Illinois Surgical Assistant Association
General Info
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About Us

The Illinois Surgical Assistant Association (ISAA) was formed in 1998 for surgical assistants to have a voice at the state government level. However, since that time, ISAA has grown to become a source for surgical assistants looking for employment opportunities, certifying information, and networking opportunities.

Membership is open to anyone interested in advancing the surgical assistant profession in the state of Illinois. Many of our members are also members of the American Board of Surgical Assistants, the Association of Surgical Technologists, and the National Surgical Assistant Association. Students and physicians can join as associate members and there is a special Corporate Partner Membership for surgical equipment representatives.

MISSION

Our mission is to support the surgical assistant profession, enhancing the delivery of patient care in the surgical setting, and improving the working conditions, recognition, and compensation of surgical assistants within Illinois.

American Board of Surgical Assistants

The American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA), was founded in 1987 as a national credentialing organization, for surgical assistants. The ABSA administers a national certification examination, for surgical assistants, covering all surgical disciplines and all areas of perioperative medicine. 

National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assistants

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) retains the sole authority to establish eligibility requirements and make all final decisions regarding eligibility. Before testing, individuals must first establish eligibility by submitting the appropriate examination application form along with the correct fees. 

national commission for the certification of surgical assistants

NCCSA is the independent Certification Board of the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) and verifies and validates individual eligibility to sit for the CSA (Certified Surgical Assistant) exam. NCCSA has a diligent process to qualify individuals to sit for the certification examination in order to receive the prestigious Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) credential.

WHAT IS A SURGICAL ASSISTANT?

As defined by the American College of Surgeons, the surgical assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. 

In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care.. 

WHO CAN FUNCTION AS A SURGICAL ASSISTANT?
  • Physicians
  • Medical Residents
  • Illinois Registered Surgical Assistants (CSA, CSFA and SA-C)
  • RNFA , CRNFA
  • Physician Assistants
  • OPA-C
ARE SURGICAL ASSISTANTS REGULATED IN ILLINOIS?

Yes, the Registered Surgical Assistant Act regulates the profession. The purpose of this Act is to protect and benefit the public by setting standards of qualifications, education, training, and experience for those who seek to hold the title of registered surgical assistant and registered surgical technologist.

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surgical assistants registered in Illinois
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hospitals employing surgical assistants
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surgeons using surgical assistants
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average Years of experience