2020-2021 College Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Surgical Technology, A.S.


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Department Chairperson - Ms. Amanda Minor

The Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology combines the science of the operating theatre with a liberal arts foundation to create a skilled professional responsible to his/her patient’s holistic needs both physically and psychologically. The program offers the necessary academic and clinical exposure that will prepare the students for employment as a member of the surgical team. The student-focused curriculum includes academic courses in surgical technology and a structured competency-based clinical education with an emphasis on liberal arts studies.

The curriculum consists of both theory and clinical experience with an emphasis on aseptic technique, instrumentation, equipment and surgical procedures. Hands on experiences are provided by a fully functional operating room suite located on campus plus actual “scrubbing” exposure as a surgical technology student at one of the affiliate hospitals.

Graduates of the associate program in surgical technology will have a solid grounding in liberal arts that includes humanities, arts, and sciences.

Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Surgical Technology program, the graduates will be able to:

  1. have an in-depth knowledge of general science which includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology and surgical pharmacology;
  2. demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, patient care including legal and ethical issues, safety, professional/caring behavior, asepsis, sterile technique, preparation for surgery, fundamentals of surgical care, and surgical procedures;
  3. have a working knowledge of equipment operations including the basic physical principles of the electrosurgical units, suction units, instrumentation, surgical furniture, pneumatic tourniquets, and monitors;
  4. demonstrate a solid foundation of surgical sequences and anticipate needs of the surgeon to ensure quality patient care;
  5. practice proper medical ethics for surgical technologists and be able to work collaboratively with surgeons and operating staff in attending to patient needs;
  6. develop the commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit of personal and professional growth through the participation in education and professional activities;
  7. sit for the national certification exam issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) prior to graduation and receipt of earned diploma; and
  8. secure an entry-level position in the field of Surgical Technology.

Core Course Requirements


Communication/Writing


Art/English/Music/Theatre/Social Science


History/Political Science


  • HIST or PLSC 3 Credits

Science/Math


Information Communication Technologies


Religious Studies


  • RLST 3 Credits

Cultural Diversity


  • Cultural Diversity: 3 Credits

Total Credits in Core: 26 Credits


Total Credits in Major: 23 Credits


Other Required Coursework


Total Credits in Other Required Coursework: 11 Credits


Total Credits for Degree: 60 Credits


Program Specifics

  1. Surgical Technology students must earn a minimum of a “C” grade in major course requirements and other required coursework. To achieve a “C” grade in Surgical Technology courses, students must meet the following theory and clinical requirements:
    1. theory requirement - minimum average of 79 percent;
    2. clinical requirement - an earned passing grade in all clinical objectives;
    3. lab requirement - an earned passing grade in all lab objectives; and
    4. make-up of missed clinical/lab days prior to the end of semester.
  2. Students who have not met the “C” grade requirements at mid-semester will be placed on academic probation. If a “C” grade is not attained by the end of the semester, the academic probation will change to a dismissal;
  3. Students must achieve a “C” or better in LIBA 150  ,ENGL 110  , BIOL 201  and METE 109  before being admitted into SURT 104  and SURT 109 ;
  4. All courses listed in the catalog as prerequisites must be completed with a minimum “C” grade before the student is admitted into SURT 105 ;
  5. Students are required to submit a signed Essential Functions Policy acknowledging the physical and mental demands placed on a Surgical Technology student in the operating room setting;
  6. Students must provide their own transportation to clinical sites;
  7. All surgical technology freshman must complete 5 hours observation time in an operating room setting and a clinical visit essay form prior to admission in SURT 104 - Surgical Technology I ;
  8. Students that are attending a clinical have multiple requirements that need to be completed and submitted electronically. A clinical experience will not be permitted without a physical exam, titers to ensure immunity to Mumps, Rubella, Rubeola, and Varicella, immunization information for Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis, and Influenza, and a two- step Tuberculosis test. The Health Service Department assists students in creating an account and using a Certified Profile system to upload documentation for approval and tracking.
  9. Students are required to have a current clear urine drug screen, submit to a criminal record check, an FBI fingerprint record check and have a child abuse history clearance.
  10. Students in a Health Studies Division curriculum are assessed a one-time fee to cover incidental expenses connected with your program’s clinical education. One American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification (Adult, Child, Infant and AED), one urine drug screening, one criminal record check, one FBI fingerprint record check, and one child abuse clearance (if required) are included in the fee. If additional criminal record checks, child abuse clearances or urine drug screens are required, the student will be responsible for any additional costs associated with updating their requirements.
  11. Students are required to have and maintain a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR Certification (Adult, Child, Infant and AED) for the duration of their clinical experience.

*Any additional examinations or tests required by an affiliate hospital must be completed prior to entry into the clinical site.

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