If your career goal is to become a surgical assistant, you will need specialized training to get the necessary certification to work in this demanding field. This is not a job for someone who doesn't work well under pressure. The demands of the job of a surgical assistant require someone who can stay calm in stressful situations, since anything can happen during a surgical procedure. Having a strong stomach is also a requirement for working in an operating room.
The surgical assistant is responsible for getting the operating room ready before the procedure and ensuring that all the instruments are sterile and at hand. During the surgical procedure, the surgical assistant passes instruments to the surgeon. This type of medical career also involves placing drapes over the patient and exposing the area to be operated on. The surgical assistant also places retractors to the area as directed by the surgeon. Applying sutures to finish the surgical procedure is also part of this hospital job.
If you want to become a surgical assistant, one option is to complete an undergraduate degree before moving on to taking a specialized training course. Getting a degree in nursing or science are good choices to prepare you for this step. You can also prepare for a career as a surgical assistant by completing the requirements for an associate's degree in a medical field of study and getting at least three years of practical experience. Prospective students who have military medical training can also apply for admission to a program to become a surgical assistant.
The specialized training to work in this field is offered by private schools, colleges and universities. Program lengths vary from several months to two years, depending on the institution you choose. Students are enrolled in classes in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and bioscience. Classes focusing on complications during surgery, professional ethics, and legal considerations also form part of the curriculum. You will also be taking computer classes, and well as courses teaching interpersonal skills.
The program to become a surgical assistant will also include a portion that focuses on clinical practice. During this portion of the training, you will be involved in hands-on training for various surgical procedures, including plastic surgery, orthopedics, and obstetrics/gynecology. Once you have completed the training program, the final step in the process to become a surgical assistant is to get a passing grade on a multiple-choice certification exam.
