Surgical First Assistant

Program Overview

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Surgical First Assistant

Overview

Our Surgical First Assistant module will give you the knowledge and skills to work as a surgical first assistant, providing non-interventional assistance to surgeons during operations and delivering safe and effective care to patients. It's a structured programme based on the current national guidance, which was developed by the Perioperative Care Collaborative (PCC, 2018).

Full Description

At ARU, our Surgical First Assistant level 6 module allows you, as a registered nurse or operating department practitioner, to participate in assisting surgeons during operations.

We anticipate that you'll have a minimum of two years' post-registration operating theatre experience and be able to demonstrate current experience in the scrub role. This is to ensure that you come to the module with a good understanding of the role of a surgical first assistant.

As a surgical first assistant, you’ll be expected to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills and expertise to ensure a positive outcome for patients. This module will equip you to practice at a suitable level.

Once you've completed the Surgical First Assistant course at ARU, you'll be in a position to make sure this role is used appropriately in your organisation, reducing the risk to patients and staff and improving safety.

You will need the support of your manager, a mentor and clinical supervisor (consultant surgeon).

While the taught sessions take place from late January to late July, this module runs over a period of 12 months. You'll need support in the workplace from your manager, mentor and clinical supervisor for this period. This is to ensure that you are able to achieve the 100 hours minimum needed to meet the course requirements.

Who Should Attend?

You'll be a registered nurse or operating department practitioner with at least two years of post-registration theatre experience and you'll be able to demonstrate your current experience in the scrub role.

Dates

Where You'll Study

Your Faculty

The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care at ARU is primed to meet the demand for healthcare professionals, doctors, scientists and social workers in the East of England.

We've been training undergraduates for professional roles for over 25 years, with a reputation for quality, dedication and ambition balanced with student satisfaction.

We know that our students want the very best experiential learning, and we've invested heavily in purpose-built simulated wards, science labs and skills spaces, to support your learning every step of the way.

Fees & Funding

Course Fees

• 30 Credits (Level 6) for courses starting in 2024/25: £2,312.50
• 30 credits (Level 6) for courses starting in 2025/26: £2,312.50

Funding for CPD

Please ask your manager or Education Lead about available funding before you apply.

Entry Requirements

You'll be a registered nurse or operating department practitioner with at least two years of post-registration theatre experience and you'll be able to demonstrate your current experience in the scrub role.

You'll need to have the relevant educational ability to study at university degree level, therefore you'll either hold a Diploma in Higher Education or equivalent.

You must be able to demonstrate that you have the support of your manager and that there are named individuals willing to support you as your mentor and clinical supervisor during the course.

Suggested Courses That May Interest You

• Enhanced Surgical Skills for the Surgical First Assistant
• Trache TIPS: Tracheostomies - Training and InterProfessional Simulation
• Cardiac Care

Program Outline

Outline:

• The Surgical First Assistant level 6 module enables registered nurses or operating department practitioners to assist surgeons during operations, providing non-interventional assistance and delivering safe and effective patient care.
• The program follows the current national guidance developed by the Perioperative Care Collaborative (PCC, 2018).
• Participants should have a minimum of two years of post-registration operating theatre experience and demonstrate current experience in the scrub role.
• Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to practice as surgical first assistants, ensuring the appropriate use of the role in their organization, reducing risks for patients and staff, and enhancing safety.
• The program requires support from a manager, mentor, and clinical supervisor (consultant surgeon) throughout the 12-month duration.