NCCT surgical tech certification comes up often in my comments, especially when someone wants to move into first assisting. They may already work in surgery, hold a TS-C credential, and wonder what that means for their next step. Let’s start…
Medely for Surgical Techs: My $61/Hour Shift Got Canceled Can surgical techs really make good money picking up shifts through Medely? Well, I was supposed to make approximately $61 an hour working as a Surgical First Assistant. But things didn’t…
Understand surgical first assistant pay and job structures, including employed, contract, PRN, private group, dual CST-CSFA roles, call, and negotiation.
Avoid common mistakes new surgical first assistants make with retraction, suction, tissue handling, communication, closure, preparation, and professional boundaries.
NBSTSA certification comes up often when people ask me about becoming a surgical tech or moving into first assisting. But sometimes the conversation gets confusing before we even get to the requirements. Somebody says AST, somebody else says CST, and…
Side Hustles for Surgical Techs: Turn Your Experience Into Income When we talk about side hustles for surgical techs, picking up another shift often comes to mind. But what if you want additional income without spending even more time in…
Surgical first assistant clinicals require more than logging cases. Learn what to expect from preceptors, suturing, retraction, anatomy, feedback, and case documentation.
Learn how to choose a surgical first assistant program by comparing accreditation, CSFA eligibility, clinical placement, case requirements, cost, and support.
A viewer asked whether an NCCT-certified surgical tech can become a surgical first assistant and whether a degree is required. I thought this was a great question, so I made a video answering it. But I also wanted to put…
Are you ready to become a surgical first assistant? Evaluate your OR foundation, anatomy, communication, physical readiness, finances, and career goals.