surgical technology

Surgical technology

With an associate of applied science in surgical technology, you’ll be prepared for a rewarding career as a surgical technologist.

As an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing care to patients in a variety of surgical settings, you’ll work under the direction of a surgeon to ensure the operating room is safe, the equipment functions properly and the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. You may also be called an operating room technician.

What job duties do surgical technologists perform?

  • Prepare the operating room for surgery
    • Select and open sterile supplies
    • Check non-sterile equipment like sterilizers, lights, suction machines, electrosurgical units and diagnostic equipment
  • Ready the patient for surgery such as providing the patient emotional support, checking charts, observing vital signs, positioning patients, connecting and applying surgical equipment and preparing incision sites
  • Assist the surgeon during surgery by passing sterile supplies and instruments, holding instruments, and handling specimens
  • Count supplies, such as sponges and instruments
  • Maintain sterile environment
  • Assist after operation is complete by applying dressings to incision site and transferring patients

What is the work environment like?

  • Surgical technologists are on their feet most of the day. They may need to help move patients or lift heavy trays of medical supplies and may be exposure to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights or odors.
  • Most work full time and are on call during nights, weekends, and holidays. Surgical technologists may work longer than eight-hour shifts.

Your pathway to a degree

Associate degree

  • Associate of applied science in surgical technology

Accreditation information

The Surgical technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355  113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775-7709
www.caahep.org

Program learning outcomes

  • Cognitive Domain: 1. Apply fundamental concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology to principles of safe patient care. 2. Recognize potential hazards in the operating room environment. 3. Relate the roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist to the perioperative patient experience.
  • Psychomotor Domain: 1. Demonstrate fundamental surgical technology skills in general and surgical specialty procedures. 2. Accurately apply the principles of asepsis across in sterile and unsterile roles. 3. Demonstrate effective use of verbal and written communication skills as a member of the surgical team.
  • Affective Domain: 1. Respect the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of surgical patients. 2. Demonstrate professional responsibility in performance, attitude, and personal conduct. 3. Adhere to the recognized scope of practice in providing optimal patient care. 4. Display a strong surgical conscience in the application of aseptic technique.

 

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