What is a certified first assistant?

As a certified first assistant (CFA), also called a certified surgical first assistant (CSFA), your primary responsibilities are assisting the surgeon and nurses in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures. Your job duties include prepping patients, dressing wounds, monitoring electronic medical equipment, performing minor surgical procedures, and providing care to patients before, during, and after procedures. You need experience as a surgical technician in addition to great communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations. You can find CSFA jobs in hospitals, private practices, outpatient surgery centers, and other health care settings with a surgical team.