Surgical Assistant
A surgical assistant is a specially trained professional that provides aid to surgeons before, during, and after operative procedures. Before surgery, this assistant helps to set up the operating room, makes sure equipment is working properly, and prepares the patient for the procedure. During surgery, surgical assistants hand tools, instruments, and sponges to the surgeon, and monitors the patient’s condition and vitals. Following surgery, he or she checks on the patient, answers any questions, and updates the surgeon regarding patient status.
In order to become a surgical assistant an accredited surgical program must be completed and certification must be held. An Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in a health related field is also required, as is a minimum of three years of on the job training.
Other required skills include: operating room experience, computer skills, microbiology training, pharmacology knowledge, anatomy training, and a firm understanding of medical terminology. The desire to help others, a good bedside manner, the ability to self-motivate, the ability to multi-task, the ability to stand for long periods of time, proper hand-eye coordination, and the ability to make split second decisions are also preferred qualities.
Surgical assistants are typically paid by the hour and earn an average of between $17.00 and $24.00 per hour.
