Surgical Assistant

Your Fit

Income

$46K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

5.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Surgical Assistant?

A Surgical Assistant, also known as a First Assistant, works closely with surgeons to facilitate the efficient and safe completion of surgical procedures. They provide direct assistance during operations, performing tasks under the surgeon's supervision to ensure a smooth surgical experience.

Sample job titles:

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA), Surgical First Assistant, Surgical Technician (Surgical Tech)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Surgical Assistant.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Surgical Assistant earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Surgical Assistant.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$39K per year	$46K per year	$52K per year	$58K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $19K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Surgical Assistant do?

Work environment

Surgical Assistants work primarily in operating rooms within hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, or specialized clinics. The environment is highly sterile, fast-paced, and requires adherence to strict surgical and safety protocols. They often work in standing positions for extended periods and may be required to be on call.

Quick task list

Assists in surgical operations under the direct supervision of surgeons.
Prepares the operating room with necessary equipment and instruments.
Ensures sterile techniques are adhered to during procedures.
Provides retraction, suturing, and tissue handling during surgery.
Assists in patient preparation and post-operative care.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Orthopedic Surgery Assistant: Assisting in surgeries related to the musculoskeletal system.
Cardiothoracic Surgical Assistant: Specializing in heart and lung surgeries.
Neurosurgical Assistant: Focusing on surgeries of the brain and nervous system.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Assistant: Assisting in cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures.
General Surgery Assistant: Providing assistance across a broad range of general surgical procedures.

Description

Surgical Assistants play a critical role in the success of surgical procedures. They must have a thorough understanding of surgical techniques, anatomy, and the specific requirements of various surgeries. Their primary role is to assist the surgeon directly during the operation, which may include handling instruments, cutting sutures, and providing exposure to the surgical site.

The position requires excellent communication skills, as Surgical Assistants must collaborate effectively with the entire surgical team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. They need to be able to anticipate the surgeon's needs and respond quickly to changes during the procedure.

Surgical Assisting is a physically demanding job that requires mental alertness and the ability to perform under pressure. Assistants must be detail-oriented, with a focus on patient safety and adherence to sterile procedures. The role offers a unique blend of technical skill and patient interaction, making it a rewarding career for those interested in hands-on surgical care.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a vital role in life-saving surgical procedures.
Working in a dynamic, high-tech medical environment.
Collaborating closely with surgeons and other healthcare professionals.

You might make a good Surgical Assistant if you are...

Fascinated by the intricacies of human anatomy and surgical procedures.
Able to remain calm and efficient under pressure.
Detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to patient care and safety.
Skilled in communication and teamwork.
Interested in a hands-on, active role in the medical field.

Pros:

High level of involvement in critical medical procedures.
Opportunities for specialization in various surgical fields.
A challenging and rewarding career with a direct impact on patient outcomes.

Cons:

Physically demanding with long hours, often requiring standing for extended periods.
The stress associated with high-stakes surgical environments.
Required to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and being on call.

How to become a Surgical Assistant

Typical education

Typically, Surgical Assistants need a combination of postsecondary education and clinical training. This usually includes a 2-year Associate's degree in Surgical Technology or a related field, followed by a specialized surgical assistant program, amounting to about 4 years of education. Some roles require a Bachelor's degree or higher.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry for foundational medical knowledge.
Health Sciences to gain an introduction to healthcare.
Anatomy and Physiology for an understanding of the human body.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at hospitals or health clinics.
Joining health science or medical clubs at school.
Engaging in activities that require manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Preparation after high school

Complete an accredited program in Surgical Technology or a related field.
Pursue additional training or certification specific to Surgical Assisting.
Gain clinical experience through internships or entry-level positions in medical settings.

More resources

Association of Surgical Assistants (ASA) - Provides resources and certification information for Surgical Assistants.
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) - Offers certification exams and resources for surgical technologists and assistants.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) - Lists accredited programs in surgical technology and assisting.
American College of Surgeons (ACS) - Offers educational resources and guidelines for surgical professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.