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Best surgical first assistant certifications
Surgical first assistant certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an surgical first assistant to employers. However, not all surgical first assistant certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a surgical first assistant are Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified Surgical Assistant, and Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Below is a list of the best surgical first assistant certifications. Obtaining an surgical first assistant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for surgical first assistants
| Rank | Surgical first assistant certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) | NBSTSA |
| 2 | Certified Surgical Assistant | ABSA |
| 3 | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) | NBSTSA |
| 4 | Physician Assistant - Certified (PA-C) | NCCPA |
| 5 | Medical Assistant | ASPT |
| 6 | Certification in General Surgery | AOBS |
6 best surgical first assistant certifications
1. Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
The choice to become certified demonstrates pride in the profession and a desire to be recognized for mastery of skills unique to surgical technology, as well as an on-going commitment to quality patient care.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
2. Certified Surgical Assistant
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
The choice to become certified demonstrates pride in the profession and a desire to be recognized for mastery of skills unique to surgical technology, as well as an on-going commitment to quality patient care.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
4. Physician Assistant - Certified (PA-C)
A PA is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional. PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers. They practice and prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and the uniformed services.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 6 year(s)
5. Medical Assistant
The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
6. Certification in General Surgery
The ABS considers certification in surgery to be based upon a process of education, evaluation and examination. The ABS holds undergraduate and graduate education to be of the utmost importance and requires the attestation of the residency program director that an applicant has completed an appropriate educational experience and attained a sufficiently high level of knowledge, clinical judgment and technical skills, as well as ethical standing, to be admitted to the certification process. Individuals who believe they meet the ABS' educational, professional and ethical requirements may begin the certification process by applying for admission to the Qualifying Examination (QE). The application is reviewed and, if approved, the applicant is granted admission to the examination. Upon successful completion of the QE, the applicant is considered a candidate for certification and granted the opportunity to take the Certifying Examination (CE). If the candidate is also successful at this examination, the candidate is deemed certified in surgery and becomes a diplomate of the ABS.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 10 year(s)
What is the best certification for a surgical first assistant?
The best surgical first assistant certification is Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) is awarded by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this surgical first assistant certification:
- To become a certified Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 4 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for surgical first assistants?
The most in-demand surgical first assistant certification is Certified Surgical First Assistant based on all active job postings. Having this surgical first assistant certification will give you access to more surgical first assistant jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a surgical first assistant career and salary?
The Physician Assistant - Certified certification will help you to secure a physician assistant position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A physician assistant's average salary is $126,450 whereas surgical first assistants make an average salary of $61,480.
The most common combination of surgical first assistant certifications include: Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified Surgical Assistant, and Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Online courses for surgical first assistants to earn certifications
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