Physicians

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

Physicians (U.S. or Foreign Trained)

Provide a certified copy of your Medical School Graduation. The Medical School must be listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED). (The IMED lists recognized U.S. and foreign medical schools. http://imed.ecfmg.org)
Provide a certified copy of your Residency or Advanced Training.
Successful completion of TOEFL examination, equivalent exam and/or coursework, documenting English proficiency.
Provide a copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
Provide two (2) color passport photos (signed on the back)

The above required items must document: a minimum of two years primary or advanced surgical experience.
If TOEFL: Internet-Based Total = 88-89 or greater, Computer-Based Total = 230 or greater, Paper-Based Total = 570-573 or greater

Provide documentation of having first assisted, for a minimum of two years.

Provide documentation of having first assisted on at least 400 clinical surgical cases or 1500 clinical surgical hours, during the last two years, where you were listed as the first assistant, on the operative record. (Case log or Computer Printout required)

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.

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.