Surgical First Assistant (SFA)

SFA 107 Intro to Principles of Perioperative Practice
(5 Credits, Fall)

This course is designed for licensed healthcare practitioners with no previous surgical experience who wish to enter into the Surgical First Assistant program. The focus of this course will be on technologic sciences, patient care concepts, and the practice of asepsis as it relates to the operating room. Students wishing to register for this course must request permission from the instructor and confirm that they are currently licensed as a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. (Cross-listed with: SURG 107) PREREQ: PERM/INST. (5 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 5 credits)

SFA 205 Principles of Surgical Assisting
(6 Credits, Spring)

This course will study the role of the surgical assistant in robotics, special equipment, and the management of acute trauma. Interpersonal, legal, and ethical aspects of surgical patient care, recognition of surgical complications, and appropriate actions are explored. Students will also be introduced to the perioperative management of the surgical patient. In-person lab competencies include surgical positioning, demonstration of incision types, step-by-step elements of surgical procedures in a variety of specialty areas, wound closure, hemostasis, drains, catheter insertion, tourniquet application, dressing and casting application, knot tying, and advanced suturing for a variety of injuries, surgeries, and incisions. PREREQ: Admission to the Surgical First Assistant program. COREQ: SFA 215. (6 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 6 credits)

SFA 215 Surgical Bioscience
(6 Credits, Spring)

This course is designed to promote an understanding of microbial physiology, which precedes the understanding of disease transmission and/or prevention, including standard precautions and infection control. Topics include a pharmacology section designed to promote an understanding of the effects of pre, post, and operative drugs as well as an anesthesia section designed to promote an understanding of general principles, techniques, and drugs used by anesthesia and their effects on the patient. Also includes an introduction to diagnostic testing, such as radiology, lab values, and cardiography. Wound healing, All Hazards emergency protocols, trauma, nutrition for the surgical patient, fluid and electrolyte balance, and techniques in maintaining homeostasis will be reviewed. PREREQ: Admission to the Surgical First Assistant program. COREQ: SFA 205. (6 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 6 credits)

SFA 225 Advanced Surgical Anatomy
(4 Credits, Summer)

This course is designed to provide comprehensive information about the regional study of anatomy in relation to surgery and the role of the surgical first assistant. Topics include the relationship between anatomy and surgery, and relevant physiology, histology, pathology, and pathophysiology. PREREQ: SFA 205 and SFA 215 with a grade of C or higher. COREQ: SFA 240. (4 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 4 credits)

SFA 235 Advanced Surgical Procedures
(4 Credits, Fall)

This course applies knowledge of anatomy and physiology as it relates to surgical specialties, focusing on the role of the surgical assistant during surgical procedures. Specialties include general surgery, OB/GYN, genitourinary, ophthalmic, ENT, orthopedic, plastic and reconstructive, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic, peripheral vascular, and organ procurement. PREREQ: SFA 225 and SFA 240 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent. COREQ: SFA 241. (4 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 4 credits)

SFA 240 Clinical Practicum I
(4 Credits, Summer)

Introduction to the clinical practice of surgical skills and techniques for Surgical First Assistants by individual assignment to qualified preceptor surgeons. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 20-40 of the required 140 surgical procedures during this course. (Pass/No Pass) PREREQ: SFA 205 and SFA 215 with a grade of C or higher. COREQ: SFA 225. (0 lecture hours, 12 lab hours, 4 credits)

SFA 241 Clinical Practicum II
(4 Credits, Fall)

Continuation of clinical practice of surgical skills and techniques for Surgical First Assistants by individual assignment to a qualified preceptor surgeon/s who will provide direct supervision during the completion of 140 documented surgical procedures. Students are expected to complete 100-120 cases (to total 140 when combined with the cases completed in SFA 240) in a minimum of three specialty areas, including general surgery. (Pass/No Pass) PREREQ: SFA 225 and SFA 240 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent. COREQ: SFA 235. (0 lecture hours, 12 lab hours, 4 credits)