Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Surgical First Assistant
Career Cluster:	Health Science

CCC	
CIP Number	0351090908	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	59 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	Please see the CIP to SOC Crosswalk located at the link below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	

Purpose
This certificate program is part of the Surgical First Assisting AS degree program (1351090900). 

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The program is designed to prepare students for employment as a Surgical First Assistant Expanded Function (Surgical Technologists). 

The content includes, but is not limited to, communication and interpersonal skills, legal and ethical responsibilities, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, aseptic techniques, patient care procedures, surgical procedures, patient safety, use and care of equipment and supplies, CPR, Heartsaver, employability skills, basic computer literacy and surgical first assistant skills such as preoperative duties, aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, intraoperative technical functions, and postoperative duties under the direction and supervision of the surgeon. 

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Demonstrate central sterile processing skills. 
13.0	Demonstrate competencies in the core components of the surgical first assistant related to communication and interpersonal skills. 
14.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences related to surgical first assisting.
15.0	Describe and practice safety measures in the surgical environment.
16.0	Perform patient care procedures related to the surgical environment and describe methods for meeting patient's needs.
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology and math calculation principles related to the surgical environment.
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the basic surgical skills necessary to function safely and effectively.
19.0	Demonstrate competencies in the core components of the surgical first assistant related to knowledge and skills.
20.0	Demonstrate competencies in the core components of the surgical first assistant related to legal and ethical responsibilities. 

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Surgical First Assistant
CIP Number:	0351090908
Program Length:	59 credit hours	

Standards 1-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and are required standards in this program. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link: 
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/20569/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2324.rtf

This certificate program is part of the Surgical First Assisting AS degree program (1351090900).  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
Students completing intended outcomes 12-20 will meet the requirements of the Surgical First Assistant CCC.	
12.0	Demonstrate central sterile processing skills.  The student will be able to:	
12.01	Apply the principles of medical/surgical asepsis including attire, environmental control and traffic patterns to control and manage dirty, clean and sterile areas of the operating room and central supply.	
12.02	Identify relevant federal, state and local guidelines, standards and regulations. 	
12.03	Apply ergonomic considerations and appropriate body mechanics for lifting, turning, pulling, pushing, reaching, and other work related activities. 	
12.04	Describe the methods of disinfection and sterilization.	
12.05	Describe the importance of following device, equipment, instrument or supply manufacturer’s instructions for decontamination, processing, operation, and troubleshooting.	
12.06	Demonstrate correctly decontamination techniques for instruments, equipment and the environment used during surgical procedures.	
12.07	Demonstrate appropriate techniques for inspection, testing and sending out for repair instruments, equipment and supplies regarding condition, quantity and quality.	
12.08	Describe clean and sterile transportation, restocking, and storage principles for instruments. 	
12.09	Analyze the results of sterilization process monitors used in sterilization units, sterilizations cycles and ensures documentation meets the safe parameters for each prior to use of an item.	
12.10	Describe clean and sterile transportation, restocking, and storage principles for supplies in the facility (receivables, sterile, clean, or contaminated). 	
12.11	Demonstrates the ability to identify and select appropriate instruments, equipment and supplies for any surgical procedure.	
12.12	Demonstrate the ability to prepare and label items for high level disinfection and sterilization as required.	
12.13	Demonstrate the techniques of high level disinfection and sterilization for immediate use items.	
12.14	Describe various supply distribution and inventory control methods.	
12.15	 Demonstrate case cart preparation and management.	
13.0	Demonstrate competencies in the core components of the surgical first assistant related to communication and interpersonal skills. 
 The student will be able to:	
13.01	Demonstrate proper use of communication systems.	
13.02	Use various forms of communication in the role of Surgical First Assistant to communicate relevant, accurate and complete information in a concise and clear manner.	
13.03	Collaborate with the patient, surgeon, and other members of the Healthcare team to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the patient’s surgical care to promote positive outcomes including the use of preoperative checklists and preoperative assessment and evaluations methods.  	
13.04	Demonstrate patient interviewing techniques. 	
13.05	Demonstrate the ability to analyze and communicate specific patient care factors or needs and the surgeon’s preferences to the surgical team including suture needs, specialty supplies and instrumentation, and equipment.	
13.06	Describe the concepts of conflict resolution, assertive behavior and the principles of teamwork as a patient advocate and assistant to the surgeon.	
13.07	Demonstrate competency regarding reporting and documentation responsibilities in the clinical setting.	
13.08	Employ leadership skills to accomplish organizations goals and objectives. 	
13.09	Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, in order to accomplish objectives and tasks. 	
13.10	Conduct and participate in meetings to accomplish work tasks. 	
13.11	Employ mentoring skills to inspire and teach others. 	
14.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences related to surgical first assisting.  The student will be able to:	
14.01	Apply knowledge of the microbial environment to the surgical care of the patient. 	
14.02	Analyze patient defense mechanisms, the chain of infection and the infectious process as related to surgical practice and the prevention of surgical site infections.	
14.03	Correlate wound classifications and wound healing principles with wound management guidelines and complications.	
14.04	Demonstrate infection and disease transmission control techniques following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for surgery.	
14.05	Describe the causes, clinical signs and symptoms and prevention measures for surgical infections. 	
14.06	Describe the basic composition, principles, clinical signs and symptoms regarding electrolytes and fluid balance including the mechanism of hypovolemic, septic, hemorrhagic and cardiogenic shock. 	
14.07	Correlates the principles and disorders of hematology, hemostasis, types of blood components, and coagulation with hemostasis in surgery. 	
14.08	Discuss the principles of information technology, electricity, and robotics as they relate to surgery.	
15.0	Describe and practice safety measures in the surgical environment.  The student will be able to:	
15.01	Inspect emergency equipment and supplies for condition and quantity.	
15.02	Implement appropriate Joint Commission patient safety goals.	
15.03	Demonstrate appropriate safety measures to prevent operating room fires and electrical shock from equipment.	
15.04	Apply knowledge of surgical hazards to safe patient care. 	
15.05	Demonstrate the safe inspection and utilization of laser, electrical, endoscopic, and robotic equipment.	
15.06	Describe and practice appropriate safety measures for laser, electrical, endoscopy and robotic surgery.	
15.07	Describe the role preventive maintenance, prevention, correction, and documentation plays in patient and personnel safety and the prevention of medical errors in the surgical setting. 	
15.08	Explain the purpose of Florida’s “Right to Know” law and its provisions. 	
15.09	Describe the role of the surgical technologist and surgical first assistant in an emergency patient situation.	
15.10	Describe the protocol for personal injury including the completion of incident/occupancy reports and follow up.	
15.11	Describe the preparation and planning, detection and communication, incident management and support systems, safety and security, clinical/public health assessment and intervention, contingency, continuity and recovery and the public health law and ethics of All-Hazards Preparation for disasters. 	
15.12	Conduct technical research to gather information for decision-making. 	
15.13	List and describe quality control systems and/or practices common to the workplace. 	
15.14	Employ critical thinking skills independently and in teams to solve problems, resolve conflicts, and make decisions. 	
16.0	Perform patient care procedures related to the surgical environment and describe methods for meeting patient's needs.  The student will be able to:	
16.01	Identify the roles of the members of the surgical team during each phase of surgery.	
16.02	Assist surgeon with the perioperative care of the surgical patient.	
16.03	Correlate the preoperative examination and preparation process for both surgery and anesthesia with the identification of potential patient factors that may inhibit positive outcomes.	
16.04	Describe appropriate review and identification of patient factors regarding the chart including preoperative identification, preoperative checklists, diagnostic tests, lab values and surgical consent.	
16.05	Demonstrate safe patient transfer/transportation techniques used in the perioperative setting.	
16.06	Monitor OR traffic, placement of sterile tables and ensure steps are taken to reduce microbial fallout.	
16.07	Correlate anesthesia monitoring devices, patient complications and interventions with maintaining patient homeostasis.	
16.08	Demonstrate the principles of safe positioning, application of safety devices, and restraining patient for surgery correlating the prevention of potential complications with the need for patient stability.	
16.09	Demonstrate the selection of the appropriate solution and preparation of the operative site for the surgical procedure.	
16.10	Perform steps for Foley catheter insertion and connection to drainage.	
16.11	Describe the safe usage of critical instruments, equipment and supplies utilized intraoperatively including the electrosurgical unit, Lasers, Ultrasonic equipment, endoscopy equipment, robotics, insufflators, light sources, microscopes, power tools, suction, tourniquets, etc.	
16.12	Demonstrate correctly the connection and operation of essential instruments, equipment and supplies for the surgical procedure.	
16.13	Demonstrate correct mathematical skills related to dosage available versus dosage needing when drawing up or administering medications. 	
16.14	Demonstrate correctly the techniques for injection of local anesthetics.	
16.15	Demonstrate knowledge of wound management techniques, including suturing techniques in the operating room, perioperative care of special needs patients, and perioperative assessment of the skin.	
16.16	Demonstrate applicable wound management principles including the placement and security of catheters, wound drainage systems, sterile dressings and cast applications.	
16.17	Discuss relevant and unique factors regarding postoperative care specific to the procedure.	
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology and math calculation principles related to the surgical environment.  The student will be able to:	
17.01	Analyze the terminology the basic concepts of pharmacology and drug administration including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.	
17.02	Describe pharmacological concepts relative to the administration of all anesthesia methods, agents, and techniques including the role of the anesthetist, the first assistant and the circulator during induction and extubation. 	
17.03	Identify the classification, actions, effects and precautions of common drugs used at the field, and within the surgical environment. 	
17.04	Apply knowledge of the pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of the surgical patient. 	
17.05	Describe potential anesthesia and operative complications and interventions for each.	
17.06	Demonstrate the application of the six rights of medication administration.	
17.07	Identify the correct medication form and method of application.	
17.08	Analyze and assemble correctly all medication supplies, for each drug to be used on the sterile field.	
17.09	Pour or receive, measure, prepare and manage sterile solutions accurately within the sterile field.	
17.10	Demonstrate the appropriate methods of transferring and accepting medications onto the sterile field.	
17.11	Label properly all fluids and medications used within the sterile field.	
17.12	Demonstrates ability to correctly calculate common medication conversions and dosages.	
17.13	Apply correct unit of measure for each medication.	
17.14	Demonstrates preparation and passing of medication mixtures using ratio and proportions correctly.	
17.15	Maintains an accurate account of the amount of each medication and/or solution used at the field and notifies circulator as appropriate to the situation to ensure accurate documentation.	
17.16	Describe the adverse effects of local and topical anesthetics. 	
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the basic surgical skills necessary to function safely and effectively.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Demonstrate an understanding of advanced anatomy, physiology, the disease processes and the relationship of the processes to the specific types of pathologies according to body systems. 	
18.02	Correlate the preoperative diagnosis, diagnostic interventions, common complications, and operative pathophysiology relative to specific surgical procedures.	
18.03	Correlate the preoperative diagnosis, operative anatomy, physiology and pathology, usual incision, wound closure techniques, medications utilized, common complications, and the usual sequence as related to specific surgical procedures. 	
18.04	Select and verify required instrumentation, equipment and supplies, including any implants needed for specific surgical procedures using core knowledge and the applicable surgeon preference/procedure cards.	
18.05	Demonstrate an understanding of diagnostic images as related to surgical anatomy. 	
18.06	Demonstrate application of aseptic and sterile technique principles including the appropriate corrective action for common breaks in sterile technique that may occur.	
18.07	Demonstrate the surgical scrub and donning of sterile gown and gloves.	
18.08	Demonstrate the principles of sterile draping.	
18.09	Demonstrate the set up and management of the sterile mayo stand and/or instrument table(s).	
18.10	Demonstrate the set up and management of the sterile mayo stand and/or instrument table(s).	
18.11	Prepare, pass, utilize, and monitor sharps, sutures, ligatures, ties and staples correctly.	
18.12	Prepare, pass, utilize, and monitor amount given for medications and solutions utilized on the sterile field. 	
18.13	Demonstrate assisted gowning/gloving for others. 	
18.14	Participate in the surgical time out to prevent wrong site surgery and delays in the surgical procedure.	
18.15	Select, prepare, pass, and utilize instruments, equipment, tissue replacement materials, implants and supplies efficiently.	
18.16	Monitor the surgical site regarding counted items, stage of surgery, tissue appearance and patient’s body fluids, e.g., blanching, desiccation, color of blood, blood loss, bile leaks, ascites, etc.	
18.17	Demonstrate correctly the initiation and completion of counts regarding sponges, sharps, instruments and miscellaneous items used within the patient’s wound to prevent foreign body retention.	
18.18	Describe the types of incisions, methods of wound closure, and mechanisms of wound management.	
18.19	Describe the usual sequence of a common surgical procedure. (i.e., incision into the anatomy, dissection of the anatomy, operative steps of the procedure, and closing of the anatomy).	
18.20	Selects the appropriate instrument, equipment, or supply for each step of the procedure. 	
18.21	Demonstrate ability to prepare, validate, handle and preserve specimen accurately for laboratory analysis.	
18.22	Demonstrates knowledge of and assists with surgical procedures while functioning in the roles of scrub and assistant circulator.	
18.23	Demonstrate effective perioperative case management ensuring cost control and time/motion economy methods are utilized to maximize the efficiency of the OR team.	
19.0	Demonstrate competencies in the core components of the surgical first assistant related to knowledge and skills.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Prioritize care or actions to be taken in a given circumstance to expedite the operative procedure or emergency situation.	
19.02	Describe preoperative diagnosis, common complications, operative pathophysiology and postoperative care related to the specific surgical procedures performed.	
19.03	Analyze common patient assessments including skin and chart review relating relevant diagnostic and monitoring results to the surgeon as applicable to the surgical specialty. 	
19.04	Demonstrate preoperative preparation of the patient to facilitate proper patient care including but not limited to positioning, application of tourniquet, surgical skin preparation, catherization, draping, and sterile setup preparation. 	
19.05	Demonstrate and describe types of incisions and insertion of trocars.	
19.06	Identify types of tissue, organs, and gross anatomical structures correctly during surgical procedures. 	
19.07	Demonstrate appropriate tissue handling techniques including the care of the surgical specimens.	
19.08	Provide appropriate exposure and visualization of the operative field for the surgeon. 	
19.09	Describe the appropriate sequence for common surgical procedures.	
19.10	Utilize appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis.	
19.11	Demonstrate appropriate safe surgical techniques when the case involves either thermal, radiological, laparoscopic, environmental, or other known surgical hazard. 	
19.12	Participate in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques and medication administration as appropriate.	
19.13	Select appropriate instruments and supplies for the type of tissue. 	
19.14	Demonstrate competence with technology, the use of instruments, equipment supplies and medications for the surgical procedure. 	
19.15	Use surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose. 	
19.16	Utilize appropriate techniques to assist with the closure of body planes. 	
19.17	Select and apply appropriate wound dressings. 	
19.18	Assist surgeon in securing drainage systems to tissue. 	
19.19	Evaluate patient and report appropriately any abnormal condition found post-op related to positioning. 	
19.20	Assist surgeon with postoperative care of the patient to facilitate proper patient care. 	
19.21	Demonstrate appropriate response to emergency situations including respiratory/cardiac arrest situations, sudden hypoxia, hemorrhage, shock, surgical misadventures, contamination, perforation of viscous or cavity, critical equipment failure, and exposure, retraction and compression injuries. 	
19.22	Facilitate the continuity of care within and across the healthcare settings to access available resources and services.	
20.0	Demonstrate competencies in the core components of the surgical first assistant related to legal and ethical responsibilities.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	State methods, standards and aids that assist a surgical first assistant with interpreting and following legal responsibilities.	
20.02	Describe the importance of maintaining credentials and following the appropriate credentialing policy in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. 	
20.03	Explain the job requirements.	
20.04	Describe the key elements related to the development of a surgical conscience.	
20.05	Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, ethical, moral, and professional responsibilities of working as a surgical assistant, and the professional skills necessary to fulfill the role. 	
20.06	Provide health care within the ethical/legal framework of the job description including role responsibilities and limitations.	
20.07	Describe the principles of problem solving and confidentiality in ethical decision making and risk management.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

In a simulated surgical environment, students practice preparing, setting up and maintaining a sterile field, sterilization and disinfection procedures, preparation of supplies and equipment for surgery, and patient preparation.

Clinical learning experiences in an operating room and related areas are an integral part of this program.

The Human Patient Simulator (HPS) or other accepted simulation scenarios may be used for a limited number of clinical hours. A low teacher-student ratio in the lab and clinical area is strongly recommended.  The recommended maximum ratio is 1:8.

Special Notes

This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the health care industry; planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety, and environmental issues.

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health

In accordance with Rule 6A-10.024, F.A.C. all faculty providing instruction must have at least a baccalaureate degree or an associate degree with demonstrated competencies in the specific instructional program as defined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Surgical First Assistant Core Curriculum should be taught by qualified staff as outlined in the most recent approved CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation on Allied Health Education Programs) accreditation standards and guidelines. 

Entering students who have successfully completed the program 0351090905 or 0351090904, Surgical Technology or are currently Nationally Certified as a CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) or SA-C (Surgical Assistant-Certified) should be given appropriate advanced standing. 

After successful completion of an approved and accredited surgical first assistant program, students are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting First Assistant exam as approved.

The CORE should be taken first in the program. Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the co-curricular career and technical student organization providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.