Last spring 51ΑΤΖζ (51ΑΤΖζ) welcomed its first cohort of Surgical First Assistant (SFA) students, joining only thirteen other programs throughout the country that offer Surgical Technologists an opportunity to advance their skillset and careers in the operating room.
As they approach the end of their final semester, 51ΑΤΖζβs SFA students are preparing to graduate and sit for the national .
βIβve always wanted to develop my skills and advance my career, so once I found out 51ΑΤΖζ had a Surgical First Assistant program I applied right away,β said Vanessa Macdonagh, a current SFA student.
The Surgical First Assistant program features a hybrid format over three semesters, allowing students to fulfill their didactic coursework online while gaining hands-on experience through skills labs and clinical rotations. Balancing a full-time job and as a mother of two, Macdonagh credits the programβs online coursework option as key to managing her busy schedule.
βI highly recommend this program for any Certified Surgical Technologist looking to advance their career. It's affordable and offers flexibility for your schedule,β added fellow student Jennifer Gabiola.
Rob Blackston, 51ΑΤΖζβs Surgical First Assistant Program Director, is preparing to review applications for the programβs second cohort. βAs one of the few Surgical First Assistant programs in the western U.S. and one of the only primarily online offerings, we provide an exceptional option for aspiring surgical assistants. Itβs exciting to contribute to the advancement of healthcare both locally in Idaho and nationally,β Blackston stated.
Applications for the 2025 Spring cohort will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 13. For more information on the application process, please visit 51ΑΤΖζβs Surgical First Assistant program page.
