Surgical Technology

 “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 conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures,” (AST, 2015).

The associate degree program in surgical technology contains sixty (60) credits and includes both theory and practical clinical experience designed to prepare the student to pass the national certification examination for surgical technologists.   The three domains of learning are utilized; affective, cognitive and psychomotor domains. 

Most surgical technologists are employed in hospital surgery departments, obstetric departments, and ambulatory care centers.  Because of the broad educational background combined with a specialized focus, other options may be open to the experienced surgical technologist including medical sales, sterile processing, and instrument repair.  These skills also include specialization in an area of interest such as robotic and minimally invasive surgery, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, obstetric, genitourinary, gynecology, orthopedic, pediatric, plastic and reconstruction, or general surgery. Other pathways of advancement include the role of the surgical assistant, employment by military service, technical writing, illustration, and photography. The U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics had identified surgical technology as “growing much faster than expected.” More information can be found at www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Surgical-technologists.htm

Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org), 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763 Phone 727.210.2350, Fax 727.210.2354 upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (arcstsa.org), 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 110, Littleton, CO 80112, Phone 303.694.9262, Fax 303.741.3655.

Admission Criteria

1. All prior biology courses must be completed within 5 years of admission.
2. BIOL 2401  must be taken prior to SRGT 1541 .
3. Coursework must be completed before May of the graduation year.
4. Completion of non-SRGT courses does not guarantee program admission.
5. Preadmission requirements include:

1. LSC completed application
2. TSI Assessment testing and/or Advisor verification of on-level achievement
3. Completed criminal background check through CertifiedBackground.org
4. Physical examination by licensed healthcare provider
5. Candidate interview upon request (not all applicants will receive invitation)

   6. Post admission requirements:

1. Current medical insurance
2. Purchase of account for documentation upload and immunization tracking through CertifiedBackground.org
3. Drug screening by a provider approved by LSC
4. Hepatitis B vaccination/titer
5. Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus vaccination
6. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccination
7. Varicella vaccination/titer
8. Influenza vaccination - annually
9. Tuberculosis testing (PPD) - annually
10. Current Basic Life Support: Healthcare Provider - American Heart Association
11. Participation in the Certified Surgical Technologist® exam in May of graduation year.

Reference:

Association of Surgical Technologists. (2015). Job description: surgical technologist. Retrieved from http://www.ast.org/jobdescription surgical technologist.pdf

Programs

• •  Surgical Technology, AAS