What does a surgical assistant do?

Physicians and other primary care providers often depend upon a variety of trained technologists, aides and assistants. A description of a surgical assistant follows:

Surgical assistants aid the surgeon in performing surgical procedures, positioning patients for surgery, draping and preparing the operative site, and retracting and exposing the operative field during the procedure. The surgical assistant secures the best possible exposure of the anatomy incident to the operative procedure. The skilled surgical assistant anticipates the moves and needs of the surgeon.

What might a surgical assistant do in a workday?

• confirm procedures with surgeons.
• determine specific equipment needed per procedure.
• review permit to confirm procedure and special needs.
• clamp and cut tissue per surgeon’s directive.
• maintain integrity of sterile field.
• perform any other duties or procedures incident to the surgical procedure deemed necessary and as directed by the surgeon.

Developing a Career as a Surgical Assistant:

The surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. During the operation, the surgical assistant works under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. Certified surgical assistants assist in a variety of surgical specialties.

How much does a surgical assistant make?

• $50,000 - $75,000

How do I become a surgical assistant?

It is preferred that those interested in becoming a certified surgical assistant complete baccalaureate education in the area of biology, chemistry, nursing, exercise science or allied health. Prior operating experience is not required as an entry requirement to the surgical assisting program.

Where else can I learn about becoming a surgical assistant?

National Surgical Assistant Association
2615 Amesbury Road / Winston-Salem, NC 27103
tel:  (336) 768-4443 or (888) 633-0479 / web:  www.nsaa.net

Virginia Association of Surgical Assistants
700 West Olney Road / Norfolk, VA 23507-1607
tel:  (757) 446-6100

American Board of Surgical Assistants
26221 E. Kettle Circle / Aurora, CO 80016-2020
tel:  (303) 617-8345 or (877) 617-8345 / web:  www.absa.net

American College of Surgeons
633 North Saint Clair Street / Chicago, IL 60611-3211
tel:  (800) 621-4111 / web:  www.facs.org

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Surgical Assistants:

• Eastern Virginia Medical School

What does a medical assistant do?

Medical assistants aide physicians with patient care and office administration.

What might a medical assistant do in a workday?

• recording patients’ vital signs and measurements.
• scheduling appointments.
• coordinating records with insurers, hospitals, and labs.
• performing general secretarial and bookkeeping tasks.
• preparing treatment rooms for exams.
• helping operate some medical equipment.
• giving non-intravenous injections and performing venipuncture.
• performing basic laboratory procedures, such as urinalysis and pregnancy tests.
• performing electrocardiography, first aid, and CPR.

How much does a medical assistant earn?

• $17,000 - $25,000

How do I become a medical assistant?

Students interested in becoming a medical assistant should take challenging high school courses in science, math and English. They should also consider courses in secretarial skills, computer training, and bookkeeping. Most of these professions require certification, which includes completing educational requirements and passing an exam specific to the career.

Where else can I learn about becoming a medical assistant?

American Association of Medical Assistants
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1575 / Chicago, IL 60606
tel:  (312) 899-1500 / web:  www.aama-ntl.org

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Medical Assistants:

• Advanced Technology Center (ATC)
• Bryant & Stratton College
• Career Training Solutions
• Centura College
• Eastern Shore Community College
• Everest College
• Fortis College
• Medical Careers Institute
• The Medical Learning Center
• Miller-Motte Technical College
• Sanford Brown College
• Stratford University
• Tidewater Community College - Chesapeake Campus
• Tidewater Tech
• Virginia College
• Virginia Highlands Community College
• Skyline College

What does a surgical technologist do?

A surgical technologist (also called operating room technician) assists surgical teams before, during, and after surgery. Many have training and experience as nurses’ aides or licensed practical nurses.

What might a surgical technologist do in a workday?

• helping surgical teams scrub and put on gloves and masks.
• washing/shaving and preparing patients for surgery.
• sterilizing equipment and operating rooms.
• passing instruments to the surgical team.
• helping hold retractors and cutting sutures.
• operating equipment, such as lights and suction machine.
• taking inventory of tools used during surgery (e.g. sponges, needles).

How much does a surgical technologist earn?

• $22,000 - $30,000

How do I become a surgical technologist?

Students interested in surgical technologist careers should take challenging high school courses in science, math and English. Those interested in becoming medical assistants also should consider courses in secretarial skills, computer training, and bookkeeping. Most of these professions require certification, which includes completing educational requirements and passing an exam specific to the career.

Where else can I learn about becoming a surgical technologist?

Association of Surgical Technologists
6 W. Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200 / Littleton, CO 80120
tel:  (303) 694-9130 or (800) 637-7433 / web:  www.ast.org

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Surgical Technologists:

• ECPI University of Technology
• Fortis College
• Lord Fairfax Community College - Fauquier Campus
• Miller-Motte Technical College
• National College
• Paul D. Camp Community College - Franklin Campus
• Piedmont Virginia Community College
• Virginia College
• Virginia Western Community College
• Winchester Medical Center
• Sentara College of Health Sciences
• Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
• Riverside School of Health Careers

What does a physician assistant do?

A physician assistant (PA) is authorized to practice medicine as part of a team with a physician. PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illness, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions.

What might a physician assistant do in a workday?

• take detailed medical histories and perform physical examinations.
• order laboratory tests, X-rays, EKGs, and other diagnostic studies.
• diagnose patients and decide treatment plans.
• prescribe medications.
• initiate therapy or treatment.
• suture wounds, assist in surgery, apply and remove casts, and perform other therapeutic procedures.
• make hospital rounds to observe and record patients’ progress and order or carry out indicated therapy.
• provide continuous medical care to patients at home, in nursing homes, or other extended health care facilities.
• coordinate and supervise other health care professionals.
• counsel patients and their families on preventive care, medical problems, and prescribed treatments and drugs.

Developing a Career as a Physician Assistant:

Physician assistants may have specialized training in geriatrics, surgery, neonatology, pediatrics, emergency medicine, or in almost any medical specialty or sub-specialty. The duties of physician assistants are determined by the physician/PA team, by the physician and by state and federal law. PAs practice with autonomy and may work alone or as part of a medical team.

How much does a physician assistant earn?

• $76,000 - $116,000

How do I become a physician assistant?

Students wishing to pursue a physician assistant career should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English, including advanced placement courses.

Licensed physician assistants must complete approved and accredited courses of study. Applicants also must pass examinations given by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants.

To enter a program for physician assistants, students often are required to have completed one or more years of direct patient care. The curriculum includes courses in the basic medical sciences along with clinical clerkships.

Where else can I learn about becoming a physician assistant?

Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants
250 W. Main Street, Suite 100 / Charlottesville, VA 22902
tel:  (434) 977-3716 / web:  www.vapa.org

American Academy of Physician Assistants
2318 Mill Road, Suite 1300 / Alexandria, VA 22314
tel:  (703) 836-2272 / web:  www.aapa.org

State License Requirements for Physician Assistant:

A license is required to practice as a Physician in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine.

Virginia Board of Medicine
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4600 / Email: medbd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Physician Assistants:

• Eastern Virginia Medical School
• James Madison University
• Shenandoah University