Frequently Asked Questions
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Surgical Skillz has made a conscious decision to attain certification approval for our students through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA). This has allowed us to offer a premium program at affordable rates to help individuals advance their careers in the area of first assisting. Admission Requirements:
Surgical Technologists, Operating Room Nurses with a minimum of 2yrs experience (no certification required), Physician Assistants, and Medical Doctors both foreign and domestic.
Program Cost
Total cost for the program is $3,995.00 plus two textbooks. We also have some cost savings options:
- Standard Program $2,796.50 (30% off when paid in full prior to starting the program).
- Standard Program $2,796.50 (30% off for prior Surgical Skillz wound closure workshop participants).
- Standard Program $2,796.50 (30% off for active and veteran status US military personnel- must present military ID or have honorable DD 214).
- Accelerated Program $3,595.50 (10% off when paid in full prior to starting the program).
- Same as Cash Accelerated Program (Non refundable $1000 deposit, No Interest, and No Payments, and $2,995 balance due at program completion.
Program Sessions
- First Session: SURG-6000 – Surgical Anatomy 6 credit hours
- Second Session: SURG-6200 – Surgical Basic Principles 3 credit hours
- Third Session: SURG-6400 – Perioperative Management 3 credit hours
- Fourth Session: SURG-6600 – Surgical First Assisting Clinical 3 credit hours
Each session is 3 months in length and SURG 6000, 6200, and 6400 are all coursework sessions and online. SURG 6600 is used for students clinical, however, some students may complete the program at this session if hands-on experience has been ongoing. Several facilities allow their staff to start attaining hands-on experience as soon as they sign up for the program and others require their staff to wait until the official clinical/hands-on session.
SURG 6600 requires two signatures from two surgeons or one surgeon and a member of management. The signatures are for basic skills required of first assistants’ i.e……suturing, tying, positioning, prepping, and draping…… which the forms are available after completing SURG 6400. So in some cases, students can complete our program as early as 9 months.
After successful completion of the Surgical Skillz First Assistant Online Program, students will receive a certificate of completion.
Surgical Skillz Training offers a 12 month First Assistant Online Program.
The total cost for the First Assistant Online Program is $3,995.00. This does not include books and other supplies.
Surgical Skillz offers an online First Assistant training program approved by the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA).
Surgical Skillz does not offer placement services or guarantee employment following successful completion of our First Assistant Online Program.
There are basic student requirements that apply for all programs, such as fundamental education and experience levels as well as computer skills and access. More specific requirements include:
- Surgical Technologist (ST) or Operating Room Nurse or Physician Assistant (PA) or Medical Doctor (MD) (Copy of Certification or License).
- Minimum 2 years of O.R experience.
- Proof of professional liability insurance minimum of $1,000,000. If requested by clinical rotation facility
- Acceptable health and immunization records (MMR, TB, Hep-B).
- Call Program Director for exceptions 502-802-7360.
After successful completion of the Surgical Skillz First Assistant Online Program you’re eligible to sit for the American Board of Surgical Assistants national certification exam once you have met the following ABSA requirements. Please visit ABSA for more information
Our instructors are working surgical first assistants who regularly perform procedures. As a result, they are extremely experienced in the latest technologies, have a vast knowledge of over forty years of surgical experience, and are highly respected by their colleagues and the medical community.