Max Schilke was working as a scrub technician and helping with operating instruments but wanted to do more.

“I always loved working in the operating room and helping patients,” he said. “I wanted to help and work alongside surgeons to do the actual surgical portion of all surgeries.”

College of DuPage was recommended to Schilke by a co-worker who had a positive experience in the Surgical First Assistant program and with Program Chair Ranzie Wilson. He enrolled and is glad that he did.

“This program provided a great foundation for helping me start my new role,” he said. “The education topics were very helpful and allowed me to focus on what was important. I felt like I was being prepared well for my clinicals and understood more things in depth in the operating room setting than before I started. This program was also meticulous in preparing me to take my boards, which I was able to pass the very first time.”

Having earned the Surgical First Assistant certificate and passed his CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant) exam, Schilke currently is waiting to receive his license from the state of Illinois, which will allow him to work with an independent CSFA group instead of for a hospital. He plans to become an assistant for orthopedic surgeons in various hospitals and outpatient surgical centers.

“I’m looking forward to the independence and responsibilities this program has set me up for,” he said. “My ultimate career goal is to be self-employed or work for one specific surgeon. Both options would give me a good lifestyle and pay. I am motivated to be a reliable resource for the operating team and will further expand on my experience and knowledge for any surgeries and emergencies.”

Working full time and having a newborn, Schilke said being in the Surgical First Assistant program at COD felt overwhelming at first but was worth it.

“After about a month or so, I got into a routine that kept me going,” he said. “Planning and putting away study time and designated days for clinicals is important, so you don’t feel overwhelmed and try to do everything at the last minute. Talk to your instructors to help you schedule things if it’s interfering too much with your work and family obligations. Also, my employer was flexible in allowing me to get my coursework completed as well as clinical hours.

“I would recommend COD’s program and acknowledge that professor Ranzie Wilson was amazing. This certificate program helps students who are trying to improve their careers, and Ranzie is always willing to work around personal and work life, which I really appreciated.”

Learn more about the Surgical First Assistant program at College of DuPage