What is a Certified Surgical Assistant Job?
A certified surgical assistant job is a vital position in the operating room where the assistant helps the surgeon with surgical procedures. This job requires extensive knowledge and training in surgical procedures, patient care, and medical equipment handling. A certified surgical assistant is responsible for ensuring the patient's safety during the surgery, maintaining sterile conditions in the operating room, and assisting the surgeon in all aspects of the surgery.
What Usually Do in This Position?
A certified surgical assistant job involves a range of duties that require attention to detail, clinical knowledge, and good communication skills. Some of the duties that a certified surgical assistant typically performs include preparing the operating room, sterilizing surgical instruments, assisting the surgeon in the procedure, monitoring the patient's vital signs, and providing post-operative care.
Top 5 Skills for the Position:
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Good clinical knowledge and skills
- Ability to work well in a team
How to Become This Type of Specialist?
To become a certified surgical assistant, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a certified surgical assistant program. The program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The program includes classroom and clinical training and covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, surgical procedures, and patient care.
After completing the program, you need to pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Once you pass the exam, you can apply for certification as a Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the NBSTSA.
Average Salary:
The average salary for a certified surgical assistant in the United States is around $60,000 per year. The salary can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of facility you work in.
Roles and Types:
Certified surgical assistants can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and surgical centers. There are different types of surgical assistant roles available, such as first assistants, second assistants, and surgical technologists. First assistants work closely with the surgeon and are responsible for performing certain parts of the surgery. Second assistants help the first assistant and the surgeon with the surgery. Surgical technologists are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and assisting the surgical team.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA:
The states with the highest employment levels for surgical assistants are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. These states have a high demand for healthcare services, which creates more job opportunities for certified surgical assistants.
What are the Typical Tools?
Some of the typical tools used by certified surgical assistants include surgical instruments, surgical drapes, and surgical gloves. They also use equipment such as monitors, anesthesia machines, and sterilization equipment.
In Conclusion:
A certified surgical assistant job is a rewarding and challenging career that requires extensive knowledge and training. This job involves working closely with the surgeon and the surgical team to ensure that the surgery is performed safely and efficiently. If you have a passion for healthcare and want to make a difference in the lives of patients, a certified surgical assistant job might be the right career for you.