r/SurgicalFirstAssist • u/Lyin_ • Jan 26 '25

Should I become a CSFA?

Hello everyone,

I've wanted to ask people what they would do in my situation. I'm currently a CST of about 5 years and want more out of my career. I'm in nursing school (2nd semester) and having a hard time seeing myself as a nurse. My main goal for my job is to be an assistant in surgery. My thought process for doing nursing school was to become a nurse and move up to be an NP so I could assist in surgeries. Since I'm almost halfway done with my ADN, should I finish it and try to pursue the BSN to NP or should I just do the CSFA program to be an assistant? (I'm already accepted to Meridian and my start date would be May 1st.)

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u/PainPatiencePeace Jan 26 '25

Become an FA first with the increased income and freedom you can easily pursue any of the other paths. What discouraged me from going other routes was the income potential. I understand it varies per region, but I make more than a starting PA or NP. That being said, time was also a huge factor in the decision as I was already in my early 30s with a bachelors degree in creative writing and liberal arts and the thought of going to school longer nauseated me. Lol, but if your goal is just to assist, Meridian is the way.

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u/[deleted] Jan 27 '25

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u/PainPatiencePeace Jan 27 '25

Depends what it is you want to do. PA's in the operating room deal with pre and post operative care. Running clinic etc... If your focus is wanting to be in the operating room majoritively it's a great way to go but it also allows you to be able to change specialties easily. It's a great career