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!!

I have been a tech for about 9 years, i am a CST/CFA. I received my license through NBSTSA, the main guys. I did not go through the school i just challenged the boards (go to NBSTSA website for more info on that). A friend wo I was working with went through NIFA, theres a website for that too. Bottom line, you can bill insurance, you get your priviledges at the hospitals and assist surgeons. If you hustle you can make around 10,000 a month. Make sure you live in a state that lets tech assistants work. California (among others)does not.good luck.

Dustin in Irvine, California said: I have been a tech for about 9 years, i am a CST/CFA. I received my license through NBSTSA, the main guys. I did not go through the school i just challenged the boards (go to NBSTSA website for more info on that). A friend wo I was working with went through NIFA, theres a website for that too. Bottom line, you can bill insurance, you get your priviledges at the hospitals and assist surgeons. If you hustle you can make around 10,000 a month. Make sure you live in a state that lets tech assistants work. California (among others)does not.good luck.

Hi Dustin, I am not sure that I am clear on this comment. How does one working as a surgical tech or a first assistant (or both) make 10,000 dollars a month. I am in CST school right now and am very interested in this comment. If it's not too much trouble could you please post again and expand on what you said in the first comment. I would really like to know more about this. Thank You.

Lee, while you are awaiting Dutin's reply I'll jump in and just submit that he is right in the fact that as a Certified First Assitant the opportunities financially are endless and entirely up to you. It is very possible to make $10,000.00 a month and even more. I don't believe you will make that right out of the gate but I do believe it won't take long depending upon your motivation, work ethic, and geographical location. The most advantageous route in my opinion is becoming self employed and billing insurance companies directly. The first thing is to become certified and to do that you must take a CAAHEP accredited assisting program. NIFA was mentioned... this is not an accredited program and you will not be able to sit for a nationally recognized certification! They have their own formulated certification but it isn't recognized by anyone except within their own organization. It is just very important to take a CAAHEP accredited program.

HI everyone, My name is Gabriel, I reside in the Long Beach area in Cali. Im a student at an Accredited CAHEEP program, at Glendale Career College in Glendale CA and Im about to go into my externships in approx. 2 weeks. I am getting into the CFA position after I graduate But want to know a little more about the dynamics about being a CFA. My dad has been a Surg. Tech for over twenty years but I dont think he knows the ladder to becoming a CFA. A surgeon I work with right now told me that in california hospitals dont really use CFAs that much becuase Techs can asess the situation to surgical procedures similarly but not fully, also they are paid less so they rather use a Tech. Anyways, he said that I need to record about approx. 250 Documented cases and take an exam to get the First Assistant position. But I had a question! Does that apply to a CSTFA only? Because I know you have to go to school for a CFA but where in california? If anyone could help me answer my Q I would appreciate. Thanks Gabriel.

Kim in Orlando, Florida said: 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.

I am CST/CFA
Here were you can do.
It the best thing that ever happen to me and
crew a Womens Hopstial
www.nifaonlinecampus.com/

Good Luck

hey Tenika,
I was wondering! I am moving from Maryland to Orlando in about 1 month and I am searching for jobs over there and I have NO idea what a typical Surgical Tech makes in that area. I have 5 years experience and can scrub everything. Over here in Maryland we make about 27 to 45 dollars an hour. What is the range I can expect when I move there. Does 22 dollars an hour seem unrealistic? Please respond I have no one to help me with relocating.

KIM, I was wondering! I am moving from Maryland to Orlando in about 1 month and I am searching for jobs over there and I have NO idea what a typical Surgical Tech makes in that area. I have 5 years experience and can scrub everything. Over here in Maryland we make about 27 to 45 dollars an hour. What is the range I can expect when I move there. Does 22 dollars an hour seem unrealistic? Please respond I have no one to help me with relocating.
Thanks Gloria

Gone Fishin/Texas...i noticed your comment about surgical tech and making well over 10,000 a month...i will be starting my surgical tech program in the fall at Iowa Western...i would really like to know how to get started and if i should get my CST or CSTFA which will benefit me more in the long run?? i would like to know what states have the best pay rate...living in small town Nebraska..we dont have much to offer unless you are an RN...
One more side note...i am very intrested in childrens surgical...what is the best way to go about finding a "Private Scrub tech"