Surgical Tech Program

TURN MY PASSION INTO A CAREER

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AOS Surgical Technology Degree Program

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Now Offering Night and Weekend Classes!

The Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Surgical Technology Program uses a blended program delivery and consists of a 1730-hour comprehensive course of study that combines theory and clinical practice. The curriculum is designed to provide qualified individuals an opportunity to acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills which will enable them to become safe and competent practitioners of Surgical Technology. 

Surgical Tech Program Outcomes

To become certified, candidates of the program must successfully complete the examination conducted by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Participation of the WBT CST exam is required for graduation. The program prepares students for entry-level positions in a number of health care facilities including hospitals, medical centers, public and private surgical centers. The program includes a mandatory 600 hour Surgical Technology Externship that must be completed prior to graduation.

Preparation for your career starts today as a Surgical Technologist by calling (800) 455-4700; or submitting your information in the form located in the upper right side of page.

Surgical Tech Course Descriptions

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This course is designed to introduce the student to the online learning environment and the use of technology (e.g. laptop computer, Microsoft programs, Canvas, computer based learning resources MyITlab, internet search, LIRN, academic honesty/plagiarism). Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate proficient computer application skills permitting academic success (online and in the classroom) through the use of electronic learning resources. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 40 theory hours.

Prerequisites Required: None.

This course reviews basic English concepts and introduces students to college level writing with an emphasis on basic grammar and composition. Students will apply their learning to a variety of writing activities emphasizing the development of paragraphs and essay. This course is delivered as a Distance Education (online) course.

Prerequisites Required: None.

This course presents the fundamental concepts of a pre-algebra course. Students will be introduced to the concepts of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, integers, order of operations, percent, signed numbers, measurements, geometry, statistics, probability, and basic algebra concepts. This course is delivered as a Distance Education (online) course.

Prerequisites Required: None.

This course is a study of the following topics and human systems: definition of anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, the cell, tissues, cellular metabolic, skin, muscle, bone, nervous system, eye and ear anatomy and function, endocrine system, blood components, circulatory system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system and reproductive system. The functions and interrelationships of these systems are studied. This course emphasizes the homeostatic nature of these systems with reference to human disease states. This course is delivered as a Distance Education (online) course.Prerequisites

Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101.

A continuing of the systems of the human body that include: respiratory system, urinary system and reproductive system. This course emphasizes the homeostatic nature of these systems with reference to human disease states. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201.

This course includes an introduction to medical terminology based on anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on medical word roots, combining forms, prefixes and suffixes and body structure. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201.

This course presents an overview of the legalities, documentation, risk management and ethical behavior associated in the surgical environment. The AMA codes of ethics and OSHA regulations as they apply to the surgical unit are covered. Discussion and understanding of the American Hospital Association’s, Patient’s Bill of Rights is also covered. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201.

An introduction to the principles and concepts which are basic to understanding human behavior. A general overview of the research methods and major research findings of psychology are presented, as well as a survey of current theories used to interpret these findings. Topics covered include methodology, physiology, learning, perception, and cognitive processes, development, motivation and emotion, personality, abnormal behavior, therapy and social psychology and death and dying. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201.

This course is an introduction to the causes of disease and pathological conditions of the body and the body’s response mechanisms, both adequate and inadequate. Common diagnostic and treatment modalities also will be discussed. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201.

This course is a study of basic microbiology, infection control, and disease processes of the body. The principles of medical and surgical asepsis will be demonstrated. Sanitizing, disinfection, and different modes sterilization is discussed. Blood borne pathogens will be included. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201.

This course is the study of drugs with emphasis on concepts related to steps in the drug cycles and side effects. Students will learn major classifications of drugs and usual drug choices for selected diseases and pathological conditions. They will learn appropriate terms, abbreviations, equivalents and math concepts in calculations of dosages. Different modes of anesthesia will be discussed. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201.

This course is designed to orient the student to surgical technology and provide a comprehensive knowledge of patient care concepts, as well as personal and professional relationships in surgical technology. It will go over preoperative routines, PACU, and perioperative case management. The scope of practice for a surgical technologist is discussed. The principles of medical and surgical asepsis will be demonstrated along with proper opening of surgical packs, growing, sterile gloving, and setting up a sterile field. It will also go over the assistant circulator role. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307.

This course is a study of basic microbiology, infection control, and disease processes of the body. Sanitizing, disinfection, and different modes of sterilization are discussed. Blood-borne pathogens will be reviewed. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307.

This course is designed to evaluate the students in his/her knowledge and skills in various surgical instrumentation, classifications, common names and usage. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307.

This course introduces the student to computer hardware and software programs. Emphasis is placed on the development of word processing skills, which include techniques for creating, editing, saving and printing documents. Also includes the safety factors regarding bio-physical practices in the OR. Electricity, mechanical robotics, sterilization, chemical, heat, gases, and sounds and vibrations are some of the concerns discussed for patient safety. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307.

This course introduces the student to types of wounds, healing process, classification, wound management, common suture types, suture classification, usage, tissue replacement material and various types of stapling devices. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307.

This course introduces the student to various types of drainage systems, usage classification, surgical counts, types of dressings and sponge usage in various procedures. Transferring of patients and emergency procedures with review of vital signs and anesthesia concepts. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in diagnostic, specimens, general and pediatric surgery for the surgical technologist. Diagnostic and surgical interventions are taught. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in diagnostic OB/GYN, and Urologic surgical procedures for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis and surgical interventions, along with specimens are taught. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific orthopedic and oral/maxillofacial surgical procedures for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis, surgical interventions and specimens are taught. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific neurological, and ophthalmic surgical procedures for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis, surgical interventions and specimens are taught. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in diagnostic, plastic and reconstructive, and Otorhinolaryngology surgical procedures for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis, surgical interventions, and specimens are taught. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in diagnostic, peripheral vascular and cardiothoracic surgical procedures for the surgical technologist. Diagnosis, surgical interventions, and specimens are taught. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in general, OB/GYN, ENT, plastic and reconstructive surgery, genitourinary surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery procedures for the Surgical Technologist. The students will implement aseptic techniques in set-ups and steps of the procedure. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in general, OB/GYN, ENT, plastic and reconstructive surgery, genitourinary surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery procedures for the Surgical Technologist. The students will implement aseptic technique in set-up and steps of procedure. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in general, OB/GYN, ENT, plastic and reconstructive surgery, genitourinary surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery procedures for the Surgical Technologist. The students will implement aseptic technique in set-ups and steps of the procedures. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific surgical procedures in general, OB/GYN, ENT, plastic and reconstructive surgery, genitourinary surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery procedures for the Surgical Technologist. The students will be tested on various types of procedures where the students will implement aseptic technique in set-up and steps of the procedures prior to being assigned to a clinical externship rotation. Students will go through a review process of course content in preparation for the CST exam. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

Standard CPR, AED and First Aid material is presented and students practice techniques leading to a required certification for program completion. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

Career Development emphasis is placed on assessing personal strengths, career expectations, developing job search techniques resume’ preparation and interviewing strategies. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406.

This course is conducted in an appropriate hospital/surgical facility and provides students a clinical experience with a variety of perioperative assignments. Emphasis is placed on the scrub and circulating roles of the surgical technologist including aseptic technique and basic care presentation for selected surgical procedures. The externship is residential. Students will observe and take part in surgical procedures and learn to work as a member of the surgical team meeting all of the required case – loads and 600 externship hours. Every two hundred hours the student will be evaluated and receive a grade for their externship and documented as follows:

• ST 601-1 Grade
• ST 601-2 Grade
• ST 601-3 Grade

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406, ST 501, ST 502, ST 503, ST 504, ST 505, ST 506, ST 507, ST 508, ST 509, ST 510, ST 511, ST 512.

Students will attend a capstone class covering all surgical technology concepts from anatomy and physiology and basic science through mock surgical procedures. This course will review medical terminology, medical law and ethics, patient psychology, disease processes and pathophysiology, microbiology, pharmacology and anesthesia, introduction to surgical technology and asepsis, sterilization, surgical instrumentation, biomedical science, sutures, staples, and would healing, drains, tubes, catheters, sponges, and dressings, general pediatric surgery, OBGYN and urology surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic, head and neck surgery, vascular surgery, CPR, and career development. This course will prepare student for the National CST exam. All students must score 90% or above on the practice CST tests in order to be registered for the NBSTSA exam. The capstone is residential.

Prerequisites Required: COMP 101, ENG 101, MTH 101, BIO 201, ST 301, ST 302, ST 303, ST 304, ST 305, ST 306, ST 307, ST 401, ST 402, ST 403, ST 404, ST 405, ST 406, ST 501, ST 502, ST 503, ST 504, ST 505, ST 506, ST 507, ST 508, ST 509, ST 510, ST 511, ST 512.