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...
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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
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
1 – 2 years
Primary Location
Applications Open
The Spring 2025 program application deadline for Surgical First Assistant is Friday, Dec. 13.
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
Degree Requirements
Cost: $9,590
Surgical First Assistant – Specialized Certificate
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $4,337
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 2025 Application Deadline
- Friday, Dec. 13
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.
Related Programs
News
Applications are now being accepted for College of Western Idaho’s Health Science programs.
Read more about Health Programs Application Deadlines
Applications for the inaugural Surgical First Assistant class at College of Western Idaho are now open!
Read more about Applications for CWI’s Surgical First Assistant Now OpenRequest More Information
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