The course of study will follow the guidelines suggested by “The Core Curriculum for Surgical Assistants”, a publication of the Association of Surgical Technologists. Technical aspects of study will include patient positioning, visualization of operative structures, provision of hemostasis, body plane identification and closure, wound closure, and tissue handling through proper use of surgical instruments and manual maneuvers. Scope and limitations of practice will be reviewed, along with a discussion of ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities relative to practice as a Surgical Assistant.

Students will attend 45 hours of combined classroom instruction and lab experience, comprised of lectures, presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on technique instruction. Studies will be based upon the “Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice for the Surgical Assistant”, focusing on the proficiencies essential to safe and effective practice, as defined by the “Professional Code” developed by the National Surgical Assistant Association

The second portion of the Surgical Assisting course exists to provide clinical preparation for the CST to assume the rote of Surgical Assistant. While practice settings and roles of the Surgical Assistant are highly variable, a defined period of clinical internship is a critical factor in achieving successful educational results. To this end, Surgical Assisting Part 2 requires a highly motivated student, willing to develop personalized goals based upon both professional experience and integrity. Specific course requirements will be outlined in the course syllabus. Students will he encouraged and assisted in shaping their individual experiences to meet those requirements.