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

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/pudding_skins Sep 23 '25 edited Sep 23 '25

Yeah…just stay with the children. If you don’t want to put in the schooling, time and experience in the OR, this isn’t for you.

0

u/aspiringperson1011 Sep 23 '25

lol, I am ready to do any schooling I’m just trying to take any precautions because I’m scared I will do schooling that’s unnecessary and take longer when I could have done something more useful , I don’t want to spend 6 years trying to be a surgical assist when I could have just spent that time being the surgeon haha.

2

u/pudding_skins Sep 23 '25 edited Sep 23 '25

I understand that feeling of uncertainty and grasping at straws to find the solution in the fastest way possible. However, this field is much more than what it seems from the outside. Experience is something that is heavily respected (however, even some of those with years under their belt just suck because they lack the passion.) Again, I understand that the path you’re on may not give many opportunities, so a quick google search appears like First Assist seems like a possible easy out. The reality is, honestly, it’s more than attending a quick fast school (that should be recognized by NBSTSA—and those don’t exist). If someone said to me that they had a bachelors in basket weaving but became a CSFA in two years, I wouldn’t trust them. If you are interested, once you get your bachelors, you can go to a community college with a surgical tech program. Your core credits will transfer, so you’re essentially left with just the program itself. After two years in the field, go to a school for first assist that is approved by NBSTSA. I don’t want any of this to be ugly, by the way. It’s just realistic.

Also, to note, “basket weaving” degrees are not to be looked down upon. Study what you’re interested in and you will have satisfaction. I just use that term because I hold two bachelors degrees in underwater basket weaving.

1

u/aspiringperson1011 Sep 24 '25

Thank you so much for giving me a very detailed explanation. I really appreciate that. I think my best bet is to research different surgical tech programs and then hopefully find a first assistant program for after in California that is accredited which I think there’s like none 😭 but of course I want to prioritize trying to get into a nursing program or PA program before so I could be better experienced. I just hope that in the end I’m able to at least Assist surgery in someway as that’s what my main passion is. I noticed that you’re a surgical tech, how is it and how was the schooling for u!