Surgical First Assistant (degree and masters level) (HEAD387/APP748)
Develop the clinical skills, knowledge and competence to safely perform the role of Surgical First Assistant
CPD for healthcare professionals
Key features
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
HEAD387/APP748
Credits
20
FHEQ level
Level 6 – bachelors degree
Level 7 – masters degree
Location
Online distance learning
HEAD387 course details (degree level)
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
- work effectively and skillfully in the role of Surgical First Assistant within the parameters determined the Perioperative Care Collaborative
- demonstrate appropriate communication with all members of the operating theatre team to enhance patient care delivery
- analyse and discuss the evidence regarding intra-operative care of the patient
- demonstrate critical awareness of local and national guidelines for surgical safety, and their implementation in practice
- demonstrate evidence based reflection of your own development as a Surgical First Assistant.
Assessment
The assessment for this module is in two parts, comprising of an essay and a clinical log of competencies.
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).
APP748 course details (masters level)
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate technical expertise in the role of Surgical First Assistant within the parameters determined the Perioperative Care Collaborative
- engage in effective communication with all members of the operating theatre team to facilitate and enhance patient care delivery
- demonstrate comprehensive, critical understanding of the evidence regarding intra-operative care of the patient
- evaluate local and national guidelines for surgical safety, and consider the impact of their implementation in practice
- become a critical self-reflective learner managing your own development as a Surgical First Assistant.
Assessment
The assessment for this module is in two parts, comprising of an essay and a clinical log of competencies.
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).
What programmes can these modules count towards?
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.
Module dates
19, 26 January, 2, 9, 16, 23 February and 2 March 2026
Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change – always check with the module lead or 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.
Admissions information
Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
- Application forms.
- Change of name forms.
- Pre-course information.
- Downloadable guides.
- Student card.
Visit
Professional Development Unit (PDU) admissions
for full details.
Entry requirements
To be considered for a place on the course you must:
- be a nurse or operating department practitioner registered with an appropriate professional body – such as: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – and have a minimum of 12 months post-qualification experience in a clinical environment
- be employed in an operating theatre environment
- have previously studied at level 5 (i.e. foundation degree or equivalent) in order to study the module at degree level
- or have previously studied to graduate level (i.e. level 6) in order to study the module at masters level.
As part of the application process you will be required to return an Additional Information Form which will need to be signed by the following people to confirm that they support you on your module and will be supporting you to complete the 100 hours in practice required:
- Consultant Clinical Supervisor
- Mentor (This can be Theatre Sister/Surgical Care Practitioner/Education Supervisor)
- Manager
Applying
Applicants for this module will need to complete a Module application form and an additional form and return both to pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Fees and funding
Fees
Please see the
Faculty of Health professional development module fees
page.
Please see the
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.
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.
Module lead
The leads for both modules are Tania Riches (tania.riches@plymouth.ac.uk) and Christina Wilkinson (christina.wilkinson@plymouth.ac.uk).
You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries
Current student enquiries
Professional Development Unit, Floor 9, InterCity Place, Faculty of Health, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, Plymouth, PL4 6AB United Kingdom.
08:30–17:00 (Friday 16:30)