Major: Surgical First Assistant
Adam Nelson’s mother was involved with medicine, which led to his interest in a medical career.
After working as a surgical technologist for seven years, he wanted to move up within the specialty. That meant either becoming a nurse or a Certified Surgical First Assistant, and he chose the latter.
This led him to College of DuPage and the Surgical First Assistant program.
“I enrolled at COD because they have an accelerated program within the field to help me achieve my certification in the timeframe I wanted,” he said. “I heard from colleagues that the professors were insightful and knowledgeable and that the tools given to students truly help you get prepared for what the job is going to be like. These tools included the suturing labs and equipment, literature with almost every surgical procedure and the appropriate steps, and the opportunity to be put into a live procedure to practice and hone those skills.”
I enrolled at COD because they have an accelerated program within the field to help me achieve my certification in the timeframe I wanted.
Adam Nelson
After earning his Surgical First Assistant certificate and passing the certification exam, he now works at Northwestern Medicine’s Kishwaukee Hospital and Midlands Surgical Center.
“I have assisted mainly orthopedic and hand, with a little bit of general surgery. Things are going pretty well so far!” he said. “I’m pretty stoked about the upcoming year and all the new opportunities I will be experiencing.”
Nelson highly recommends COD’s Surgical First Assistant program and has plenty advice for students.
“Don’t worry about being nervous suturing in front of everyone—it will get better once you are more confident,” he said. “Be sure to make time to study the material because there is a lot, and it can get a tad overwhelming if you don’t prepare. Make sure to not forget to study suturing techniques and practice as much as you can. Lastly, remember to try and enjoy your time in this program. You get to be a part of something that is truly unique and interesting as heck while also being able to help people.”
Learn more about the Surgical First Assistant program at College of DuPage