Certified surgical assistant or surgical assistant

A certified surgical assistant (CSA) or surgical assistant (SA) functions in the first or second assistant role, working alongside the surgeon in surgical procedures and anticipating the needs of the surgeon. This position requires a strong understanding of human surgical anatomy, principles of aseptic technique, and knowledge of the perioperative procedural policies and guidelines of the facility.

A few primary surgical skills for the surgical assistant are suturing, proper use of surgical instrumentation and proper positioning of surgical patients.

Requirements for this position can vary among sites. Some of our sites require a certification through the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA). Educational requirements may include an associate degree from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) surgical assistant program or an NSAA-approved program of surgical assisting.

Previous surgical experience as a surgical technician or surgical assistant may be required.