While the patient is getting surgery, the assistant will work to stop or prevent hemorrhage and regulate blood flow. The duties of the assistant are different in each state. It is very important that the assistant is organized, consistent and able to follow instructions.
In order to become a plastic surgery assistant, you will need to obtain the right education. You will need to acquire a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Or you can obtain a bachelor of science in physician assisting or an associate's degree in an allied health field. You will also need to acquire formal training for general surgery. Afterward, you will be able to start looking for work. Of course, you will have to take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam.
Once you have finished school, it will be time to complete your residency. You can begin looking around for a program that you would like to complete. At the Association of Postgraduates PA Programs, also known as APPAP, they will help you to find a 12 month residency that offers clinical rotations and didactic activities that will give you surgical specialty experience. After the residency is over, you will obtain your certificate.
After you have completed your residency, you can begin looking for work. It's been predicted that the field of plastic surgery will continue to grow over the next seven years. The median annual salary for assistants is around $69,517.
