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Become a CSFA

Core Curriculum

If you are an educator considering the development of a program in surgical assisting, download the ASA Core Curriculum for Surgical Assisting, 4th Edition. For questions related to surgical assisting education, contact ASA, and we will connect you with the chair of our Education Committee for further guidance.

Prospective Students

ASA recommends that surgical technologists interested in advancing to the role of surgical first assistant first complete an associate degree in surgical technology and obtain certification before enrolling in a CAAHEP-accredited surgical assisting program.

Surgical assisting programs may be offered as either associate degree or certificate options and typically range from 12 to 24 months in length. During your training, you’ll study advanced surgical concepts through courses such as surgical pharmacology, advanced pathology, bioscience, and anesthesia methods and agents. You’ll also complete a clinical rotation that includes 140 documented procedures under the supervision of a qualified preceptor, providing hands-on experience across a variety of surgical specialties.

Accredited Surgical Assisting Programs

While there are currently 14 surgical assisting programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), other programs are in process. The most updated lists of accredited programs in surgical technology and surgical assisting are available on the CAAHEP website.

Some of the programs above are available in an online format.

Certification as a Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)

Graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited surgical first assisting program qualifies you to sit for the Surgical First Assistant Certification exam. Once certified, you’ll be required to complete continuing education to maintain your credential, and some states may also require registration or licensure to practice. The Association of Surgical Assistants (ASA) further encourages you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field. While a bachelor’s degree is not currently required by most employers or legislators, it may become a standard expectation in the future.