First Asisant Certified Surgical Tech

I am currently working as a CST and I wanted to know how to go about becoming a CSTFA, and do you make more money with the extra tranning. Where are some places to get certified for that in Orlando FL and is the certification accepted nation wide.

Hi kim,
Did you go to school here in orlando?

Yes, I did I have been working in the OR at Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford for almost eight years. I went to High Tech Inst In Orlando FL, and I took my certification with National Center for Competency Testing. Iam interested in becoming a CSTFA.Could you guide me in the right direction I am thinging about traveling and so I need something that I will beable to be certified no matter what state I work in. Iam already a CST but someone told me that because I went through NCCT for my certification that I was only certified in FL and no where else is that true.

Kim, do we look like we are experienced Techs here? Usualy when a tech has grown wings in a job you dont find them here being honest. Thats the truth! Go to AST for that matter, as for here mostly are newbies trying to find their ways. Have you ate least shared to us how got that job in the first place?

Hey now there are some seasoned techs that visit the forum from time to time. lol.

Kim, you can become a First Assistant without being certified. There is a huge disparity in salaries between a tech and assistant depending upon the state you reside. Being a self employed first assistant is where the big money is. You will need to complete a Surgical First Assisting Program. Make sure it is a Caahep accredited program or you are wasting your time and money. My personal reccomendation would be Meridian Institute of Surgical Assiting,(www.meridian-institute.com) an Online program that can be completed in 12 months or less and best of all from your home at your leisure. No such thing as CSTFA, this an erroneous credential. If you complete a CAAHEP accredited program you will be eligible to become a CSA or CFA.

helllooo people!

i am a CST in New York and i am moving to sarasota florida! here in NY there is NO such thing as a CFA or CSA we just have surgical physician assisatnts! but in florida i would like to go to school and be a CFA! how long is this school, do you know of any schools around there that are ACCREDITED AND NOT ONLINE. and what the diff b/w a CST's salary in florida then a CFA in florida! thanku!!