Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology, Diploma

Surgical Technologists are integral members of the operating room team who work closely with the surgeon, anesthesiologist and registered nurse delivering direct patient care before, during, and immediately after surgery. Surgical Technologists act as primary scrub persons who handle the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary for the completion of the surgical procedure. These well educated and highly skilled individuals must anticipate the needs of the surgeon and have the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care. Some specific duties include passing instruments, sutures, sponges, and equipment during the operative procedure. Preparation of the operating room and equipment before surgery, plus cleanup of these items after surgery are also duties that Surgical Technologists perform.

Clinical placement is determined only after the student has been observed safely and consistently performing all required procedures in specified time frames.

Background checks and drug screenings are required for this program. For more information please see Additional Requirments page.

Semester	Course Title	Credits

First Semester
SSS 100	Student Success Seminar	2
HC 118	Applied Anatomy/Physiology	4
HC 118L	Applied Anatomy/Physiology Lab
HC 117	Medical Terminology	1
HC 114 HC 114	Health Care/Human Relations	3
Discussions and activities will center around the topic of respect. This course introduces students to health care issues and assists them in developing personal and employability success skills. Topics include, but are not limited to: accountability, professionalism, communication, confidentiality, patient rights, cultural bias and discrimination, effective interpersonal skills, dealing with difficult patients of all ages, and death and dying issues.
HC 121 HC 121	Patient Care Techniques I	3
HC 121L	Patient Care Techniques I Lab
Designed to assist students in developing the necessary skills to directly deal with patients. Skills acquired will help protect themselves, as well as the patient, and includes infection control, body mechanics, vital signs, CPR/First Aid, dealing with tubes and equipment, safety and security as well as other topics.
ST 100 ST 100	Surgical Techiques	3
Effective and safe care of the surgical patient are the focus of this course. Students will be exposed to all facets of surgery and surgical patient care. Historical perspective of the career of the Surgical Technolgist will be explored. Corequisite: ST 110
ST 110 ST 110	Surgical Techniques Lab	2
A "hands-on" introduction to Surgical Technology. It includes operating room (OR) environment, instrumentation, sterile technique, basic suture knowledge and sponge, sharp and instrument counts. Students use this basic information to practice skills and techniques in the lab setting.
ST 121 ST 121	Surgical Asepsis	2
This course is an introduction to sterile technique in surgery. Students will learn all components of establishing and maintaining a sterile field. In addition, the following topics will be covered: microorganisms, their classifications and methods of control, the infection process, wound healing, suture and sterilization.
20
Satisfactory completion of the above Surg Tech classes (ST) and all Health Core (HC) are required to take the following courses.
Second Semester
CIS 101 CIS 101	Computer Essentials	2
Designed to enable students with little or no computer experience to acquire a basic understanding of the personal computer. This course involves the study of computer basics such as hardware, operating systems, and file management, using the Internet for research, word processing, and spreadsheets.
COMM 102 COMM 102	Communication in the Workplace	3
Presents the elements of oral and written communication necessary to succeed in today's workplace. Emphasizes the written and oral skills needed for job search and employment. Hands-on activities and collaborative projects will provide students with comprehensive information addressing essential writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary to excel in today's workplace as well as the workplace of tomorrow.
HC 102 HC 102	Math for Medications	1
This one credit course is designed to teach students the calculation skills needed to safely practice in the healthcare profession.
ST 112 ST 112	Surgical Procedures I	3
Designed to introduce students to surgical procedures in general surgery, OB/GYN, Genitourinary, Orthopedics, Neurosurgical, Cardiothoracic, Peripheral Vascular, Plastic and Reconstructive, Ophthalmology, Oral and Maxillofacial, and Otorhinolaryngology. Prerequisite: ST 100
ST 113 ST 113	Technology for the Surgical Technologists	1
Designed to introduce students to technology utilized in today's operating rooms. Addresses basic technological science requirements for current and future surgical practice: electricity, physics, robotics and computers.
ST 114 ST 114	Clinical Practice I	3
This course consists of 240 hours of surgical technology practice in operating rooms at local hospitals. Students will gain essential skills in preparation of the patient, instrumentation and supplies necessary for surgery. Students will be directly involved with numerous surgical procedures. Corequisite: ST 120
ST 119 ST 119	Responsibilities of the Surg Technologist	1
This course is designed to discuss professional issues that will affect the Surgical Technologist proceeding into the workplace. The course will cover such topics as the legal and ethical issues in the work-place, communication in the work-place, scope of practice for the Surgical Technologist, and resume and interviewing tips for success in getting and maintaining a desired job. The course will discuss various health care settings, as well as the leadership and management roles of the Surgical Technologist within those settings. Corequisite: ST 114
ST 120 ST 120	Principles & Practice of Surg Tech	2
Designed to assist the student in gaining essential skills in the preparation of patient, instrumentation and supplies used in surgery. Takes place in a mock operating room setting at STI. One day per week/two hours per class. One hour per week of lecture time is also a part of this course.
ST 122 ST 122	Surgical Procedures Lab	2
Designed to allow the student to practice concepts related to all core and specialty surgical procedures. This course will take place in a mock operating room setting at Southeast Technical Institue, one day per week/four hours per class. Corequisite: ST 112
ST 123 ST 123	Surgical Pharmacology	1
Students study the use of drugs and solutions administered to the surgical patient, anesthesia, and medical abbreviations. Prerequisites: ST 100, Health Care.
19
Satisfactory completion of the above Surg Tech classes (ST, HC, CIS 101, COMM 102) are required to take the following courses.
Third Semester (Approximately 10 weeks)
ST 124 ST 124	Clinical Practice II	6
This course is a continuation of ST 114. The course will consist of a minimum 180 hours of surgical technology practice in the operating room setting at a hospital in the Midwest region. Students will apply their knowledge of surgical techniques and procedures, equipment, instruments, and supplies and increasingly develop their skills. Prerequisites: ST 120, ST 114, ST 122, ST 123, Permission of Program Chair
ST 134 ST 134	Clinical Practice III	6
This course is a continuation of ST 124. The course will consist of a minimum 180 hours of surgical technology practice in the operating room setting at a hospital in the Midwest region. Students will continue to apply their knowledge of surgical techniques and procedures, equipment, instruments, and supplies and increasingly develop their skills. Prerequisites: ST 124, Permission of Program Chair
12
Total Credits 51

Requirements: Achievement of a grade of "C" or higher for all ST and HC courses is required for graduation and before moving to the next semester.

Clinical Placement will be chosen by the lottery (drawing out of a hat) system. Clinical sites are in the Midwest region.

Students entering a program in any semester other than outlined may not graduate in the expected amount of time.