CSTFA/SA route

[Rocketdog]

Exploring my options regarding a future in healthcare I see the option of becoming a Certified First Assistant via several routes.

I understand the educational and licensing requirements for the profession. My question is: Have any of you taken the route of becoming a first assist as a primary profession WITHOUT becoming a surgical technologist first?

Is it "better" meaning should you first take surgical technology training then apply to a first assistant school?

Any first assistants care to share their satisfaction of choosing this profession?

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[alnijo]

I am currently a Surgical Technology student and will be graduating with my A.A.S. and taking the CST this year in August. I am also working on my B.S. and will have that Spring 2015. I have thought about applying to a 12 mo. First Assist program at the Mayo Clinic and then doing Eastern Virginia Medical School's Bridge to a Masters of Surgical Assisting Program which is an addition 12 mo. but have recently changed my mind into pursuing a Masters of Physician Assistant instead. Most of the people whom I've spoken with that have a career path to a First Assist in mind have been/are CST or RN. Though the school at the Mayo Clinic just asks that you have your Bachelors in almost any science field, and it is not necessary to be a CST or RN.

For me, I had to think of myself in 15 years. Not the young, active and energetic individual I am now. We all age, right? I know my future self will appreciate my decision to go for PA-C. More options, not just surgery. Why not Physician Assistant? The PA-C I have been shadowing in ortho does the exact same as any FA would do in surgery, though he does have additional responsibilities outside the OR. From my experience in clinical thus far in surgery (6mo.), I have found that PAs are more marketable and more desired upon from the viewpoint of multiple Surgeons. At the hospital I had clinical last semester, they didn't even recognize First Assistants. That was eye opening and made me reconsider and I'm glad I did. 🙂

Just do your own research! Gather the facts, shadow, ask a thousand questions, follow your heart.

Mayo Website: http://www.mayo.edu/mshs/careers/surgical-first-assistant/surgical-first-assistant-minnesota
EVMS Website: https://www.evms.edu/education/masters_programs/surgical_assistant_program/bridge_program/