What is a certified surgical technician/first assistant and how to become one

Key steps to become a certified surgical technician/first assistant

1. Explore certified surgical technician/first assistant education requirements

   Most common certified surgical technician/first assistant degrees

   Associate

   60.0 %

   Bachelor's

   30.0 %

   High School Diploma

   10.0 %

2. Start to develop specific certified surgical technician/first assistant skills

   Skills	Percentages
   Surgical Procedures	35.11%
   Vital Signs	34.09%
   Patient Education	30.79%

3. Complete relevant certified surgical technician/first assistant training and internships

   Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New certified surgical technician/first assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a certified surgical technician/first assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real certified surgical technician/first assistant resumes.

4. Research certified surgical technician/first assistant duties and responsibilities

   • Manage sterilization of field during surgical procedures, ensuring cleanliness and sanitation meet organization protocol.
   • Set up, pass instruments, hold retractors, and assist the surgeon; circulate duties as necessary for all procedures.
   • Assist surgeries requiring retractors, scope/camera, and general assistance.
   • Establish good rapport with patients and providing an emotionally supportive environment to promote patient trust for optimal level of independent functioning.

5. Prepare your certified surgical technician/first assistant resume

   When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your certified surgical technician/first assistant resume.

   You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a certified surgical technician/first assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

   Choose from 10+ customizable certified surgical technician/first assistant resume templates

   Build a professional certified surgical technician/first assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your certified surgical technician/first assistant resume.
   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

6. Apply for certified surgical technician/first assistant jobs

   Now it's time to start searching for a certified surgical technician/first assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

   1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
   2. Consult your professional network
   3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
   4. Watch out for job scams