Licensed and Non-Licensed Personnel

You are eligible to sit for the ABSA, Certification Examination for Surgical Assistants, if you completely meet the following criteria.

Licensed and Non-licensed Allied Health Professionals

PA's, RN's, LPN's, CST's and ST's must provide documentation of successful completion of a formal surgical assisting training program, with a curriculum approved by the ABSA and documentation of successful completion of an Associate Degree Program, or higher.

Provide two (2) color passport photos (signed on the back)

Your transcripts must document successful completion of ALL the following college-level courses, with a passing grade of "C" or better.

Required Courses:

1 year, English Composition or Technical Writing (English Literature is not acceptable)
1 year, Human Anatomy & Physiology
1 semester, General Biology
1 semester, Microbiology
1 semester, Pathophysiology
1 semester, Pharmacology
1 semester, Verbal Communication course or equivalent
1 semester, College Algebra or higher

Additional recommended courses:

1 semester, Ethics
1 semester, Medical Terminology
1 semester, General Psychology

Note: Surgical Technology Programs do not qualify. The program completed must be a Surgical Assistant Training Program.

Acknowledge that the role and function of a surgical assistant is to assist the surgeon, in the performance of a surgical procedure. It is understood and acknowledged that certification as a surgical assistant through the ABSA (SA-C) does not allow for any independent performance of any medical or surgical procedures, within the United States of America or its territories.

Eligibility criteria and requirements have been set by the American Board of Surgical Assistants, which has final authority, regarding who may or may not sit for the examination.