Surgical First Assist Certificate

Surgical First Assist Core Courses

• SUFA 1010 - Advanced Surgical Anatomy Credits: 4
• SUFA 1020 - Fundamentals of Surgical First Assisting Credits: 3
• SUFA 1030 - Principles of Surgical First Assisting Credits: 2
• SUFA 1040 - Bioscience Credits: 2
• SUFA 1050 - Clinical Externship 1 Credits: 3
• SUFA 1060 - Clinical Externship 2 Credits: 3

Special Program Requirements

1. All SUFA program courses must be completed with a grade of 75% (C+) or higher to progress through the program.
2. The program offers web-based courses but requires in-person supervised clinicals/practicums/labs at approved healthcare facility locations. Students will not be accepted into the program without a confirmed clinical site. Please communicate with the Program Director to identify healthcare facilities at your location.
3. A computer is required for students in this program. Please ensure your computer meets the following computer system requirements:

• Age: <3 years old
• Laptop models: Windows Laptops or MS Surface Tablet Pro (Windows 11 Pro or home version)
  • NOT Recommended: Android Tablets, Apple Tablets/iPads, Windows 10 S Mode, Chromebooks
• Processor: Intel Core i5 or higher
• Ram (Memory): 4GB minimum
• Hard Drive: Solid State hard drive preferred 128 GB or higher
• Peripherals: Webcam, Headphones with Microphone
• Wireless: All laptops should have wireless​​​​​​​ internet capabilities

4. Once accepted in the program, and all requirements are submitted students will be approved for program enrollment and to complete required program orientation. Failure to complete the requirements for enrollment and orientation will result in their spot will be given to an alternate. The Program Chair will notify approved students of date, time, and location of orientation via their SCC email address. Failure to attend and/or complete the orientation, will prevent the student from continuing in the program and their spot will be given to an alternate.
5. At the required program orientation, a criminal background check will be required of each student in the program. Based on the background check, a student may be prevented from completing the program. A non-refundable fee of $50 will be assessed for the CBC. Misdemeanor or felony convictions may prevent a graduate from acquiring a state license.
6. Students accepted to an SCC Health Sciences program requiring a clinical/practicum rotation at a contracted healthcare facility will submit to a 10-panel drug test prior to the first clinical/practicum experience. The Program Director will provide testing instruction and a non-refundable fee of $50 will be assessed for the drug test.
7. All Students are required to attend the in-person lab at the SCC Lincoln Campus at the beginning of the first semester. Students are responsible for travel and lodging expenses.

Program Admission Requirements

SCC Health Sciences utilizes a selection process of all complete applications to determine acceptance into the program. Applications should be submitted once all requirements are completed.

• Applications will be reviewed when ALL requirements are submitted. 
• Applications with incomplete or missing requirements at the time of selection will not be reviewed.
• Applicants with courses in progress will not be reviewed for acceptance until the end of the term AND after the submission of all requirements.
• If an applicant is re-applying for the program, they MUST resubmit all documentation during each application period.

Selection Process Requirements:

All of following requirements must be submitted prior to a student’s application being reviewed:

1. Demonstrate Appropriate Level of Proficiency in Reading and/or Math
   • Reading: Place into ENGL 1010  or higher
   • Math: Place into MATH 0950  or higher

Proficiency can be demonstrated with placement test scores OR course completion. For details related to placement testing and to schedule a placement test go to https://www.southeast.edu/nextgenerationaccuplacer/.

2. Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited Surgical Technology program.  
   • If Surgical Technology program was completed at another college/university, submit official transcripts to SCC Registration Office.
3. Complete an SCC Application for the program during the application period.

Application Period

This program admits new students every Spring and Fall semester. 

Fall Semester: Open February 1^st to February 28^th OR until program is full.
Spring Semester: Open September 1^st to September 30^th OR until program is full.

The online application for the program will remain open until the end of the application period OR until the program spots are filled.

Notification of acceptance

Fall Semester: After April 1^st
​Spring Semester: After November 1^st

Complete Program Specific Requirements and submit to Program Chair (agoracke@southeast.edu)

• Complete Clinical Site Support Letter as noted on the program’s website
• Proof of current National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification in Surgical Technology; highly encourage AST membership

Upon notification of acceptance, program students will have 15 days to submit the following requirements to the Health Sciences Division via email (healthsciences@southeast.edu) to be eligible to attend program orientation AND enroll in program courses.

Failure to submit the following requirements within 15 days of notification of acceptance will result in a student being unable to enroll in the program and their program spot will be given to an alternate. 

• It is highly recommended students complete the following requirements and documentation prior to notification of acceptance. Additional time will not be granted to complete them.

1. Copy of current American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR card.
2. Completed SCC Student Health Statement. Please note a number of immunizations take more than 15 days to obtain so beginning the health statement prior to acceptance is important. Additional time will not be granted to complete them.