This twelve month program prepares students for entry-level positions as surgical technologist. Students learn aseptic technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures and patient care through classroom, laboratory practice, and supervised practicums in area clinical agencies. Students learn to assist the surgeon by passing instruments and sutures, holding retractors and cutting sutures. Persons interested in the program should be able to work well with others in a team environment, and function effectively under intense and stressful situations.

Surgical technologists are integral members of the surgical team who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel-delivering patient care before, during, and after surgery. Scrub, circulating, and second assisting surgical technologists have primary responsibility for maintaining the sterile field, being constantly vigilant that all members of the team adhere to aseptic technique. It is recognized that not all surgical technology practitioners fill the roles of circulator and second assistant. It is imperative, however, that the surgical technology student be educated in all aspects of surgical technology, identified by the following duties and the curriculum content section.

Eligibility for graduation is dependent upon the completion of the Minimum case load of 120 cases within the time frame of ST 102-105.  Case load requirements are followed according the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologist sixth edition.

Upon completion of the Surgical Technology Program, graduates will have met the academic and clinical requirements to take the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Eligibility Requirements

Surgical Technology Eligibility Requirements

Program Goals

1. Demonstrate the knowledge of biologic sciences, pharmacology and biomedical technology in the field of surgical technology. (Cognitive)
2. Meet performance standards that are needed to respond to the surgical patient needs in the perioperative setting. (Psychomotor)
3. Demonstrate knowledge from a broad academic curriculum to pass the NBSTSA certification exam. (Cognitive)
4. Maintain a “surgical conscience” and accountability for personal actions. (Affective)
5. Assume responsibility as a member of the profession of surgical technology through maintenance of standards of practice, professional ethics, and ongoing self-evaluation. (Affective)

Curriculum

Summer (8 weeks) 

FYS 101 College Seminar (1)
ENG 100 English Composition (3) or ENG 099 Writing Skills (0) (if needed)
BI 151 Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
AH 201 Human Diversity (1)

Fall (16 weeks)
ST 100 Fundamentals of Surgical Care I (3)
ST 100 Fundamentals of Surgical Care I Lab (3)
BI 152 Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
ENG 100 English Composition (3) (if needed)
ST 102 Fundamentals of Surgical Care II (3)
ST 102 Lab Fundamentals of Surgical Care II Lab (3)
St 101 Pharmacology (3)

Spring (16 weeks)

ST 103 Surgical Technology I (2)
ST 103 Lab Surgical Technology I Lab (4)
ST 104 Surgical Technology II (2)
ST 104 Lab Surgical Technology II Lab (4)
ST 105 Surgical Technology III (2)
ST 105 Lab Surgical Technology III Lab (4)
BI 200 Microbiology (3)

Total semester hours = 49

This 2 year program prepares students for entry-level positions as surgical technologist. Students learn aseptic technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures and patient care through classroom, laboratory practice, and supervised practicums in area clinical agencies. Students learn to assist the surgeon by passing instruments and sutures, holding retractors and cutting sutures. Persons interested in the program should be able to work well with others in a team environment, and function effectively under intense and stressful situations.

Surgical technologists are integral members of the surgical team who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel-delivering patient care before, during, and after surgery. Scrub, circulating, and second assisting surgical technologists have primary responsibility for maintaining the sterile field, being constantly vigilant that all members of the team adhere to aseptic technique. It is recognized that not all surgical technology practitioners fill the roles of circulator and second assistant. It is imperative, however, that the surgical technology student be educated in all aspects of surgical technology, identified by the following duties and the curriculum content section.

Eligibility for graduation is dependent upon the completion of the Minimum case load of 120 cases within the time frame of ST 112-212. Case load requirements are followed according the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologist sixth edition.

Upon completion of the Surgical Technology Program, graduates will have met the academic and clinical requirements to take the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements for Surgical Tech AAS

Program Goals

1. To apply general principles of biologic sciences, pharmacology and biomedical technology in the field of surgical technology. (cognitive)
2. Meet performance standards that are needed to respond to the surgical patient needs in the perioperative setting. (psychomotor)
3. Internalize an appreciation for maintaining a “surgical conscience” (values) and accountability for personal actions. (affective)
4. Assume responsibility as a member of the profession of surgical technology through maintenance of standards of practice, professional ethics, and ongoing self-evaluation. (affective)
5. Integrate complex concepts from the broad surgical technology academic curriculum to pass the NBSTSA certification exam. (cognitive)

Curriculum

Summer 1 (8 weeks)

GOVT 100 Government and Politics in the United States (3)
BI 151 Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab (4)
ENG 099 Writing Skills (0) if needed

Fall 1 (16 weeks)

FYS 101 College Seminar (1)
BI 152 Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab (4)
AH 201 Human Diversity in Healthcare Delivery (1)
AH 230 Medical Ethics (3)
COM 100 Oral Communications (3)

Spring 1 (16 weeks)

AH 104 Introduction to Medical Terminology (1)
AH 204 Medical Terminology II (2)
BI 200 Microbiology (3)
ENG 100 English Composition (3)
BI250 Pathophysiology (3)

Summer 2 (8 weeks) No Required Classes

Fall 2 (16 weeks)

ST 110 Fundamentals of Surgical Care I and Lab (7)
ST 112 Fundamentals of Surgical Care II and Lab (8)

Spring 2 (16 weeks)

ST 210 Surgical Technology I and Clinical (9)
ST 212 Surgical Technology II and Clinical (9)