CSFA Certification 2025
Surgical first assistants are medical professionals who work in the operating room. They anticipate the surgeon’s needs and assist with a variety of tasks during an operation. They must have good communication skills and be able to work under pressure.
Surgical First Assistant programs are offered at many community colleges and vocational schools. Typical program requirements include an associate degree or higher in surgical technology or a related field and at least three years of full-time scrub and/or assisting experience.
FREE Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test Online
CSFA Salary
Surgical first assistants work closely with surgeons and other medical professionals in high-pressure environments. They get to witness the immediate results of their work and its positive effects on patients’ lives, making this an extremely satisfying career choice. It also offers the opportunity for continuous growth and advancement, including opportunities to specialize in a particular surgical field or technique.
As a surgical first assistant, you are responsible for a variety of tasks in the operating room. These include preparing the surgical space, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring that all instruments are ready for surgery. You also assist the surgeon during procedures by holding retractors, suturing wounds, and controlling bleeding. A strong understanding of anatomy and surgical procedures is essential for this role.
To become a Certified Surgical First Assistant, you must have completed an approved training program and met all other qualifications. Most programs last between 12 and 24 months. You can use your previous healthcare experience, such as working as a certified surgical technologist or in the military, to waive some of the educational requirements.
CSFA Jobs
Surgical first assistants work closely with surgeons and other medical professionals in high-pressure environments. They get to witness the immediate results of their work and its positive effects on patients’ lives, making this an extremely satisfying career choice. It also offers the opportunity for continuous growth and advancement, including opportunities to specialize in a particular surgical field or technique.
As a surgical first assistant, you are responsible for a variety of tasks in the operating room. These include preparing the surgical space, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring that all instruments are ready for surgery. You also assist the surgeon during procedures by holding retractors, suturing wounds, and controlling bleeding. A strong understanding of anatomy and surgical procedures is essential for this role.
To become a Certified Surgical First Assistant, you must have completed an approved training program and met all other qualifications. Most programs last between 12 and 24 months. You can use your previous healthcare experience, such as working as a certified surgical technologist or in the military, to waive some of the educational requirements.
CSFA Exam Prep
Surgical first assistants work under the direct supervision of surgeons to assist with the effective and safe conduct of intrusive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. They have a thorough understanding of surgical procedures and human anatomy, as well as proficiency in the theory and application of aseptic and sterile techniques.
Those interested in becoming certified surgical first assistants must first complete a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited Surgical Assistant program. They must also pass the national certification exam administered by the NBSTSA to earn their CST or CSFA credentials.
A Surgical First Assistant works closely with the lead surgeon to prepare operating rooms for surgery, anticipate the surgeon’s needs during the procedure, and provide hands-on assistance as needed. This includes setting up equipment, selecting tools, and sterilizing supplies. They may also record patient data and monitor patients during and after surgery.
To become a Surgical First Assistant, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field or an associate’s degree from a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Assistant program. You should also have some related experience working as a nurse, emergency medical technician, or military medic.
CSFA Programs
Surgical first assistants work closely with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered care. They have to be able to handle high-pressure situations and perform a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment. They must also have good communication skills and be able to understand patients’ needs.
There are a number of ways to become a surgical first assistant, including graduating from a certified program and earning an associate degree. Those who want to pursue a more advanced career can choose to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.
Surgical first assistants are highly sought after in the medical industry. They play an important role in operating room efficiency and physician satisfaction, as well as improving patient outcomes. Interested individuals should enroll in a surgical assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. This will ensure they are eligible to sit for the national CSFA exam after graduation. Some states require licensure for surgical assistants, so candidates should check their state’s requirements before enrolling in a program.
CSFA Schools
Surgical first assistants work in the operating room, providing support to surgeons during operations. These individuals must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure. They must also be able to work with other members of the surgical team and understand the patient’s situation.
Typically, surgical first assistant programs are offered at community colleges and universities. They may be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Some states require registration, certification, or licensure for those who work as surgical first assistants.
The best surgical first assistant schools offer a comprehensive education that includes distance learning, hands-on training, and clinical experience. They provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to pass the Certified Surgical First Assistant exam. They also teach students how to perform preoperative and postoperative functions, including preparing the operating room and restraining patients. These programs also include instruction in basic and advanced surgical skills, such as tissue handling, instrumentation, and hemostasis. Some programs allow students to choose a specialization in an area such as cardiovascular surgery, general surgery, or plastic surgery.
CSFA Exam
Surgical first assistants work in various areas of healthcare, such as hospitals, surgery centers, and private surgical medical practices. They often log long hours and weeks and may be called in to assist with emergency surgeries. They should have excellent decision-making skills to respond quickly to a surgeon’s orders. They also need to have good organizational skills to keep track of the tools they use. They must have the physical stamina to stand during lengthy operations.
Many surgical first assistants have either a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree in a health science field. Earning a higher degree can lead to more job opportunities, but it’s important to spend time working in a related medical field to gain experience and knowledge. It’s also helpful to get certified in a specific surgical specialty, such as cardiovascular or general surgery, to increase your career options. Surgical first assistants are responsible for providing intraoperative aid in exposure, hemostasis, and closure. They must also provide preoperative skills such as verifying patient identification, preparing and draping for the procedure, ensuring test results are available for the surgeon, reviewing risk factors, and recording patient history and physical.
CSFA Exam Questions
The CSFA exam has 175 questions, of which 150 are scored. Almost half of these questions relate to intraoperative procedures, which include the surgical first assistant’s role in preserving a sterile environment, preparing the operative site, and assisting the surgeon during an operation. Other subjects covered include equipment sterilization and maintenance, surgical anatomy, medical terminology, and pharmacology. The CSFA exam is administered at approved testing centers throughout the United States.
Applicants are encouraged to review the candidate handbook, Examination Content Area Outline, recommended reference list, and sample questions before taking the CSFA. The candidate handbook is available for download on the NBSTSA website. The CSFA exam is offered year-round, but it’s important to plan ahead. Test centers fill up quickly and Saturday appointments are especially popular.
The CSFA exam is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The organization does not create, endorse or recommend any particular study guides, review courses, educational programs, or training materials for the certification examination. Investing in quality prep will make the difference between passing and failing.
CSFA Exam Study Guide
Surgical first assistants work as the surgeon’s second pair of hands and eyes in operating rooms. Their goal is to help ensure optimal surgical outcomes for patients. They must be meticulous, level-headed, and comfortable working in fast-paced environments. They also need to be able to communicate well with members of the surgical team.
Those interested in becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) can pursue specialized training at a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs-accredited surgical assisting school. These programs last between 12 and 24 months and prepare students for national certification exams administered by the NBSTSA or NCCSA.
The CSFA exam is designed to assess a student’s ability to perform intraoperative surgical functions such as exposure, hemostasis, and closure under the direction of a surgeon. The CSFA Examination Review Committee, in collaboration with Applied Measurement Professionals, oversees the development and management of the national certifying examination for Surgical First Assistants. This committee is responsible for ensuring the quality and continuity of exam content as well as reviewing statistical data on question performance.