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Surgical First Assistant

Advanced Surgical Training to Enhance Your Expertise and Career

Program Overview

Are you a Surgical Technologist looking to advance your career and play a more vital role in surgical procedures? The Surgical First Assistant program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is tailored for professionals like you. This program offers an opportunity to enhance your existing skills and learn new ones necessary to assist surgeons more effectively during operations. Focusing on patient safety and surgical efficiency, you will deepen your understanding of surgical procedures, instrumentation, and patient care, becoming an indispensable part of the surgical team.

This program blends comprehensive theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical experiences. You will be mentored by seasoned healthcare professionals and engage in real-world surgical settings, preparing you to confidently support surgeons and healthcare staff and contribute to successful patient outcomes.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Specialized Certificate

Cost

$4,337 – 9,590

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Ada County Center

Close up of gloved hands and tools during a surgery

Learning Opportunities

Surgical Skills: Develop the technical skills needed to assist in a variety of surgical procedures.
Clinical Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience in clinical settings, applying your knowledge in the operating room.
Instrumentation Expertise: Learn about surgical instruments and their proper use during procedures.
Patient Care Focus: Understand the importance of patient care before, during, and after surgery.
Professional Readiness: Prepare for a challenging and rewarding career as a Surgical First Assistant.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Surgical First Assistant - Associate of Arts Degree

YEARS

Degree Requirements

Cost: $9,590

Surgical First Assistant – Specialized Certificate

YEAR

Certificate Requirements

Cost: $4,337

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Surgical First Assistant in an operating room

Career Opportunities

Postsecondary Teachers
1434
Annual Openings*
^$35.69
Hourly Median Wage*
^$74,235
Annual Median Salary
45.6^%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Surgical Technologists
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
50
Annual Openings*
^$28.28
Hourly Median Wage*
^$58,822
Annual Median Salary
5.21^%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*

*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

Admissions

Admission into the Surgical First Assistant program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process.

STEP 1

Review the Surgical First Assistant Application Steps to which includes details on:
- qualifications
- admission to CWI
- verifying certifications and employment
- professional references
- unofficial transcripts
- applying to the program
- next steps

STEP 2

Complete each step of the application process as indicated.

Step 3

Submit the program application and necessary documentation by the deadline.

Spring 2026 Application Period

Sept. 1 – Dec. 5, 2025

Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

Program Accreditation

The Surgical First Assistant Specialized Certificate at CWI is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education and Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

9355 - 113th St. N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727.210.2350

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Cost & Aid

As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.

Enrichment Opportunities

Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.

Surgical First Assistant

Requirements for professional licensure in healthcare and other fields vary from state to state. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state or territory you intend to work to verify this program meets licensure requirements.

Advising

Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.

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News

Student Success

Surgical First Assistants work in a hospital setting

Inaugural Surgical First Assistant Cohort Prepares to Graduate CWI

CWI’s first cohort of Surgical First Assistant students are preparing to graduate this winter. Get an inside look at our first cohort as they prepare for graduation and the Certified Surgical...