Surgical Assistant program has been developed to prepare students to assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. Surgical Assistant may, in accordance with the applicable state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove
tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site. The Surgical Assistant program will be using a variety of instructional methods that will prepare students for entry-level
positions as surgical assistants or provide career path advancement opportunities for individuals already working in the field. At the end of the program, graduates will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to start working as a Surgical Assistant, which will
bring benefits and contribute to the efficiency of the operating room, as well as improvements in the patient outcome.

Surgical Assistant students will be trained through a variety of instructional methods including: virtual and on campus classes, laboratory and clinical experience to safely assist in surgical operations. Comprehensive surgery knowledge as well as perioperative and postoperative skills will be stressed during this program. The role and functions of the surgical assistant, the unique functions of the surgical assistant are emphasized, and are not limited to: tissue handling, suturing, hemostasis, and surgical instruments.

Graduates of the Surgical Assistant (SA) program at Stellar Career College are eligible to take the Surgical Assistant - Certified (SA-C) exam of the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA).

Program Objectives:
1. Demonstrate the in-depth understanding of the surgical assistant’s role, limitations, legalities and ethical aspects
2. Explain surgical knowledge and skills of infection control, and wound healing in order to achieve optimal patient outcomes
3. Verbalize understanding of the flow of surgical procedures for a variety of surgical procedures
4. Understand and demonstrate the ability to provide preoperative skills such as assessing patient information,
5. Understand preoperative tests (EKG, EEG, EMG, lab values, diagnostic imaging), safety measures, biopsy results, positioning and draping.
6. Demonstrate understanding of intraoperative skills such as visualization, trocar insertion, injection of local anesthetics, hemostasis, tissue handling, placement and securing of wound drains, and closure of body planes.
7. Demonstrate postoperative skills in patient care such as dressing application, patient transfer and transport, transfer of care, and monitoring for immediate complications.
8. Demonstrate technical and critical thinking problem solving