Course Disclaimer: This course is open to any clinical professional who will be working as a first assistant at cesarean sections, such as midwives, physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and surgical technicians.

This 6-week on-line continuing education course uses an on-line educational platform. The course content includes on-line lectures, videos and presentations; articles from current literature, web links to relevant sites; surgical skills exercises; and interactive discussions.

Assessment of learning is evaluated through quizzes, participation (via interactive discussions) and the final exam. Each module is designed to take an average of 10 hours to complete for a total of 60 hours of continuing education (3600 minutes). Successful course completion requires demonstration of knowledge via the Discussions, Quizzes and Final Exam and an overall score of 85%.

Participants will have access to the course approximately 3 days before the course start date, and 10 days after all assignments must be submitted. This allows continued feedback and interaction following final assignments and an opportunity for support as participants seek credentialing.

During or following the didactic and skills program participants are expected to obtain and document competency as a first assistant by independently arranging a structured mentored clinical experience at a facility where they are credentialed. The development of clinical skills in the Operating Room under the observation and mentorship of a surgeon or qualified first assistant is a professional responsibility that is separate from this course.

The course is scheduled for specific dates and presented in 6 modules (one module per week; see below) – it typically runs 4 times per academic year.

1. Introduction, Scope of Practice, Principles and Practice of Surgical Asepsis, Surgical Process and Infection Control

2. Role of the First Assistant: Principles of Surgical Practice, Instrumentation for Cesarean, the First Assistant Skill Set

3. Operative Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pre-operative care of Clients undergoing Cesarean

4. First Assistant Skill Development: Intraoperative Practice during Cesarean

5. Surgical Procedure and Techniques for Cesarean Section

6. Post-operative care, Complications, Professional Issues, and Course Summary

Course Disclaimer: This course is open to any clinical professional who will be working as a first assistant at cesarean sections, such as midwives, physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and surgical technicians.