What is the primary purpose of the American Board of Surgical Assistants?

The primary purpose of the American Board of Surgical Assistants is to assess the competency of surgical assistants. This organization exists to establish and maintain high standards in surgical assistant practice through credentialing, which includes evaluating the qualifications and skills of individuals seeking to become certified surgical assistants. The credentialing process ensures that those who are certified meet specific educational and experiential criteria, along with passing a rigorous examination that reflects their knowledge and capabilities in the surgical environment.

By focusing on competency assessment, the board aims to ensure that surgical assistants are well-prepared to support surgeons in a safe and proficient manner during surgical procedures, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes. This focus on certification also promotes professionalism within the field, encouraging ongoing education and adherence to best practices, which is essential for maintaining high standards in surgical assistance.

While promoting general surgery practices, issuing surgical instruments, and conducting practical surgeries are important aspects of the broader medical community, they do not align directly with the core mission of the American Board of Surgical Assistants. The board's primary role is specifically centered on the evaluation and validation of the skills and knowledge of surgical assistants rather than on the promotion of general practices or the provision of tools and services.