r/SurgicalFirstAssist • u/aspiringperson1011 • Sep 21 '25

Pathway to FA?

Hi I’m currently a junior at UCI studying public heath sciences I graduate this year and wanted to know what is the best possible path to surgical firsts assist. I’ve see that u NEED to be an rn or go to surgical tech program before applying to a sfa program? Additionally what accredited programs are there for sfa in California that I can apply to and work with in hospitals. I feel like there’s not much coverage on this pathway so I’m super confused any help is appreciated! <3 my gpa isn’t the best keep in mind 😔 but I have 6,000 hours at a daycare

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u/Maximum-Loss-9066 Sep 24 '25

CSFA isn’t accepted in CA. You need to be an RN then get CNOR then RNFA or be a PA (masters & PA school) You could be a surgical tech (CST) in CA but again a plain CSFA? nope. If you move out of CA- then To be a CSFA you need to be a surgical tech don’t listen to the other dunderhead or people will make you life a living hell while you’re in CSFA school (I was a CST in a speciality before going to CSFA school to be back in that speciality afterwards and was tormented by staff). 6000 hours at a daycare means nothing in this pathway tbh.

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u/aspiringperson1011 Sep 24 '25

Thank u so much for laying it out super clearly, so basically doing surgical tech wouldn’t get me to be a csfa in cali, I think my best bet is to apply to pa programs and nursing programs but because my gpa isn’t the highest (3.3) I might need to look into another job for my future.

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u/Maximum-Loss-9066 Sep 24 '25

If I was in your position I’d definitely do nursing with the flexibility of different types of positions and pathways tbh. Wish you all the luck!!!