Surgical First Assistant (degree and masters level)
Develop the clinical skills, knowledge and competence to safely perform the role of Surgical First Assistant

This 20 credit module can be studied at degree or masters level and will develop your knowledge, understanding and skills to provide competent and evidence-based surgical assistance within the operating theatre. At masters level, you will also be encouraged to approach situations critically and utilise problem-solving to provide effective evidence-based surgical assistance.
You will develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel within the role of Surgical First Assistant (SFA) relevant to all surgical disciplines. The module content will encompass relevant anatomy, intra-operative surgical skills, pre and post-operative surgical care, and patient assessment as outlined for the scope of the SFA role by the Perioperative Care Collaborative (PCC) latest position statement (2018 statement appended).
Module code
Credits
FHEQ level
Location
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Assessment
The assessment for this module is in two parts, comprising of an essay and a clinical log of competencies.
(Please note that these assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Assessment
The assessment for this module is in two parts, comprising of an essay and a clinical log of competencies.
(Please note that these assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).
Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers.
In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date.
Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.
At degree level, this module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards our BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Health and Social Care course and a number of associated pathways.
At masters level, this module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards our MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions) programme and some other associated pathways.
For further information please contact the Professional Development Unit.
The University is adhering to
government guidance relating to COVID-secure operation. For this
reason, modules are being delivered in a variety of formats, with much content
delivered online, either in an interactive manner (i.e. requiring participation
at the allotted times), or sometimes in a passive manner (i.e. you may be able
to conduct some of the study outside of the typical taught hours of 09:00–17:00).
Some sessions, particularly clinical assessments, will continue to be delivered face-to-face with appropriate risk-mitigating measures in place. Others may allow you the option of attending face-to-face or synchronously engaging on-line with peers who attend face-to-face.
When you receive confirmation of your enrolment on a module, you will be granted access to our Digital Learning Environment (DLE or Moodle). You should access this prior to the start of your module to determine the teaching format of the module’s sessions.
Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
Access to:
Visit our admissions homepage for full details.
To be considered for a place on the course you must:
Fees
Please see our professional development module fees page.
Funding
Funding for this module may be available through your employing trust. Please contact your trust’s education coordinator in the first instance. If you work in the private, independent or voluntary sector, please contact your employer who will advise you accordingly.
The lead for both modules is Toby Rankin - tobias.rankin@plymouth.ac.uk
Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
8.30–17.00 (Friday 16.30)