Surgical Assisting FAQs

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants must meet the published admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Surgical Assisting program. Competitive applicants often have a strong academic record, leadership or work experience, and a demonstrated interest in the surgical profession.

How do I apply to the Surgical Assisting program?

Applications are submitted through Bellin College’s online admissions portal. Applicants must submit transcripts, verify prerequisite coursework, and provide any required application materials.

Do I need prior healthcare experience to apply?

Healthcare experience is not required but can be beneficial. Shadowing in an operating room or surgical department can help applicants better understand the profession and the responsibilities of a surgical assistant.

How competitive is admission?

Admission to the Surgical Assisting program is competitive. Strong prerequisite grades, observation experiences, and a thoughtful personal statement can strengthen an application.

How can I strengthen my application?

Applicants can strengthen their application by performing well in science prerequisite courses, gaining observation experience, demonstrating leadership or customer service experience, and clearly expressing their interest in the profession.

Can I transfer credits into the program?

Transfer credits are evaluated individually. Some laboratory and clinical courses may not be eligible for transfer.

What is the Surgical Assisting program?

The Bachelor of Science in Surgical Assisting prepares students to become entry-level surgical assistants who work directly with surgeons during surgical procedures. Students develop knowledge, technical skills, and professional behaviors through classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and supervised clinical education.

What does a Surgical Assistant do?

Surgical assistants work alongside surgeons during operations, helping with exposure, controlling bleeding, suturing, wound closure, and other technical responsibilities that support safe and effective patient care.

How long does the program take to complete?

The program is a three-year, year-round bachelor’s degree. Students progress from foundational coursework to advanced surgical assisting education while completing supervised clinical experiences throughout the curriculum.

What is the difference between a Surgical Technologist and a Surgical Assistant?

Both professionals are important members of the surgical team, but their responsibilities differ.

Surgical technologists prepare the operating room, maintain sterile technique, and assist the surgical team during procedures. Surgical assistants work directly with the surgeon during surgery, performing more advanced responsibilities such as assisting with exposure, controlling bleeding, and suturing under the surgeon’s supervision.

Why earn a bachelor’s degree in Surgical Assisting?

A bachelor’s degree combines technical surgical education with general education, communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. This broader preparation can support professional growth, career advancement, and future educational opportunities.

What technology and equipment will I use?

Students train using modern surgical technology in Bellin College’s laboratory and simulation environments, including surgical instruments, suturing materials, laparoscopic simulators, synthetic cadavers, and equipment commonly used in operating rooms. Clinical education provides experience using the technology found in healthcare settings.

What hands-on and clinical experience will I receive?

Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory instruction and supervised clinical rotations in a variety of surgical specialties. Clinical experiences allow students to apply classroom learning while working alongside surgical teams in real operating room settings.

How are clinical placements assigned, and how far might I travel?

Clinical placements are assigned based on availability and educational needs. Students should expect some travel to clinical sites.

What skills will I be expected to demonstrate during clinical rotations?

Students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge and technical skills learned in the classroom and laboratory while working under supervision. These include sterile technique, assisting with exposure, controlling bleeding, suturing, instrument handling, patient safety, communication, and teamwork.

What is a typical week like in the program?

Early semesters emphasize classroom instruction and laboratory practice. As students progress, more time is spent in supervised clinical settings, applying surgical assisting skills while working with surgical teams.

Can I work while enrolled?

Because of the program’s academic and clinical demands, many students find full-time employment difficult. Some students successfully work part-time depending on their schedules.

Are evening or weekend classes available?

Most classes are held during daytime hours. Clinical experiences may require early mornings or other nontraditional hours.

What skills are important for Surgical Assistants?

Successful surgical assistants demonstrate technical ability, attention to detail, communication skills, manual dexterity, professionalism, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Students must also meet the program’s published technical requirements.

Is the Surgical Assisting program accredited?

Yes. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

Where can I find retention, certification exam pass rates, and job placement outcomes?

Bellin College publishes required program outcomes annually on its Program Effectiveness page, including retention, certification examination pass rates, and graduate employment outcomes.

What certification exam can graduates pursue?

Graduates may be eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) examination, provided they meet certification requirements.

Where do Surgical Assistants work?

Graduates commonly work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities, collaborating with surgeons and other members of the surgical team.

What is the job outlook for Surgical Assistants?

Demand for qualified surgical assistants remains strong as healthcare organizations continue to rely on highly trained surgical teams. Employment opportunities vary based on location, certification, experience, and employer needs.

What does the program cost?

Tuition covers instruction, laboratory experiences, and clinical placements. Students should also budget for books, uniforms, immunizations, background checks, and certification exam fees.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid and scholarship opportunities may be available for eligible students.