2025-2026 Catalog
Surgical First Assist
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Online
Surgical first assistants provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Their role will vary considerably with the surgical operation, specialty areas, and type of facility.
Types of Jobs Available
These professionals primarily work in hospitals, surgery centers, specialty centers, doctor’s offices, or labor and delivery departments. In addition to operating room roles, they can pursue various other positions, such as:
- Independent Surgical First Assistant
- Private Surgical First Assistant for Surgeon
- Traveling Surgical First Assistant
- Program Instructor/Director
Program Overview
This program is delivered online with the exception of lab. All students are required to travel to Lincoln to attend the lab portion of the course. Labs are in the afternoon the first week of the first semester.
Students are required to find surgeons to act as clinical preceptors and a clinical site in their area to complete their education. Student can be employed by this facility. The program director will assist in the process of obtaining required agreement between facility and surgeon/preceptor.
Full-Time Track:
- 7 months in duration
- Starts in the Spring (Application opens September 1st)
Part-Time Track:
- 12 months in duration
- Starts in the Fall (Application opens February 1st)
National Certification (CSFA) Exam:
- Students are able to take the National Certification (CSFA) Examination in Lincoln before graduation.
- Upon verification of graduation, successful candidates will receive certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
For more information contact:
Amy Goracke, Program Chair
402-437-2285, 800-642-4075 ext. 2285
agoracke@southeast.edu
or the College Admissions Office
Lincoln 402-437-2600, 800-642-4075 ext. 2600
Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education, www.caahep.org.
Awards
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