Surgical First Assist in Obstetrics (Victoria)

This course was developed to provide training in a Canadian context for entry-level skills for surgical assist with a focus on obstetrics. It is appropriate for Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Family Physicians, Physician Assistants and Residents. 

Saturday, October 17 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT) to Sunday, October 18 (8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT)

Before registering, please confirm:

• There is support for you to complete your clinical practicum in the surgical first assistant role (we can assist you in having this conversation).
• There is support for you to integrate surgical first assist skills in your work setting.

Once registered, specific details about the course and the pre-workshop module will be shared via email.  Please review the course overview below to learn more about the three main components of the course: 

Part 1: Pre-workshop Online Modules 

Online readings and activities are completed independently prior to attendance at the in-person workshop. The learning activities are organized within 7 modules and a final multiple choice exam. Time to complete these modules and the exam is estimated at 15-18 hours. The ONLINE exam must be completed and passed prior to attending the workshop.

Part 2: In Person Workshop 

The 2-day workshop will be completed by all participants. This will be held at the Royal Jubilee Hospital on October 17 & 18, 2026. Our interprofessional faculty will review core content and will facilitate hands-on skills development in workshops to help you be ready for your entry into the OR as a surgical assist learner.

Part 3: Practical Placement 

A clinical practicum follows completion of Part 1 and 2. The time to complete the practicum is variable. Surgical Preceptors will be community-based members of the Depts. of Surgery or Obstetrics/ Gynecology in good standing with their regulatory agencies and hospital boards. Participants will be supported to develop competency in the role of surgical assistant in obstetrics under the direct supervision of surgical faculty. At the end of the practicum the surgical preceptor completes the Surgical Assist Competency Checklist and forwards this to the Course lead.  

Participants are responsible to follow up with their regulator regarding advanced practice certification and amendments to their hospital credentials post training.