and make optimal decisions in the face of immense pressure so as to engineer an optimal number of successful outcomes.  

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Surgical Assistants have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Surgical Assistant has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Around 310 million surgical procedures are performed worldwide each year.

More often than not, you may have to work holidays, get screamed at, use your fingers to staunch bleeding arteries and wear other people’s bodily fluids. What makes your job worth the while is the fact that your presence as a Surgical Assistant will help surgeons pull off even the most challenging surgical procedure.

Being attentive is vital for a career as a Surgical Assistant; a slight delay in processing orders or instructions from the surgeon may be fatal, so you should always remain focused on your tasks.