Bachelor of Science in Surgical Assisting
The BSSA program at Bellin College prepares competent entry-level surgical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. We prepare our students to become an integral part of the operating room team upon graduation.
In this consecutive three-year program, students will learn the skills necessary for management of the sterile field and preparation of the operating room, while also expanding their abilities and knowledge to become an advanced member of the surgical team as a Surgical First Assistant. A surgical first assist anticipates the needs of the surgical team during the procedure and works closely with the surgeon by providing aid in surgical site exposure, bleeding control, wound closure, and performing any necessary intraoperative functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results.
How would you like to be in a unique profession?
- Challenging and fast-paced environment.
- Experience a variety of surgical procedures and patients.
- A profession that changes the quality of patient’s lives.
- Get to experience human anatomy first-hand daily.
- Advancements in technology for surgical procedures is ongoing.
- A surgeon mentor will provide hands-on supervision and teaching to advance your surgical techniques such as equipment and tissue handling along with wound closure.
- Throughout clinical rotations, you will have the opportunity to experience multiple surgical specialties.
This program is the ONLY Bachelor’s Degree program in the country for surgical assisting, and provides in depth training in surgical technology, office practice training, and surgical assisting.
 |
 |
 |
“The BSSA program at Bellin College offers multiple areas of expertise for students to choose from. Graduates have great earning potential and the opportunity to quickly advance in their careers, with employment options throughout many communities. We are looking forward to working with students and graduates of this program.”
– Maria Klim, Vice President of Surgery and Anesthesia Services, Bellin Hospital
Bellin College Mission Program Philosophy Program Goal 1: To prepare competent entry-level surgical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. Program Goal 2: Students will have an understanding and appreciation for optimum aseptic techniques and infection prevention. Program Goal 3: Students will demonstrate entry-level competency in surgical assisting. Program Goal 4: Students will portray leadership skills. The Bellin College (program) Guide – Handbook and Catalog summarizes campus information pertaining to College resources, policies and procedures as well as student services and academic planning. A three-year academic plan of study for those with few or no prior college credits seeking a Bachelor of Science in Surgical Assisting. 120 Credits (62 BSST, 58 General Education) Clinical Case Requirements for the Bellin College Surgical Assisting Program are the following: Each student must complete 140 cases in a variety of specialties with a sponsoring surgeon, or a Bellin College approved Certified Assistant. Specific requirements include: All cases must be done with a Board-Certified MD, DO, DPM, or a Bellin College approved Surgical Assistant Preceptor (CSFA, CSA). Students will fill out case logs on a daily basis, as well as secure preceptor agreement forms and evaluations. A list of sample academic plans for the Bachelor of Science in Surgical Assisting program can be found within the College’s Handbook and Catalog: https://catalog.bellincollege.edu/degrees The Bachelor of Science in Surgical Assisting (BSSA) degree at Bellin College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accrediting Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). CAAHEP Upon successful completion of their Surgical Technology requirements, the students will be eligible to sit for the Technologist in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) national certification examination through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) prior to entering the Senior year of their program. Visit Bellin College’s Accreditation page for more information: https://www.bellincollege.edu/about/accreditation/
Bellin College is dedicated to educating healthcare professionals through innovation, leadership, and service that promotes lifelong learning and excellence.
In association with the mission of Bellin College, it is the intention of the surgical assisting program to educate students who will function as proficient healthcare professionals and team members possessing a constant concern for quality patient care and technical competency.
the program divided by the number of students that complete the program.
pass the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) CSFA certification exam on their first attempt and who hold the CSFA credential within one year of graduation from the program.
employment in the sonography field, are continuing their education, or are in the military in one of the program’s accredited specialties within six months of graduation from the program. Information regarding college enrollment, persistence, credentialing, diversity, and job placement (employment) rates for the college as a whole are available on the Statistics page.
Information concerning the Bachelor of Science in Surgical Assisting is maintained on the website as a requirement of its accrediting body, CAAHEP. Program Effectiveness Data can
be found here. For more information regarding program effectiveness data visit the CAAHEP website at www.caahep.org.
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
P: 727-210-2350
F: 727-210-2354
E: mail@caahep.org
Why choose Bellin College?
With our small class sizes, our three consecutive year program will provide you with excellent opportunities, resources, and state-of-the-art facilities to excel in your academic and clinical experience. In addition, our unique program will offer you:
- Direct admission with no waitlist
- Bachelor’s degree in three years
- Utilizing advanced technology in the form of a synthetic cadaver (SynDaver), students are able to perform advanced surgical simulations.
- Broad education that expands career opportunities beyond the operating room
- Preparation for leadership roles
- Better prepared to work as a member of the surgical team, which will improve employability
- Tuition less than other health sciences roles
- Employable prior to graduation
- Foundation for advanced degrees (IE Physician Assistant)
- Students will be eligible to sit for the Technologist in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) national certification examination through the National Center for Competency Testing (NSST).
Employment Opportunities Post-Graduation:
- Hospital facility
- Ambulatory Surgery Center
- Work for a specific surgeon or surgical group
- Join an established group of surgical assistants
- Open your own business and work with several surgeons
- Travel opportunities throughout the United States
Questions?
Please contact Bellin College Admissions at Admissions@bellincollege.edu,
(920) 433-6650, or use our online contact form.
