Bellin College offers first advanced surgical assisting bachelor’s program in Wisconsin
Bellin College announces a Surgical Assisting undergraduate program starting fall of 2021. This is the first bachelor’s program in Wisconsin and one of the first in the nation that offers advanced education in both aspects of surgical technology and surgical assisting.
The decision to launch this program stems from the chronic shortage of local, regional, and national surgical technologists and surgical assistants, essential functions of surgical care. “These shortages have impacted surgical capacity and flow for the past several years and are expected to worsen,” Dr. Mark Bake dean of allied health sciences said. “Feedback from our community showed a need for a program with advanced training, and we are excited to be able to meet that need.”
This unique program qualifies graduates for first assist roles, increasing the earning potential upon completion of the program. The curriculum will include courses in surgical quality standards, risk management/professional responsibilities, and office practice. Students will not only learn how to support in the intraoperative setting but can also perform preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate patient care.
Graduates of the program will receive a Bachelor of Science in Surgical Assisting (BSSA) degree and are eligible to apply for the national certification examination. This degree provides graduates the opportunity for immediate employment or continuing education in the health sciences field.
