Nov 21, 2024  
2024 - 2025 Catalog 
    
2024 - 2025 Catalog

Surgical First Assistant - Post Associate Certificate of Completion


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Program Code: CHP.35547
 

The non-physician Surgical First Assistant (SFA) provides aid in exposure, hemostasis and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patients. These activities will be performed only as delegated tasks under the direct and immediate supervision of the responsible surgeon.

This is a CAAHEP accredited program and upon completion students will be qualified to sit for the certification exam (CSFA®) offered through the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).  The Surgical First Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Accreditation Review Council on Education for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (www.arcstsa.org). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350; www.caahep.org

This certificate will be delivered online, with the exception of SFA 273  (which includes a one week on-campus lab) and SFA 278  and SFA 279  the Clinical Practicum courses in the clinical setting under the direct supervision of a preceptor surgeon.

Total Semester Credits: 8


Total Semester Credits: 9


Winter First Year:


Total Semester Credits: 3


Total Semester Credits: 4


Total Credits: 24


Notations


  1. Prerequisite qualifications for application to the program are: graduate of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited Surgical Technology, Nursing, or Physician Assistant Program with a 3.0 GPA; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Nurse-Operating Room (CNOR), Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C), or Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) with certification currency.
  2. Prerequisite qualifications for entry to the program are: be admitted to Delta College; provide transcripts from all other colleges attended; completion with a “C” (2.0) minimum grade in BIO 152W  and BIO 153W  or BIO 240  and BIO 241 , BIO 203W , and HSC 105 , or equivalents
  3. Students must contact the program coordinator at 989-686-9505 for an application packet. The application includes two letters of recommendation, one from a surgeon and one from your supervisor.
  4. Students are required to maintain the following health requirements throughout the program, including but not limited to 1) current American Heart Association CPR certification for the healthcare provider/professional rescuer certification, 2) an annual TB skin test, and 3) immunization records including MMR, Td/Tdap, Varicella, and Hepatitis B or signed waiver.
  5. A maximum of 18 students will be accepted each Spring semester. A minimum of 12 students must be admitted to start a cohort.
  6. Students must achieve a minimum C (2.0) grade in each Surgical First Assistant course to be eligible to continue in the program.
  7. Students are responsible for obtaining their preceptor.
  8. Students are required to show proof of liability insurance covering first assistant activities. Policy on an occurrence basis with limits of $1,000,000 per incident, and $3,000,000 in the annual aggregate.
  9. In addition to tuition, fees, and textbook costs, students should plan for the following expenses proof of current immunizations & CPR certification to meet health requirements, background check, drug screen, appropriate laboratory and clinic attire including shoes, name tags, providing your own transportation to and from clinical sites, and possible parking fees. Students must also purchase the ASA Gold Package which includes your ASA, study guide for the ASA certification exam, and the ASA certification exam.
  10. Health insurance is strongly recommended. You are responsible for paying the coast of any medical expenses due to injury, needle stick or illness during your clinical externship. The College does not provide coverage for such situations.
  11. Students who receive a failing grade in the coursework will be eligible to reapply one time for readmission to the Surgical First Assistant Program and must repeat the failed course successfully. Students may only be readmitted to the program one time. If unsuccessful in the second attempt, students cannot be readmitted to the program.

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