Associate of Applied Science Degree
10-512-1

The Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree enables learners to develop skills to support a team of medical professionals who provide surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. The surgical technologist works to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room or environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

The Surgical Technology program prepares learners with expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Students who are successful in this field possess a strong sense of responsibility and show considerable patience and concern for others.  They should have above average abilities to function as a team member and possess manual dexterity and fine motor coordination.  They should be willing to perform accurately and efficiently under pressure and regularly demonstrate psychological and physical stamina to endure the work environment successfully.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Apply healthcare and technological science principles to the perioperative environment.
2. Maintain principles of sterile technique in the surgical environment.
3. Provide a safe, efficient and supportive environment for the patient.
4. Prepare the patient, operating room and surgical team for the preoperative phase.
5. Perform intraoperative case management in the scrub role.
6. Perform postoperative case management.
7. Function as an ethical, legal and professional member of the healthcare team as determined by governing bodies.

Graduates Have Found Employment As

The Surgical Technologist program offers the following career opportunities:

• Surgical Technologist
• Central Supply Technician
• Claims Approver
• Private Scrub Technologist
• Scrub Surgical Technologist
• Second Assisting Technologist
• Laser/Endoscopic Technician
• Tissue/Organ Procurement

General Education Courses Within Program

High School Diploma or GED. In order to be eligible to petition the program for entry, you must apply to and be admitted by the college, attend an Advising, Registration, and Orientation (ARO) session, meet all program-specific eligibility requirements, and attend a health sciences petition meeting specific to surgical technology.

A caregiver background check WILL be required for clinical portion of the program. Students must meet the immunization requirements set by the CDC and upload results through Viewpoint. A 10-panel drug screen will also be required.

CPR certification will be needed prior to attending clinical rotation (American Heart Association).