Surgical Technology

• Surgical technologists are allied health professions who are an integral part of the surgical team providing surgical care to patients. 
• Surgical technologists work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other key surgical personnel in hospital operating rooms and outpatient surgery centers.
• Surgical technologists function under medical supervision during all phases of the operative procedure by maintaining the sterile field and assisting the surgical team throughout the procedure.  

Job availability in Surgical Technology is very high and expected to continue to grow faster than average according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The philosophy of the Surgical Technology program is consistent with the philosophy and purpose of the college: To provide quality, relevant learning experiences that enable the student to develop his/her whole being to the maximum of his/her ability. The basic philosophy, as applied to the Surgical Technology program, is to provide a variety of learning experiences that will enable the students to use their knowledge and skills to function as an entry level Surgical Technologist. Emphasis is placed on delivering safe patient care while recognizing the legal, moral and ethical implications as they apply to the surgical technologist. The program addresses the needs of the surrounding medical facilities and prepares graduates to meet the academic, technical, and special needs as defined by the service area. 

The Goals and purpose of the Surgical Technology program is to provide the student with planned learning experiences, which enable him or her to:

1. Enter the workforce with the skills and techniques necessary to be certification – eligible
   and meet employer expectations as entry level Surgical Technologists.
2. Work collaboratively as a team member.
3. Demonstrate professional ethical behavior.
4. Demonstrate a safe level of knowledge and practice related to patient safety, surgical
   technique, surgical procedures, ethical/legal responsibilities and surgical conscience.
5. Recognize the importance of professional engagement through membership to
   professional organizations and the completion of the national certification exam. 

Program Learning Outcomes and Domains

Minimum Expectations: To prepare competent entry-level surgical technologist in the cognitive
(knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Cognitive Domain
The student will:

1. Apply fundamental concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology to principles of safe
   patient care.
2. Apply critical thinking skills necessary to practice safely and effectively as a Surgical
   Technologist.
3. Relate the roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist to all operative patients
   and practice within the confines of the scope of practice for Surgical Technologists.

Psychomotor Domain
The student will:

1. Demonstrate fundamental accuracy in technical skills necessary to perform safely in in
   general and surgical specialty areas.
   procedures.
2. Accurately apply the principles of asepsis in sterile and unsterile roles while displaying a
   strong surgical conscience in the application of aseptic technique.
3. Demonstrate effective use of verbal and written communication skills as a member of
   the surgical team.

Affective Domain
The student will:

1. Respect the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of surgical patients.
2. Demonstrate professional, legal, and ethical behavior consistent with the profession and
   the healthcare community relevant to the role of the Surgical Technologist.
3. Adhere to the recognized scope of practice in providing optimal patient care.

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by CAAHEP and was developed to meet the rigorous Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Surgical Technology. The curriculum is guided by the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology, 7th edition. The Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) collaborates with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) to set standards for education, such as the associate degree as the preferred level of entry into the profession. These standards guide our didactic, laboratory, and clinical components. The classroom classes begin the fall semester and is designed to introduce the foundation of the field of surgical technology. The laboratory instruction familiarizes the student to the proper procedures, techniques, and skills necessary to work in the OR. The students learn, practice, and demonstrate the skills before performing the skills in the clinical setting. In the clinical setting, students will apply all previous theory/laboratory knowledge while being supervised by faculty or clinical staff. With the completion of the program, students are eligible to apply to sit for the Certification Exam for Surgical Technology.

Upon completion of the program requirements, the graduate will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program requirements for graduation are as follows: 

1. The student must achieve a grade of C or above in each course comprising the curriculum of the program. 
2. The student must complete a minimum of 425 clinical hours. 
3. The clinical performance objectives must be completed and case requirements met established by ARC/AST.

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) based on the recommendations of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting(ARC-STSA).

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA)
19751 East Main Street | Suite #339 | Parker, CO 80138 | 303-694-9262

Commisson on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113th Street N #7709 | Seminole, FL 33775 | 727-210-2350

Surgical Technologists assist surgeons and medical teams during surgeries by preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, and ensuring a sterile environment.

Surgical First Assistants work closely with surgeons by providing hands-on assistance during surgical procedures, including tissue retraction, suturing, and controlling bleeding.

Sterile Processing Technicians manage the sterilization and preparation of surgical instruments and equipment, ensuring they are safe and ready for use in medical procedures.