About Surgical Technology
Surgical Technology is a health science discipline where the practitioner is specifically educated to be a member of the surgical team. The surgical technologist works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique. As a respected and highly skilled member of the surgical team, this individual utilizes knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, surgical procedures and instrumentation to facilitate surgically performed invasive and diagnostic procedures.

The graduate Surgical Technologist of our CAAHEP and ARC-ST Accredited Program is eligible to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) by passing the National Certifying Examination.

Program Description
The Surgical Technology program provides the student with classroom theory and supervised clinical and laboratory experience. Classroom instruction includes medical ethics, terminology, communication skills, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. During the two-year program, students gain knowledge related to the principles of client care, asepsis and surgical procedures. In addition, the clinical practice component allows the student to build skills and understanding necessary to become an integral member of the surgical team. Upon completion of the program the surgical technology graduate is ready to assume entry-level responsibilities in a variety of surgical settings.

Class size is limited in order to provide the learner with individualized attention in a wide variety of surgical specialties. The student is exposed to the following surgical specialties: gynecology, urology, general, plastics, otorhinolaryngology, opthalmology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, peripheral vascular, endoscopy and cardiothoracic surgery in the acute care setting.

Surgical Technology Program students earn an associate's degree in applied sciences. Prospective students who already hold an associate's or bachelor's degree and meet the Program entry requirements may opt to complete a 12-month diploma curriculum.

Mission
The mission of the Surgical Technology program is to provide quality didactic and clinical education in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains to a diverse student population and to provide highly skilled, well educated, competent Surgical Technologists to the community.

Educational Objectives
Upon completion of the curriculum, the graduate will:

• Apply principles of liberal arts and sciences to the care of the perioperative client.
• Prepare the intraoperative environment with attention to quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Respect the ethical, legal, moral and cultural issues that impact the care of the perioperative client.
• Formulate a plan for personal and professional growth.
• Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning and skill enhancement.
• Utilize effective communication skills and interactions with patients, members of the surgical team and other healthcare practitioners.
• Function as an integral member of the surgical team by performing perioperative technical skills in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.

Updated 8/20/08