Surgical Technology

Objective

The Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare entry-level surgical technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. Graduates are provided a strong background in surgical procedures to include such areas as general, cardiac, neuro, plastic, orthopedic, vascular, genitourinary, ophthalmic, and OB/GYN surgical procedures.

Description

Surgical Technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective performance of invasive and minimally invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operative room environment has equipment that functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under the conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists can be expected to handle surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure.

Externship

An externship course is included in this program to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life situations in a healthcare setting. Students are required to complete the required externship hours and other related learning activities prior to graduation. Students are not paid for work performed at the externship site. All student activities associated with the curriculum, especially while students are completing clinical rotations, will be educational in nature. Students will not be substituted for hired staff personnel within the clinical institution, in the capacity of a surgical technologist. The surgical technology student must complete a minimum of 120 surgical cases while on externship.

Academic Progression

In addition to meeting the standards set in the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, students must complete all concentration courses and prerequisite science courses with a minimum grade of “C+” to be considered passing. Any concentration course below a grade of C+ must be retaken. A student can attempt a concentration course no more than two times. Any student who fails to pass a concentration course after two attempts is dismissed from the program

Credentialing Exams

Graduates of Surgical Technology programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are required to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) as a condition of graduation. Students are not required to pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam to graduate but some states and employers may require certification for employment.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Surgical Technology program are prepared to seek employment as entry-level members of an operating room team, working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. In addition to hospital operating rooms, graduates may also seek employment opportunities in surgical centers, delivery rooms, and medical clinics.