ASA Scholars of Excellence Program

Purpose
The ASA Scholars of Excellence program celebrates and recognizes outstanding surgical first assistant students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, professionalism, and a strong commitment to advancing the surgical assisting profession. 

• Be currently enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical First Assistant program
• Have completed at least 50% of their program curriculum at the time of nomination
• Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and accountability in both classroom and clinical settings
• Exhibit dedication to the surgical assisting profession through participation in professional organizations, outreach, or peer support
• Demonstrate compassion, respect, and a commitment to patient safety in clinical practice

• Nominations may be submitted by faculty, program directors, or clinical preceptors.
• Self-nominations will be accepted if accompanied by a faculty endorsement.

• A personalized recognition certificate
• Complimentary ASA student membership
• 50% discount on the first year of ASA active membership once certified
• Recognition on ASA’s website, social media, and newsletter
• The ability to reference the ASA Scholar of Excellence title on résumés and job applications, strengthening their professional credibility and legitimacy

• Applications will be reviewed by the ASA Board of Directors
• Recipients will be announced quarterly
• The Membership Committee Chairperson will contact both the program and the student to notify them of the selection and provide next steps