Surgical Assistant Resume Examples (Template & 20+ Tips)

Are you looking for an entry-level position in the surgical field? Our Surgical Assistant Resume Example provides a great starting point to craft your own unique resume. We’ll show you how to highlight your skills, qualifications, and experience to get the attention of potential employers. With the help of our resume example and a few simple tips, you’ll be ready to start your job search in no time.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Surgical Assistant do?

A Surgical Assistant is a medical professional who assists a surgeon during an operation. They prepare the operating room and surgical instruments, and monitor the patient’s vital signs during the procedure. They may also assist the surgeon by passing them tools, cutting sutures, and suctioning fluids. The Surgical Assistant may also close incisions, administer medications, and apply dressings.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Surgical Assistant related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Surgical Assistant?

Assisting the surgeon during the operation
Preparing the operating room and equipment
Providing assistance to the anesthesiologist
Maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room
Assisting in the closing of incisions
Obtaining and handling instruments for the surgeon
Providing patient care before and after surgery
Providing necessary information to the patient's family
Assisting with post-operative care
Monitoring vital signs and administering medications

Sample Surgical Assistant Resume for Inspiration

John Doe
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: johndoe@example.com

Surgical Assistant with over 5 years of experience working in operating rooms and assisting surgeons in providing patient care. Experienced in coordinating patient care, preparing patients for surgery, and providing post-operative care. Skilled in anticipating and responding quickly to surgeon's needs.

Work Experience

Surgical Assistant, ABC Hospital, City, State – July 2018 – Present

Assisted surgeons during various surgical procedures.
Assisted in pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care of patients.
Provided assistance to surgeons and other healthcare professionals.
Prepared and set up operating rooms for surgery.
Cleaned and sterilized instruments and equipment for surgery.

Surgical Technician, XYZ Hospital, City, State – July 2015 – July 2018

Assisted surgeons in the operating room.
Prepared patients for surgery and provided post-operative care.
Assisted in pre-operative and intra-operative care of patients.
Demonstrated knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment.
Maintained operating rooms and sterilized instruments and equipment.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, ABC University, City, State – June 2015

Skills

Operating Room Experience
Surgical Assistance
Patient Care
Instrument and Equipment Knowledge
Infection Control

Certifications

Certified Surgical Assistant, ABC Association – June 2018
Basic Life Support, XYZ Association – June 2015

Languages

English (Fluent)
Spanish (Conversational)

Resume tips for Surgical Assistant

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Surgical Assistant resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Surgical Assistant - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight any relevant experience or training you have in the field of surgical assisting.
Include any relevant medical terminology that you are familiar with.
Focus on your bedside manner and communication skills, as these are key when dealing with patients.
Include any certifications or licensures you may have.
Mention any awards or recognitions you have received for your work as a surgical assistant.

Surgical Assistant Resume Summary Examples

A surgical assistant resume summary or resume objective is used to give employers an overview of your qualifications and experience and to show how you are the best fit for the position. It is a great way to succinctly demonstrate your skills and accomplishments and make yourself stand out from other applicants. A well-crafted summary or objective can be the difference between you being invited to an interview and being passed over for another candidate.

For Example:

Energetic and organized Surgical Assistant with 6+ years of experience providing patient care and assisting with operations. Committed to providing quality care and excellent patient outcomes.
Skilled Surgical Assistant with 9+ years experience in a variety of surgical settings. Excellent multitasking abilities and a strong commitment to patient safety and comfort.
Highly experienced Surgical Assistant with 10+ years of experience in the operating room. Adept at providing quality patient care, working in a fast-paced environment, and adhering to safety protocols.
Diligent Surgical Assistant with 8+ years of experience providing exceptional patient care. Proactive in anticipating surgeon needs and ensuring a safe, sterile environment.
Compassionate Surgical Assistant with 5+ years of experience providing high-quality patient care. Committed to achieving positive patient outcomes and providing support to the surgical team.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Surgical Assistant Resume

A strong experience section on a surgical assistant resume is essential for demonstrating to potential employers that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for the job. This section should provide evidence of your accomplishments and contributions to the job, such as the number of surgeries you have assisted with, the amount of time you have spent in the operating room, and any awards or special recognition you have received for your work. In addition, any special training or certifications you have obtained should also be included in this section. Finally, this section should provide examples of your interpersonal skills, such as your ability to develop relationships with patients and colleagues, collaborate with other medical professionals, and effectively manage time. With a strong experience section, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the qualifications necessary to excel as a surgical assistant.

For Example:

Assisted surgeons in all aspects of patient care, including pre- and post-operative care.
Prepared operating rooms by ensuring all necessary medical equipment and instruments were available.
Maintained sterile environment and provided scrub assistance during surgical procedures.
Assisted in the application of casts, splints, and dressings.
Monitored vital signs before, during, and after procedures.
Assisted with suturing, tying of knots, and other closure techniques.
Provided assistance in the placement of drains and other medical devices.
Displayed knowledge of the principles of aseptic techniques.
Monitored and recorded patient's medical histories and vital signs.
Communicated with patients and families to provide updates on patient status.

Surgical Assistant resume education example

A Surgical Assistant typically needs to have a high school diploma or GED and complete an accredited program in surgical assisting. The program usually consists of a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience. Additional certifications may also be required depending on the state.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Surgical Assistant resume:

Associate of Science in Surgical Technology, ABC University, Los Angeles, CA (2020)
Certified Surgical First Assistant, American College of Surgeons (2020)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification, American Heart Association (2020)
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Red Cross (2020)
Certificate of Completion in Advanced Surgical Skills, ABC College, Los Angeles, CA (2019)

Surgical Assistant Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills for a Surgical Assistant Resume to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the qualifications and experience necessary to be successful in the role. Including skills on your resume allows you to showcase the abilities and knowledge you have acquired in the surgical assistant profession that make you a great candidate. Examples of skills you may include on your resume include: knowledge of surgical instruments, patient care, medical terminology, first aid, infection control, and operating room protocol.

Soft Skills:

Communication
Teamwork
Organizational
Time Management
Multi-tasking
Flexibility
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving
Empathy

Hard Skills:

Surgical Assistance
Medical Terminology
Instrumentation
Patient Care
Vital Signs
Suturing
Scrubbing
Clinical Documentation
Supply Management
Infection Control

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Surgical Assistant Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Surgical Assistant resume

Highlight relevant clinical experience
Demonstrate organizational and multitasking skills
Mention any relevant certifications or experience
Highlight communication and teamwork skills
Include any specialized training or education
Detail any relevant computer or technology skills
Showcase any experience with specific surgical procedures
Detail any experience with medical coding or billing

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next postal service job with the help of Resumaker.ai.