APPLICATION TO THE SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
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Students who submit their completed application by December 10, 2015, will receive first consideration.
Mail this form and the supporting documentation required for this application to:
Rebecca Hall
Coordinator, Surgical First Assistant Program
Delta College
1961 Delta Road
University Center, MI 48710
rebeccahall@delta.edu
989-686-9505
SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
This program offers an advanced level course of study for experienced and credentialed operating room
professionals. The non-physician Surgical First Assistant (SFA) provides aid in exposure, hemostasis and
other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the
patients. These activities will be performed only as delegated tasks under the direct and immediate
supervision of the responsible surgeon. For more detailed information and application process, see
http://www.delta.edu/health/surgical-technology.aspx
Surgical First Assistant
A Post Associate Certificate
The role varies with the surgical operation, specialty area, and type of facility. Clinical skills are performed
under the direct supervision of the surgeon. Through a combination of lecture, laboratory, and clinical
practice, this three-semester program is designed to enable students to develop the knowledge and skills
required to perform as a surgical first assistant. Upon granting of accreditation to the program, graduates
will be able to sit for the certifying examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology
and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to obtain the title of Certified First Assistant (CSFA®).
The surgical first assistant program will be a blended program of on campus and on line courses designed
for the full time working certified surgical technologist. The first semester will be on campus and the
second semester will be entirely on line. The third semester will consist of the ST completing their clinical
case requirements. This may be at the facility the student is currently employed or a site obtained by the
program.
The program will utilize the surgical technology classroom and lab that consists of two operating rooms, a
central core, a clean supply and sterile processing area. The anatomy course will have access to a 3D
anatomy table in lieu of using human cadavers. The student may also be required to attend class at a local
hospital to complete required competencies.
Admission Requirements:
 Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited Surgical Technology Program, Nursing, or
Physician Assistant Program, or a
 Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Nurse-Operating Room (CNOR) or Physician AssistantCertified (PA-C) with certification currency
 Proof of liability insurance covering first assistant activities. Policy on an occurrence basis with
limits of $1,000,000 per incident, and $3,000,000 in the annual aggregate.
 Current CPR/BLS certification
 Health and immunization records
 Computer literacy
 Two years full time experience or 4500 clinical hours in the last three years
 Two letters of recommendations (one from a surgeon and one from an immediate supervisor)
 Proof of negative TB skin test and/or chest X-ray and physical examination confirming you are free
from communicative disease and capable of performing the duties necessary for the direct care of
the patient
 Medical insurance is strongly recommended. You are responsible for paying the coast of any
medical expenses due to injury, needle stick or illness during your clinical externship. The College
does not provide coverage for such situations.
 Preferably an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science (or equivalent)
Students must show proof of completion of college level basic science instruction below by submitting their
college transcript along with their application. Official college transcripts should be received at Delta
College by December 18, 2015.
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Microbiology
Pharmacology
Anatomy and Physiology
Medical Terminology
Eligible students must have two years full time operating room (current) experience or 4500 hours of
clinical experience in the last three years before they will be eligible to begin the program along with the
recommendation of their immediate supervisor.
Upon accreditation of the program, students who successfully complete the program will receive a Surgical
First Assisting Post Associate Certificate and will be qualified to sit for the national certification (CSFA®)
through the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Requirements for Surgical First Assisting Post Associate Students
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Students must possess certification as a Healthcare Provider.
Students must provide verification of Hepatitis B inoculation or refusal thereof.
Students are required to carry liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 (can be obtained through AST)
Students are encouraged to carry an active health-hospitalization insurance policy.
Students must supply own transportation to clinical sites.
Students are responsible for obtaining their preceptor
Standards for Progression and Graduation
1. A minimum of 12 students must be admitted to start a cohort each winter semester (with a maximum
capacity of 18).
2. Surgical First Assistant students must achieve a minimum grade of C in each course in the Surgical
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First Assistant curriculum as a prerequisite for continuance in the program. Failure to meet this
requirement will result in withdrawal of the student from the program.
Clinical experience is evaluated by the physician preceptor as “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory”
performance based upon criteria established by the program. If an unsatisfactory is received, the
student has one more opportunity to repeat that specialty with another physician. If the second
unsatisfactory is received, a failing grade is given for that course.
Students who receive a failing grade in the coursework will be eligible to reapply one time for
readmission to the Surgical First Assistant Program and must repeat the failed course successfully.
An application for readmission to the program following withdrawal will be evaluated on an
individual basis by the program coordinator.
Students may only be readmitted to the program one time. If unsuccessful in the second attempt,
students cannot be readmitted to the program. Refer to the re-entry policy for all Health Science
Courses.
The student must act in the role of Surgical First Assistant on a minimum of 140 operative procedures
in the required specialties as mandated by accreditation standards.