Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting

1507 County Hospital rd

Nashville, TN 37218

“I came to Meridian thinking it was going to be a breeze and an easy mountain of CEU”s since I am already a CFA and LSA. I left refreshed with a new sense of direction and meaning. I’ve been in the assisting business for almost 20 years and this course is without a doubt the best I have come across. The instruction was far superior than any course I have taken to date and the hands on pig lab was top notch!  You will obtain skills in the animal lab that no other course is offering. They even taught this old dog new tricks and forced me to use skills I had all but forgotten. This course will definitely put the new assistant at a great advantage over those trained by other courses or on the job.  I would, without reservation, hire an assistant trained by Meridian. I am so confident that the training IS top notch I am going to require it from anyone wanting to start an entry level position with my corporation.”  

Tim Marvin CST, CFA, LSA; CEO, T.M. First Assisting INC.  Cedar Park, TX

“This course has created confidence in my skills beyond my expectations. The lab portion was by far the most outstanding Allied health training I have ever had or have even heard of. A foam board in a hotel room could never, ever even come close to comparing. Meridian has created the standard for training in this industry. Thank you...Thank you...Thank you.”

David Salazar, ST, Missouri City, Texas

“I absolutely made the right choice in choosing Meridian! My skills learned at Meridian will make me a standout surgical assistant. I loved all the instructors and appreciate their passion for their work”

Brittney Barnard, ST, Cincinnati Ohio

 “I was very impressed and I learned a lot, especially from the hands on portion of the lab week. It was very exciting to work on LIVE tissue and I feel the whole experience will follow me throughout my career as a first assistant. This program and the information are invaluable.”

Kerry Schroeder, CNA, SA, Reno Nevada

“I have really enjoyed being a part of this program….it was very helpful to work on live tissue and see how gentle you need to be….I had a great experience and would definitely recommend this program!!”

 Casidee Davies ST, Orem Utah

“I came to Meridian thinking it was going to be a waste of time since I was already a CFA. I was pleasantly surprised. I learned more in this program than I did in my entire career. I recommend Meridian to anyone who wants to excel in the field of surgical assisting.” 

Jose Luis Munoz Jr., CFA, Harlingen Texas

“I really enjoyed Meridian ….. They make you want to learn and do your best without making you stressed. I am going to tell as many people I can about this wonderful program.”

Vanessa Watson, ST, Jackson Mississippi

“This program offers the leading, cutting edge technology in preparing future assistants to tackle the overwhelming need in the O.R. I would strongly recommend Meridian to anyone interested in being the best First Assistant they can be.”

Eric L.Wooll, ST, Alpena, Michigan

“I was nervous seeking a program right for me….this program created a relaxed environment but great and knowledgeable study materials. I couldn’t have gotten this type of incredible experience anywhere else…and the pig lab was AMAZING!! I highly recommend this program!!

Terrence Sams, CST, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

“Meridian far exceeded my expectations and the wealth of knowledge that the instructors have to share is amazing. They create an environment where you can learn and the pig lab was AMAZING! I never imagined that I would learn so much and I am confident that I am ready for anything I will encounter in the future.”                     Elaine Turner, CST, Bartlett, Illinois

“For me this course was worth it. Even with all my experience, 22 years worth, I gained so much knowledge. I have no doubt that I am a better First Assistant because of this program.”

Curtis Monroe, CFA, Alpharetta, Georgia

“This program was both educational and fun. I feel that I have been given all the tools I will need to be a great First Assistant.”

Courtney Gauerke, ST, Lancaster, Ohio

“This is the BEST course out there today! Where else would you get the chance to learn what to do in a REAL LIVE situation?”

Elizabeth Frick, CST, Little Mountain, South Carolina

“This was a very good experience! This was such a great investment unlike so many other programs that are a waste of money!”

Tara Long, ST, Lancaster, Ohio

“The staff and instructors were always there for you through the whole program. It was fun but I learned a lot! I’m leaving with all the information I need to build my career. I feel proud and accomplished.”                                                               Bernadette McGarry, CST, Howland, Maine

“This program was above and beyond what I had ever anticipated. The pig lab was AWESOME! There is NOTHING like getting hands on experience. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone!”                                                                                 Nicole Wilson, ST, Somerset Ohio

“The knowledge and the skills I learned with Meridian are invaluable. My only regret is not doing this sooner!”

Angelina Vaux, ST, Tomball, Texas

“This is a great program and the hands on portion I received is SECOND TO NONE! Everyone involved with this program are extremely knowledgeable.”                     Amber Brill, CST, Rio, West Virginia

“I suggest that anyone that wants to become the best surgical assistant they can be should definitely attend Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting.”

John Williamson, CFA, Humble, Texas

“My experience at Meridian was excellent! The pig lab was outstanding! I have learned so much, and I would highly recommend Meridian to anyone!”

Michelle Powell, CST, O’Fallon, Missouri

“The hand on lab was very educational. It gave you the opportunity to work on REAL tissue and it could not be substituted with any other material.”

Heather Woods, CST, Greenbriar, Tennessee

“Walking into this program I thought I knew a lot about first assisting. There have been so many things that have been presented to me that I didn’t know. Meridian has allowed me to realize what I didn’t know and push me in the direction to where I can become the best first Assistant I can be.”  

Jake Farrer, TS-C, Rome, Georgia

“I have been a practicing Certified First Assistant for years. The Meridian Program showed me how much I didn’t know. This program is an awesome program and helped me to polish my existing skills. I highly recommend this program! It will certainly behoove anyone who goes through it!”

Sandy Nuber, CST/CFA, Conroe, Texas

“The greatest education a surgical first assist can get…and ONLY Meridian offers it!”

Thomas A. Cobert, ST, Bealeton, Virginia

“I would recommend this course to anyone who was thinking of becoming a Surgical First Assistant. The course is very informative and educational and the instructors made it fun.”

Rodney D. Sheffield, CST, Schertz, Texas

“Superb….and in how many programs can you perform a REAL LIVE abdominal aneurysm repair?....”

Michael Campos, CST, San Antonio, Texas

“I thought this course was excellent! The staff and instructors were great and always willing to help. They were available all the time for any questions. It was a great learning experience and very enjoyable. Thanks to everyone at Meridian!”

Beverly K. Wilhelm, RN, Dickinson, Texas

“I had an awesome time and learned an enormous amount of relevant information. The pig lab has prepared me better that I could have ever imagined.”                  Timothy Thorton, CST, Cincinnati, Ohio

“This was an awesome course. I learned a tremendous amount and had fun doing it. The pig lab was AWESOME! I feel very fortunate to have participated in this program.”

Martin Almanza, CST, San Antonio, Texas

“I want to thank everyone at Meridian, and especially for being patient with me. I recommend this program to everyone. The knowledge that is acquired and gained is priceless.”

Julio Mata, CST, Mission, Texas

“This was a very good experience. I am very glad that I came to Meridian Institute to learn the RIGHT way in becoming a surgical assistant.”

Jose Ulloa, CST, North Richland Hills, Texas

“The Meridian course was amazing! The pig labs were very helpful and super informative and educational. The instructors were real, funny, and knew what they were talking about. I wasn’t bored or lost for even a second. This program is REAL training for the REAL surgical world. I can’t say enough about how great this program was.”

Steven Biggs, CST, Schertz, Texas

“I entered this program with advanced skills in assisting. I finished this program 100% plus from where I was before. I am more confident in my skills and abilities. This is the best program I have ever taken and I came out with the acquired skills to be a great assistant…and Meridian gave me the tools!”

Eric Wassner, CST, San Antonio, Texas

“I researched all the courses and found Meridian to be the best.  My surgeons were impressed that we would operate on LIVING tissue.  An excellent program.”                                                              Isaac Nunez, CST, Lilburn Georgia

“This was FUN and REWARDING…. The training was great and I would recommend this program to everyone. The INDEPTH anatomy and HANDS ON training was great...I am now totally confident in my abilities to control stressful situations and I can now TRULY assist my surgeon”                                                                                                                                                    Christopher Madden, CST, Marked Tree, Arkansas

“My experience with Meridian has been nothing short of enriching….”                                              Jennifer West, ST, Watson, Louisiana

“Faculty and Staff here at Meridian really makes you feel comfortable and relaxed….The lab experience is like nothing else I have ever experienced. This REAL training has prepared me for REAL situations in the operating room. Southern hospitality exists here! “                                  Alberto Dias, CST, New Bedford, Massachusetts

“This program is highly recommended! It involves and OUTSTANDING hands-on lab where students are actually involved in actual REAL surgical procedures. The academic portion of the program is very informative and educational and covers the latest technologies.”

Richard Rodriguez, CST, San Antonio, Texas

“I have studied and examined course material from other first assist programs and Meridian’s is leaps and bounds above the others…”

Michael St.Clair, CFA, San Antonio, Texas

“I feel that this program has everything that it takes to successfully equip you with the tools to be the best surgical assistant. The lab has the REALISM needed to perform in the O.R. I would gladly recommend this lab and course to anyone and everyone regardless of status, student or surgical assistant certified.”

Ramone Green, ST, Richmond, Virginia

“I found the program to be FANTASTIC! Not only are the academics and the lab time beneficial, but the instructors and staff are so valuable. They are what sets this program higher than any other. I am proud and can’t wait to tell people about Meridian. I have had the pleasure to be a student at Meridian and they have instilled in me a professional confidence like no other program.”

Jessica Rowekamp, CST, Kalamazoo, Michigan