Surgical Assistant (OTA)

Theoretical training

The theoretical training comprises at least 2,100 hours in the following areas of competence:

• Competence area 1: Independently plan and carry out job-related tasks in outpatient and inpatient settings in a structured manner (880 hours)
• Area of competence 2: Participate in medical diagnostics and therapy and carry out medical orders independently (340 hours)
• Competence area 3: Responsibly help shape interdisciplinary and interprofessional action (120 hours)
• Competence area 4: Taking responsibility for the development of one's own personality (lifelong learning), developing a professional self-image and coping with professional demands (120 hours)
• Competence area 5: Aligning one's own actions with legal requirements and quality criteria (140 hours)
• Competence area 6: Communicate and interact with patients of all ages and their caregivers, taking into account sociological, psychological, cognitive, cultural and ethical aspects (120 hours)
• Competence area 7: Act purposefully in life-threatening crisis and disaster situations (40 hours)
• Competence area 8: Comprehensively mastering and observing hygienic working methods (140 hours)
• Free allocation to the main areas of competence (200 hours)

Practical training

In practical training, trainees must complete at least 2,500 hours in various areas of operation:

• Compulsory surgical assignments: Visceral surgery, traumatology or orthopaedics, gynaecology or urology, outpatient surgery
• Optional assignments as specified by the OTA school: vascular surgery, eye surgery, ENT, thoracic surgery, neurosurgery and others
• Other mandatory assignments: Outpatient clinic/emergency room, central sterilization, interventional functional unit (endoscopy, cardiac catheter laboratory, etc.), anaesthesia, nursing

Prerequisites

• Secondary school certificate or another equivalent or higher level of completed school education
• Secondary school certificate or equivalent school education, together with successfully completed vocational training of at least two years' duration or completed training in nursing assistance or geriatric nursing assistance

The ability to work in a team, manual dexterity and physical resilience are important prerequisites for the profession of OTA. To check these requirements, we recommend that you complete an internship in a hospital OR. Proof of an OR internship should be enclosed with your application.

How to apply

Applications can be submitted by post or e-mail with the following documents:

• Letter of application
• curriculum vitae
• School leaving certificate or current (half-year) school report (copy)
• Certificates or attestations of previous activities and internships (copy)
• For applicants who have obtained their school-leaving certificate abroad: Assessment of the school-leaving certificate by the Stuttgart Regional Council
• Residence and work permit, if necessary

If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to an interview.

If you are accepted for an apprenticeship, you will still need to provide the following evidence:

• health suitability and proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and pertussis (form will be sent with the acceptance letter)
• Police clearance certificate

The training contract is concluded with Heidelberg University Hospital or a cooperating hospital. The basis for the training contract is the collective agreement. The training allowance at Heidelberg University Hospital is (as of 01.05.2024)

• Training year: 1,517 euros
• Year of training: 1,578 euros
• Year of training: 1,674 euros

In addition, there is a company pension scheme, capital-forming benefits and a special annual payment (Christmas bonus). Uniforms, work shoes and an iPad are provided. You can apply for a Deutschland-Ticket or a MAXX ticket for local public transport; if the journey to your parents', spouse's or guardian's home takes at least 1.5 hours, we will reimburse your travel costs once a month.

Vacation: 30 days/year

Accommodation: Rooms of varying sizes and facilities are available in staff residences in Heidelberg-Neuenheim (Neuenheimer Feld campus) and Heidelberg-Schlierbach (Orthopaedic University Hospital). In Neuenheim, rents are between € 175 and € 239/month, in Schlierbach between € 295 and € 302/month. (as of January 2024)

OTA trainees with an average grade of better than 3.4 in their three final grades are offered permanent employment immediately after passing their final examination or, at the trainee's request, up to six weeks later. The remaining trainees (less than 3.4) are offered full-time employment for a fixed term of one year.

Career and professional advancement opportunities are primarily offered in OR management and the management of an OR department. For OTAs with an interest in teaching and didactics, there are opportunities in training and further education.

The training lasts three years and concludes with a written, a practical and an oral examination. The training is based on the Anesthesia and Surgical Assistants Act (ATA-OTA-G) of 14.12.2019 and the Anesthesia Technical and Surgical Technical Assistant Training and Examination Regulations (ATA-OTA-APrV) from 04.11.2020.

To ensure the quality of theoretical and practical training, Heidelberg University Hospital has concluded a "Regulatory agreement on training quality in OTA training".