First assisting

CSFA, CSA or PA: which assistant path fits you

How the surgical assistant roles differ in training, scope and pay.

1 min read

In this guide

What each role does
Training and certification
Scope of practice
Pay and demand

This guide is being written. The outline below shows what it will cover.

What each role does

Coming soon.

Training and certification

Coming soon.

Scope of practice

Coming soon.

Pay and demand

Coming soon.

AJ Vazquez, CST, CSFA

Surgical technologist and first assistant with about eight years in the OR, from Level I trauma to travel contracts. He wrote Unseen Heroes of the OR so people could see the work that happens past the red line.

The story behind the site

Unseen Heroes of the OR is my memoir of life as a surgical technologist at a Level I trauma center: the emergencies, the routine cases, and what the work takes out of you. It’s why this site exists.

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A website for CSTs, from a CST.

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What each role does

Training and certification

Scope of practice

Pay and demand

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