Surgical Technology students receive in-depth practical knowledge and substantive clinical education related to the operating room. The surgical technology educational program runs two years to obtain an associate’s degree. The program not only includes intensive hours in the classroom, but also extensive clinical experiences in health care facilities.
An appreciation of the person having surgery, knowledge of common conditions requiring surgery, and an understanding of the surgical procedure as well as skills of patient care are included. Ethical and legal dimensions of the work and profession of surgical technology are part of the program.
The program combines core courses in biological sciences, humanities, the specialty of surgical technology, and the role of the technologist. Supervised clinical practice in hospitals, surgical processing services, and operating rooms provide experiences to prepare for entry level positions in hospital operating rooms and free-standing surgical centers.
Accreditation of Program/National Credentialing of the Graduate: This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP www.caahep.org) in conjunction with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA www.arcstsa.org). The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST www.ast.org) is the only national organization that represents surgical technologists and surgical assistants. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the national certifying examination in Surgical Technology (CST) given by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA www.nbstsa.org).
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The Commission on Accreditation of Allied
Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
727.210.2350
www.caahep.org
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Accreditation Review Council on Education in
Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
6 W. Dry Creek Circle, Suite #110
Littleton, CO 80120
Phone: 303.694.9262
Fax: 303.741.3655
www.arcstsa.org |
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Association of Surgical Technologists
6 W Dry Creek Circle, Suite #200
Littleton, CO 80120-8031
800.637.7433
www.ast.org
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The National Board of Surgical Technology and
Surgical Assisting
6 W Dry Creek Circle, Suite #100
Littleton, CO 80120-8031
800.707.0057
www.nbstsa.org
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Retention Requirements
- All college level coursework required within the Surgical Technology curriculum with an earned grade of C or better.
- Each exam within the Surgical Technology courses must be passed with a C or better.
- Evaluative criteria must be met before proceeding in clinical course work.
- Students are required to demonstrate professional behaviors that are outlined in each Surgical Technology course syllabus.
- To re-enter the program, readmission is on a seat available basis upon Re-admissions Committee Review approval.
Health Requirements
Health requirements must be completed by July 15 for Fall admission. Information and forms can be obtained from Health Services, 755-4230, Bldg 20 Third Floor.
A required health form must be completed prior to enrollment, complete with required immunizations. Prophylaxis against Hepatitis B is required. Any health limitations must be within safe limits for both students and patients.
The work in the operating room requires the ability to work on your feet, manual dexterity with fine coordinated motor skills, a stable temperament, attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility and integrity. Lifting patients and heavy equipment is part of the work.
Requirements of the Association of Surgical Technologists
The proficient CST demonstrates a caring attitude towards the patient, other surgical team members and the patient-care environment. It is also necessary to understand normal anatomy and physiology, the pathological condition affecting the patient, the planned operative procedure, and consider any variations that may be necessary to accommodate a specific patient.
A common misconception about surgical technologists is that nurses are more qualified to work in the OR because their educational program is often longer. However, during the 1970s, the operative environment was dropped from most nursing curricula. The surgical technology graduate receives more in-depth education in the specialized processes and procedures that exist in surgery. Often, nurses who enter the OR environment are trained on the job by surgical technologists.
Special Scheduling
It should be noted that the clinical experience in the operating room is scheduled to begin at 6:45 a.m. and the afternoon shift may be used, rather than the routine College schedule. This will involve laboratories in
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SUR-128 ,
SUR-217 and
. Clinical time is scheduled to provide learning opportunities.
Upon successful completion of requirements for this program, the degree of Associate in Science in Surgical Technology will be awarded.
Tornado Warnings.
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