A clinically competent Certified Surgical Technologist who has achieved the level of Certified First Assistant by successfully completing and passing the National First Assistant certifying exam.

Certified Surgical Technologists, or CSTs, and Certified First Assistants, or CFAs, both assist surgeons and other medical professionals during surgical procedures. Their duties may include sterilizing instruments, handing over the needed instruments during the procedure, moving patients or dressing wounds. The training for CSTs and CFAs is similar, as both must complete a formal education program, such as a diploma or degree, to become certified.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

1. Demonstrates knowledge of anatomy and physiology relating to surgical procedures
2. Functions as a First Assistant by providing exposure through correct use of instruments, retractors, suction, and sponging techniques as directed by the surgeon
3. Serves as a resource to peers, colleagues, and others in relation to first assist activities
4. Maintains regulatory, credentialing and privileging requirements necessary for practice as a first assist
5. Certified Surgical Technologist First Assist provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (Minimum Requirements)

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program.
• Certified as a First Assistant with a nationally recognized organization that is accepted in the state of Indiana.
• CPR certification.
• Training and experience related to assisting surgical cases.

• For new hires - one year minimum Certified Surgical Technologist Completion of Certification as Surgical First Assist.
• For new hires - One year robotic experience.
• Current Certified Surgical Technologist with completion of a CAAHEP accredited first
  assist program.
• Completion of CAAHEP accredited first assist program and/or evidence of preceptorship of 140 operative cases as surgical first assist and/or evidence of previous experience in the role of a Certified First Assist.
• CST and CSFA certification(s) provisioned through the NBSTSA required.
• CT CPRBLS = Basic Life Support AHA; CT ORT = Certified Surgical Technologist Nat'l; CT CSFA = Certification - Surgical First Assist Nat'l.

Preferred Qualifications:

• For new hires - 5 years Certified Surgical Technologist.
• Completion of Certification as Surgical First Assist.

Education – The Association of Surgical Technologists website states that the preferred degree for CSTs is a least an associate degree, which takes two years to complete. However, a diploma or certificate program is all that is needed to take the certifying exam. Students must earn a diploma, certificate or degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, or CAAHEP.

The Association of Surgical Technologists website states that CFAs must graduate from a training program accredited by the CAAHEP to be eligible to take the certifying exam. Programs can lead to a diploma, certificate or degree and range from one to two years in length. Much of the coursework is similar to programs for CSTs. Other classes may include wound closure techniques, principles of first assisting and anesthesia methods and agents.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Vocational or Technical Degree: Surgical Assistant

• Completion of an accredited Surgical Assistant Program

• Surgical Technologist: 1 year (Required)
• Certified Surgical Technologist (Required)
• Certification and Licensures - Passing of the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Exam

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
Meets the Standards of Behavior as outlined in Personnel Policy and Procedure #1, Employee Relations Code.

CONFIDENTIALITY/HIPAA/CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
Demonstrates knowledge of procedures for protecting and maintaining security, confidentiality and integrity of employee, patient, family, organizational and other medical information. Understands and supports the commitment of Methodist Hospitals in adhering to federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing ethical business practices for healthcare providers.

DISCLAIMER - The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.