| EVMS Surgical Assistant Program |
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Overview | Catalog | Brochure | Training Sites | Certificate Program | Graduate Certificate Program | Certificate Program Curriculum | Graduate Certificate Program Curriculum | Technical Standards | More Information | Apply Online “Eastern Virginia Medical School's Surgical Assistant Program sets the standard for surgical assistant education in this country.” Daniel Baird, C.S.A., M.B.A. President, National Surgical Assistant Association OverviewSince 1981, Eastern Virginia Medical School has offered an educational program to prepare candidates for a career in assisting surgeons in the performance of surgical procedures; currently, we offer Graduate Certificate and Certificate Programs in the specialized area of surgical assisting. EVMS’ Surgical Assistant (S.A.) Program is unique in comparison to other currently accredited S.A. programs, because individuals may be admitted without prior medical experience. Surgical Assistants scrub for operative procedures, assist in the positioning of patients and assist in draping and preparation of the operative site. During procedures, the S.A. retracts and exposes the operative field and assists in securing the best possible exposure of the anatomical site. With experience, the S.A. learns to anticipate the moves and needs of the surgeon. The seasoned S.A. is an expert in surgical procedures and surgical techniques. All graduates have successfully secured employment. There is a growing demand for dedicated surgical assistants in hospitals and surgical practices throughout the nation. Please click on the hyperlinks for more specific information about the admissions criteria, (graduate certificate or certificate), program curricula (graduate certificate or certificate); application and tuition (graduate certificate or certificate).
ProgramsCandidates accepted into our nationally accredited residential program (CAAHEP) complete 22 months of training, which includes 10 months of didactic instruction and 12 months of clinical training. There are two distinct pathways of entry and completion of the Surgical Assistant Program, the Graduate Certificate and the Certificate of Completion. Each track has its own specific admissions criteria and curricula. After accepting an offer of admission to either track and matriculating to EVMS, students must complete the graduation requirements for that track and may not switch between these two tracks. 
With experience, the surgical assistant learns to anticipate the needs of the surgeon as the operative procedure progresses.
As part of the preclinical training of the Surgical Assistant Program, first-year students are assigned to the Department of Surgery’s Surgical Resident Teams and rotate through the six surgical services every five weeks. This preclinical training complements the knowledge and skills students obtain during the 10- month didactic phase of the program with hands-on instruction by chief surgical residents. Now, when students enter their clinical phase of the program during year two, they will have eights months of OR experience and surgical knowledge as a foundation. Second-year clinical rotations are conducted in regional tertiary facilities including Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Sentara Bayside Hospital, Sentara Obici Hospital, Chesapeake General Hospital, Riverside Regional Medical Center and Sentara Careplex. Additionally, there are specific rotations in plastic, vascular, cardiac, trauma and orthopedic surgery. These rotations provide students with more than 1,500 hours of hands-on practical experience assisting in surgical procedures. Rotations are typically conducted during the hours of 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Surgical assistant students are required to attend Grand Rounds with the Department of Surgery, from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. twice per month, frequently on the first and third Fridays of each month. During the clinical year, Educational Days coincide with Grand Rounds. Second- year students are excused from their clinical sites and take part in the surgical lecture series and group or individualized study sessions. CostTuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $12,089 per year for in-state students and $12,314 for out-of-state students. Books and supplies are not included in this fee. Students may apply for financial aid via the EVMS Financial Aid Office. Federal financial aid is not available for international students. Admission Criteria and PolicyAccepted students are required to sign a Conditions of Acceptance form and submit a $300 fee. They are expected to be in good health to withstand the rigors of the program and to strictly adhere to all rules and regulations of EVMS, as well as those of the clinical facilities where they will receive clinical training. All students must possess valid health insurance at all times while enrolled in the program, through either the school or private insurance. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or provide evidence of permanent U.S. residence. The program does not accept transfer credits. Program Completion RequirementsPrior to graduation from the program, students must have completed all coursework and clinical components with an overall "B" average, and must have received clinical evaluations rated as "Satisfactory" or better from all clinical sites prior to graduation. Students are required to submit documentation of the number and types of operative procedures in which they participated. In addition, all students must have successfully completed the EVMS exit interview process, which includes meeting all EVMS financial obligations.National Surgical Assistant AssociationUpon completion of the EVMS Surgical Assistant Program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Surgical Assistant Association's (NSAA) Certification Exam. Graduates who pass this exam obtain the professional credentials of Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA). National Surgical Assistant Association For the past six years, 100 percent of our graduates have passed the exam on their first attempt. Additionally, NSAA reports that our graduates post some of the highest scores nationally. Application ProceduresCandidates must complete the online application, along with a nonrefundable $60 application fee, three letters of recommendation, a personal narrative statement and official transcripts of all college-level coursework. The application deadline has been extended to February 5.
The application review process takes approximately eight weeks. The Program Director will send letters to all applicants indicating the determination of the admissions review committee. Approximately 15 students are admitted. New classes are admitted each July and students are enrolled for 22 consecutive months. For more information, contact: R. Clinton Crews, MPH |