2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Surgical First Assisting
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351090900	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	74 credit hours 	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	29-2055 Surgical Technologists
	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	

Purpose

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 is SOC 29-2055).  

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.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 74 credit hours.

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 Supply Skills.
13.0	Demonstrate Competencies in the Core Components of the Surgical First Assistant - 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 patients' needs.
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the basic surgical skills necessary to function safely and effectively.
18.0	Demonstrate Competencies in the Core Components of the Surgical First Assistant - Knowledge and Skills.
19.0	Demonstrate Competencies in the Core Components of the Surgical First Assistant - Legal and Ethical Responsibilities.
20.0	Demonstrate Skills for Educational Methodologies and Strategies.
21.0	Demonstrate Skills Necessary for Marketing, Sales, and Educational Programs for Surgical Products.  
22.0	Demonstrate Knowledge of Surgical Practice Setup and Management procedures. 

2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Surgical First Assisting 	
CIP Number:	1351090900 
Program Length:	74 credit hours
SOC Code(s):	29-2055

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations. – The student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify the basic components of the health care delivery system including public, private, government and non-profit.	
01.02	Identify common methods of payment for healthcare services.	
01.03	Describe the various types of healthcare providers and the range of services available including resources to victims of domestic violence. 	
01.04	Describe the composition and functions of a healthcare team. 	
01.05	Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the   individual members of the healthcare team. 	
01.06	Identify the roles and responsibilities of the consumer within the healthcare delivery system. 	
01.07	Identify characteristics of effective teams. 	
01.08	Recognize methods for building positive team relationships.	
01.09	Analyze attributes and attitudes of an effective leader. 	
01.10	Recognize factors and situations that may lead to conflict.	
01.11	Demonstrate effective techniques for managing team conflict. 	
01.12	Describe factors that influence the current delivery system of healthcare.	
01.13	Explain the impact of emerging issues including technology, epidemiology, bioethics and socioeconomics on healthcare delivery systems. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively. – The student will be able to:	
02.01	Develop basic speaking and active listening skills.	
02.02	Develop basic observational skills and related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including communication styles and barriers. 	
02.04	Respond to verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Compose written communication using correct spelling, grammar, a formatting and confidentiality and specific formats of letter writing.	
02.06	Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.07	Recognize the importance of courtesy and respect for patients and other healthcare workers and maintain good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.08	Recognize the importance of patient/client educations regarding healthcare. 	
02.09	Adapt communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic and religious groups. 	
02.10	Analyze elements of communication using a sender-receiver model.	
02.11	Distinguish between and report subjective and objective information. 	
02.12	Report relevant information in order of occurrence. 	
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities. – The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the legal framework of the healthcare occupations including scope of practice legislation.	
03.02	Explain practices that could result in malpractice, liability, negligence, abandonment, false imprisonment and fraud. 	
03.03	Demonstrate procedures for accurate documentation and record keeping. 	
03.04	Interpret healthcare facility policy and procedures. 	
03.05	Explain the “Patient’s Bill of Rights”.	
03.06	Identify standards of the Health insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).	
03.07	Describe advance directives. 	
03.08	Describe informed consent. 	
03.09	Explain the laws governing harassment, labor and employment. 	
03.10	Differentiate between legal and ethical issues in healthcare.	
03.11	Describe a code of ethics consistent with the healthcare occupation. 	
03.12	Identify and compare personal, professional, and organizational ethics. 	
03.13	Recognize the limits of authority and responsibility of health care workers including legislated scope of practice 	
03.14	Recognize and report illegal and/or unethical practices of healthcare workers. 	
03.15	Recognize and report abuse including domestic violence and neglect. 	
03.16	Distinguish among the five schedules of controlled substances.	
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts. – The student will be able to:	
04.01	Describe strategies for prevention of diseases including health screenings and examinations. 	
04.02	Identify personal health practices and environmental factors which affect optimal function of each of the major body systems.	
04.03	Identify psychological reactions to illness including defense mechanisms. 	
04.04	Identify complementary and alternative health practices. 	
04.05	Discuss the adverse effects of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and both legal and illegal drugs on the human body and apply safety practices related to these and other high risk behaviors. 	
04.06	Explain the basic concepts of positive self image, wellness and stress. 	
04.07	Develop a wellness and stress control plan that can be used in personal and professional life. 	
04.08	Explore and utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate food guide (www.choosemyplate.gov).	
04.09	Recognize the steps in the grief process. 	
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures. – The student will be able to:	
05.01	Recognize safe and unsafe working conditions and report safety hazards. 	
05.02	Demonstrate the safe use of medical equipment.	
05.03	Explain and apply the theory of root- cause analysis  	
05.04	Identify and describe methods in medical error reduction and prevention in the various healthcare settings. 	
05.05	Identify and practice security procedures for medical supplies and equipment. 	
05.06	Demonstrate personal safety procedures based on Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations (including standard precautions. 	
05.07	Recognize Materials Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) and comply with safety signs, symbols and labels. 	
05.08	Demonstrate proper body mechanics and ergonomics. 	
05.09	Demonstrate the procedure for properly identifying patients. 	
05.10	Demonstrate procedures for the safe transport and transfer of patients. 	
05.11	Describe fire, safety, disaster and evacuations procedures. 	
05.12	Discuss The Joint commission patient safety goals (www.jointcommission.org ) 	
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations. – The student will be able to:	
06.01	Monitor and record vital signs.	
06.02	Describe legal parameters relating to the administration of emergency care. 	
06.03	Obtain and maintain training or certification on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) and first aid. 	
06.04	Recognize adverse drug related emergencies and take appropriate first aid action. 	
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures. – The student will be able to:	
07.01	Define principles of infection control including standard and transmission based precautions.	
07.02	Demonstrate knowledge of medical asepsis and practice procedures such as hand-washing and isolation. 	
07.03	Demonstrate knowledge of surgical asepsis. 	
07.04	Describe how to dispose correctly of biohazardous materials according to appropriate government guidelines such as OSHA. 	
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare. – The student will be able to:	
08.01	Describe technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.02	Define terms and demonstrate basic computer skills. 	
08.03	Recognize technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.04	Interpret information from electronic medical documents. 	
08.05	Identify methods of communication to access and distribute data such as fax, e-mail and internet. 	
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills. – The student will be able to:	
09.01	Identify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
09.02	Exemplify basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. telephone etiquette, courtesy and self-introductions). 	
09.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job. 	
09.04	Write an appropriate resume. 	
09.05	Conduct a job search. 	
09.06	Complete a job application form correctly.	
09.07	Examine levels of education, credentialing requirements including licensure and certification, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.08	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.09	Identify acceptable work habits. 	
09.10	Recognize appropriate affective/professional behavior. 	
09.11	Compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services or biotechnology research and development). 	
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS. – The student will be able to:	
10.01	Recognize emerging diseases and disorders	
10.02	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the transmission and treatment of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens including Hepatitis B.	
10.03	Identify community resources and services available to the individuals with diseases caused by blood borne pathogens.	
10.04	Identify "at risk" behaviors which promote the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens and the public education necessary to combat the spread of these diseases.	
10.05	Apply infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens to the care of all patients following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
10.06	Demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects of HIV/AIDS, including testing.	
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. – The student will be able to:	
11.01	Draw, read, and report on graphs, charts and tables.	
11.02	Measure time, temperature, distance, capacity, and mass/weight.	
11.03	Make, use and convert using both traditional and metric units. 	
11.04	Make estimations and approximations and judge the reasonableness of the result.	
11.05	Convert from regular to 24 hour time.	
11.06	Demonstrate ability to evaluate and draw conclusions.	
11.07	Organize and communicate the results obtained by observation and experimentation.	
11.08	Ask appropriate scientific questions and recognize what is involved in experimental approaches to the solution of such questions.	
11.09	Calculate ratios	
Students completing intended outcomes 12-19 will meet the requirements of the Surgical First Assistant –CCC Program (SOC Code 29-2055).	
12.0	Demonstrate Central Sterile Processing Skills --The student will be able to:	
12.01	Apply the principles of medical/surgical asepsis.	
12.02	Apply infection control techniques following Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
12.03	Identify relevant federal, state and local guidelines, standards and regulations. 	
12.04	Apply ergonomic considerations and appropriate body mechanics for lifting, turning, pulling, pushing, reaching, and other work related activities. 	
12.05	Describe the importance of following device, equipment, instrument or supply manufacturer’s instructions for processing, operation, and troubleshooting.	
12.06	Analyze and demonstrate the decontamination and disinfection process for instruments equipment and the environment including unique situations such as heat sensitive, hazardous, or delicate. 	
12.07	Demonstrate appropriate techniques for inspection and testing of equipment and supplies for condition, quantity and quality.	
12.08	Demonstrate the ability to package and label instruments, good, and supplies correctly. 	
12.09	Evaluate and demonstrate the use of sterilization process monitors, sterilization units, sterilizations cycles and documentation methods noting the safe parameters for each.	
12.10	Identify proper storage and transportation standards for supplies in the facility (receivables, sterile, clean, or contaminated). 	
12.11	Demonstrate ability to identify/correct and/or report package integrity.	
12.12	Demonstrates restocking of supplies and equipment.	
12.13	Demonstrates the ability to identify and select appropriate instruments, equipment and supplies for any surgical procedure.	
12.14	Demonstrate the ability to package and label goods and supplies as required.	
12.15	Describe various supply distribution methods.	
12.16	Discuss the principles and use of various inventory control systems. 	
13.0	Demonstrate Competencies in the Core Components of the Surgical First Assistant - Communication And Interpersonal Skills -- The student will be able to:	
13.01	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.	
13.02	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.  	
13.03	Demonstrate proper use of communication technology including but not limited to intercoms, computers, paging systems.	
13.04	Demonstrate patient interviewing techniques. 	
13.05	Facilitate teamwork as a patient advocate and assistant to the surgeon.	
13.06	Demonstrate competency regarding reporting and documentation responsibilities in the clinical setting.	
13.07	Identify characteristics and recognize methods of creating effective teams. 	
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	Relate anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, to surgical procedures.	
14.03	Apply the principles of medical and surgical asepsis to surgery.	
14.04	Discuss electricity, computers, and robotics as they relate to surgery.	
14.05	Describe pharmacological concepts relative to the administration of all anesthesia types including the role of the anesthetist and the circulator during induction. 	
14.06	Identify the classification, actions and effects of common drugs used at the field, and within the surgical environment. 	
14.07	Apply knowledge of the pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of the surgical patient. 	
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	Apply knowledge of surgical hazards to safe patient care. 	
15.04	Demonstrate the safe inspection and utilization of laser, electrical, endoscopic, and robotic equipment.	
15.05	Describe and practice appropriate safety measures for laser, electrical, endoscopy and robotic surgery.	
15.06	Identify the correct medication form and method of application. 	
15.07	Apply the six rights of medication administration. 	
15.08	Label properly all fluids and medications within the sterile field. 	
15.09	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. 	
15.10	Explain the purpose of Florida’s “Right to Know” law and its provisions. 	
15.11	Describe the protocol for personal injury including the completion of incident/occupancy reports and follow up.	
15.12	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. 	
15.13	Conduct technical research to gather information for decision-making. 	
15.14	List and describe quality control systems and/or practices common to the workplace. 	
15.15	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	Perform safe patient transfer/transportation techniques used in the perioperative setting.	
16.02	Apply the principles of safe positioning and restraining patient for surgery.	
16.03	Apply the principles of safe usage of the electrosurgical unit, laser, endoscopes, robotic and other equipment utilized during the perioperative period.	
16.04	Identify the roles of the members of the surgical team during each phase of surgery.	
16.05	Perform steps for foley catheter insertion and connection to drainage.	
16.06	Assist surgeon with the perioperative care of the surgical patient. 	
16.07	Apply the perioperative principles of preoperative patient assessment and preparation, techniques and methods of anesthesia related to the type of surgical procedure and principles of postoperative anesthetic management.	
16.08	Apply correct mathematical skills related to dosage available versus dosage needing when drawing up or administering medications. 	
16.09	Apply knowledge of wound management techniques, including suturing techniques in the operating room, perioperative care of special needs patients, and perioperative assessment of the skin. 	
17.0	Demonstrate Knowledge Of The Basic Surgical Skills Necessary To Function Safely And Effectively--The student will be able to:	
17.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the disease processes and the relationship of the processes to the specific types of pathologies according to body systems. 	
17.02	Describe the preoperative diagnosis, operative anatomy, physiology and pathology, usual incision, wound closure techniques, medications utilized, common complications, and the usual sequence related to specific surgical procedures. 	
17.03	Select instruments, equipment and supplies for surgical procedures using surgeon preference/procedure cards.	
17.04	Measure and pour sterile solutions.	
17.05	Perform surgical scrub.	
17.06	Don sterile gown and gloves.	
17.07	Create a sterile field using sterile drapes for instrument tables and solution stands.	
17.08	Set up sterile mayo stand and instrument table.	
17.09	Prepare sutures, ligatures, ties.	
17.10	Prepare, pass, and monitor amount given for medications utilized on the sterile field. 	
17.11	Assist surgeon in gowning and gloving.	
17.12	Assist in draping patient, pass instruments, monitor field.	
17.13	Identify/correct and/or report breaks in aseptic technique.	
17.14	Monitor fluids including irrigation fluids and body fluids lost, e.g. blood loss, ascites.	
17.15	Assist in ensuring the prevention of foreign body retention including completing counts with R.N..	
17.16	Demonstrate the ability to select the appropriate instrument, equipment, or supply for each step of the procedure. 	
17.17	Assist in removing/applying cast.	
17.18	Prepare specimen for laboratory analysis. 	
17.19	Prepare and/or update procedure cards.	
17.20	Demonstrates knowledge of and assists with surgical procedures while functioning in the roles of scrub and assistant circulator.	
17.21	Demonstrates proper cost effective methods regarding resources utilized during the care of the patient. 	
Surgical First Assistant Advanced Skills	
18.0	Demonstrate Competencies In The Core Components of the Surgical First Assistant -  Knowledge and Skills -- The student will be able to:	
18.01	Prioritize care or actions to be taken in a given circumstance to expedite the operative procedure or emergency situation.	
18.02	Describe preoperative diagnosis, common complications, operative pathophysiology and postoperative care related to the specific surgical procedures performed.	
18.03	Analyze and relate common patient diagnostic and monitoring results to the surgeon as applicable to the surgical specialty. 	
18.04	Assist surgeon and/or healthcare team with preoperative preparation of the patient to facilitate proper patient care including but not limited to positioning, draping, and sterile setup preparation. 	
18.05	Demonstrate and describe types of incisions.	
18.06	Identify types of tissue, organs, and gross anatomical structures correctly during surgical procedures. 	
18.07	Demonstrate appropriate tissue handling techniques including the care of the surgical specimens.	
18.08	Provide appropriate exposure and visualization of the operative field for the surgeon. 	
18.09	Describe the appropriate sequence for common surgical procedures.	
18.10	Utilize appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis.	
18.11	Demonstrate appropriate safe surgical techniques when the case involves either thermal, radiological, laparoscopic, environmental, or other known surgical hazard. 	
18.12	Participate in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques and medication administration as appropriate.	
18.13	Select appropriate instruments and supplies for the type of tissue. 	
18.14	Demonstrate competence with technology, the use of instruments, equipment supplies and medications for the surgical procedure. 	
18.15	Use surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose. 	
18.16	Utilize appropriate techniques to assist with the closure of body planes. 	
18.17	Select and apply appropriate wound dressings. 	
18.18	Assist surgeon in securing drainage systems to tissue. 	
18.19	Evaluate patient and report appropriately any abnormal condition found post-op related to positioning. 	
18.20	Assist surgeon with postoperative care of the patient to facilitate proper patient care. 	
18.21	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. 	
18.22	Facilitate the continuity of care within and across the healthcare settings to access available resources and services.	
19.0	Demonstrate  Competencies In The Core Components Of  The Surgical First Assistant - Legal And Ethical Responsibilities --The student will be able to:	
19.01	State methods, standards and aids that assist a surgical first assistant with interpreting and following legal responsibilities.	
19.02	Describe the importance of maintaining credentials and following the appropriate credentialing policy in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. 	
19.03	Explain the job requirements.	
19.04	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. 	
19.05	Provide health care within the ethical/legal framework of the job description including role responsibilities and limitations.	
Students completing one of the Specialty Options competencies (20-22) identified below meet the requirements for the AS option for Surgical First Assistant.	
Specialty Option 1: Education	
20.0	Demonstrate Skills for  educational methodologies and Strategies: The Student will be able to:	
20.01	Develop and implement policies and operational procedures that meet the Association of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants accreditation standards for Surgical First Assistant Programs. 	
20.02	Identify and describe educational theory and methodology as they relate to Allied Surgical First Assistant Education. 	
20.03	Establish liaison with appropriate accrediting organizations, community partners, and educational institutions. 	
Specialty Option 2: Product Marketing, Sales, and Educational Programs	
21.0	Demonstrate Skills Necessary for Marketing, Sales, and Educational Programs for Surgical Products.  The student will be able to:	
21.01	Establish educational programs relating value and effectiveness of surgical products.	
21.02	Apply economic principles for product marketing, distribution and sales. 	
21.03	Demonstrate effective product evaluation and comparison	
21.04	Identify appropriate consumer populations. 	
Specialty Option 3: Surgical Practice Management	
22.0	Demonstrate Knowledge of Surgical Practice Setup and Management procedures. The student will be able to:	
22.01	Establish policies and procedures for surgical first assistant procedures and billing.	
22.02	Identify the roles and responsibilities of all employees.	
22.03	Implement policies and procedures for establishing effective management of a surgical practice.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

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 HIV/AIDS Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors education requirements. Upon completion of this program, the instructor will provide a certificate to the student verifying that 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

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

Entering students who have successfully complete the program 0317.021100, Surgical Technology or currently Nationally Certified as a CST (Certified Surgical Technologist), should be given appropriate advanced standing. 

After successful completion of a Commission on Accreditation on Allied Health Education programs (CAAHEP) 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 standard length for the AS degree program is 74 college credits.  

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Careers Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health science program. The CORE should be taken first or concurrently with the first course 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 appropriate career and technical student organization for 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.  The activities of such organizations are defined as part of the curriculum in accordance with Rule 6A-6.065, F.A.C.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan 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.

Articulation

To be transferable statewide between institutions, this program must have been reviewed, and a “transfer value” assigned the curriculum content by the appropriate Statewide Course Numbering System discipline committee.  This does not preclude institutions from developing specific articulation agreements with each other. 

For details on articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp .

Program Length

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  The standard length of this program is 74 credit hours according to Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.

Certificate Programs

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 AS degree program includes the following College Credit Certificates:

Surgical First Assisting (0351090908) – 59 Credits

Standards for the above certificate programs are contained in separate curriculum frameworks.