Surgical Technology
Aubree Rhoad, BS, Coordinator
Phone: (567) 242-5930
Email: rhoad.a@rhodesstate.edu
Office: TL 102F
The Surgical Technology program at Rhodes State College prepares students for a career as a member of a surgical team in four semesters. A surgical technologist is an allied health professional who assists the surgeon, registered nurse, and anesthesiologist as a member of the surgical team. To ensure proper surgical case management, the surgical technologist prepares and passes all sterile instruments during the surgical procedure while maintaining the sterile field and anticipating the needs of the surgeon. The surgical technologist helps to meet the needs of patients in the operating rooms of hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, physician offices, diagnostic facilities, and other agencies where surgery is performed. Learn more about this career at www.ast.org.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion the student will be able to:
- Assist in surgical procedures/cases safely by utilizing appropriate knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, and the application of surgical aseptic technique, sterility and decontamination. Meet the educational requirements necessary for the national certifying exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Cognitive (knowledge)
- Practice within the legal, ethical, and professional scope of the surgical technologist by performing all skills and duties safely during the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases of patient care. Psychomotor (skills)
- Develop the entry level employment skill for the various roles of the Surgical Technologist (ST). Utilize effective communication and globalization skills. Affective (behavioral)
Technical Standards
See here for details.
Tech Prep Partner
See here for details.
Surgical Technology
Associate of Applied Science
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hours | |
| SRG 1050 | Introduction to Sterile Processing for the Surgical Technologist | 3 |
| BHS 1390 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| MTH 1260 | Statistics | 3 |
| Term Hours | 8 | |
| Fall | ||
| SDE 1010 | First Year Experience | 1 |
| BIO 1110 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| COM 1110 | English Composition | 3 |
| SRG 1000 | Theory and Fundamentals | 7 |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIO 1120 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| SRG 1200 | Pharmacology for Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SRG 1700 | Surgical Procedures I | 6 |
| SOC 1010 | Sociology | 3 |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIO 1400 | Microbiology | 4 |
| SRG 1510 | Directed Practice for Surgical Procedures I | 3 |
| SRG 2100 | Surgical Procedures II | 4 |
| Term Hours | 11 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 2213 | Verbal Judo | 3 |
| SRG 2110 | Directed Practice for Surgical Procedures II | 3 |
| SRG 2500 | Surgical Procedures III | 4 |
| SRG 2610 | Surgical Technology Capstone | 4 |
| Term Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 63 | |
| | Capstone |
SRG 1000 — Theory and Fundamentals
Credit Hours: 7.00 Total Contact Hours: 10.00 Lecture Hours: 4.00 Lab Hours: 6.00
Introduces the framework and environment for the practice of Surgical Technology (ST). Focuses on safety through the impact of sterile technique and sterilization practices, patient care, anesthesia, 'all hazards', and introduces the use of therapeutic communication, professionalism, group process, and critical thinking. Students will be continuing on with specialty instrumentation, surgical equipment, supplies, sutures, stapling devices, as well as the care, handling, use and assembly of instruments and equipment. During laboratory exercise, students will be introduced to the layout of the operating room suite, sterile and sub-sterile areas. Demonstrate role of the ST in the preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative environment. Lab competencies will be assessed in aseptic technique, surgical hand preparation, gowning and gloving techniques, opening of room for surgery, set ups, counting and passing.
Prerequisites: BHS 1390, SRG 1050
Corequisites: BIO 1110.
SRG 1050 — Introduction to Sterile Processing for the Surgical Technologist
Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 4.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00 Lab Hours: 2.00
Introduces the functions of the sterile processing technician along with their role in the surgical environment. Students will be introduced to principals, techniques and infection control in the surgical and sterile processing environments. Topics include sterile technique, packaging and wrapping techniques, sterilization methods, basic and specialty instrumentation along with their use, inspection and decontamination parameters. Chemical, mechanical and biological indicators, hazards handling chemical agents, body mechanics, case cart preparation and their delivery methods. Students will demonstrate roles in all areas of sterile processing such as decontamination, instrument set packaging/preparation, sterilization, pulling cases, storing and distributing items, and quality and monitoring processes.
Prerequisites: Admission into the Surgical Technology Program
Corequisites: BHS 1390.
SRG 1100 — Pharmacology for Surgical Technology
Credit Hour: 1.00 Total Contact Hour: 1.00 Lecture Hour: 1.00
Emphasizes the role of the surgical technologist in safe handling of drugs according to operating room policies and procedures. The student will also learn the classification of drugs, and federal and state pharmacy regulations applying to the surgical patient. Further, the student will study the complications and safety of the patient during local, regional and general anesthesia administration. Dosage calculation, life-saving drugs, and other drugs commonly used in the Operating Room (OR) will be discussed. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: BIO 1110, SRG 1000
Corequisites: SRG 1500, SRG 1510.
SRG 1200 — Pharmacology for Surgical Technology
Credit Hours: 2.00 Total Contact Hours: 2.00 Lecture Hours: 2.00
Emphasizes the role of the surgical technologist in safe handling of drugs according to operating room policies and procedures. The student will learn the preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative role of the anesthesia provider as well as the ST's role in handling those medications, classification of drugs, and federal and state pharmacy regulations applying to the surgical patient. Further, the student will study the complications and safety of the patient during local, regional and general anesthesia administration. Dosage calculation, life-saving drugs, and other drugs commonly used in the Operating Room (OR) will be discussed.
Prerequisites: SRG 1000
Corequisites: SRG 1700.
SRG 1500 — Surgical Procedures I
Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 4.00 Lecture Hours: 4.00
Presents the role of the surgical technologist in the intraoperative setting. This course emphasizes specimen care, abdominal incisions, hemostasis, exposure, catheters and drains, wound closure, surgical dressings, wound healing, tissue replacement materials, and emergency patient situations. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: SRG 1000
Corequisites: SRG 1100, SRG 1510.
SRG 1510 — Directed Practice for Surgical Procedures I
Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 15.00 Lecture Hours: 15.00
Applies the knowledge and skills learned in SRG 1000 and SRG 1500 in the operating room for general surgical procedures. Underscores the principles of asepsis and patient care concepts of positioning, prepping, draping, and procedural techniques to the investigation of general surgical procedures. Maintaining the integrity, safety, and efficiency of the sterile and non-sterile areas throughout surgical procedures will be emphasized. This course is graded S/U.
Prerequisites: SRG 1000
Corequisites: SRG 1100, SRG 1500.
SRG 1700 — Surgical Procedures I
Credit Hours: 6.00 Total Contact Hours: 8.00 Lecture Hours: 4.00 Lab Hours: 4.00
Presents the role of the surgical technologist in the intra-operative setting, patient positioning, patient skin preparation, patient draping, preoperative patient care techniques to include chart review, vital signs, and intra-operative surgical case management. This course emphasizes specimen care, abdominal incisions, hemostasis, exposure, catheters and drains, wound closure, surgical dressings, wound healing, tissue replacement materials, and emergency patient situations. During laboratory exercise, students will be continuing their role of ST in the operating room. Lab competencies will be assessed in urinary catheterization, vital signs, patient positioning, patient skin preparation, patient draping, surgical case set up for General Ortho, OB/Gyn, ENT, Neuro, GU, open, laparoscopic, robotic, and MIS procedures.
Prerequisites: SRG 1000
Corequisites: SRG 1200.
SRG 2100 — Surgical Procedures II
Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 4.00 Lecture Hours: 4.00
Designed to progress the student in selected operating room procedures and techniques. Discussed will be the relevant anatomy, indications for surgery, special equipment, supplies, purpose and expected outcome and possible complications for procedures in the following surgical specialties: General, Endo, Obstetric and Gynecologic, Ophthalmic, Ear/Nose/Throat, Dental/Oral/Maxillofacial, and Plastic and Reconstructive surgery.
Prerequisites: SRG 1200, SRG 1700
Corequisites: SRG 1510.
SRG 2110 — Directed Practice for Surgical Procedures II
Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 15.00 Lecture Hours: 15.00
Presents a continuation of patient care in the intraoperative setting as performed by the intermediate to advanced level surgical technologist. The student will scrub independently with minimal assistance from a preceptor for surgical procedures of the following body systems: Gastrointestinal, Obstetrics, Gynecological, Orthopedic, Ophthalmic, Ear/Nose/Throat, Dental/Oral/Maxillofacial, Plastic and Reconstructive and Neurological. This course is graded S/U.
Prerequisites: SRG 1510, SRG 2100
Corequisites: SRG 2500, SRG 2510.
SRG 2200 — Surgical Technology Professional Trends
Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 3.00 Lecture Hours: 3.00
Provides a correlation between previously learned concepts and clinical application. It is designed to aid in transition from surgical technology student to entry level Surgical Technologist. Requirements for ethical and legal practice as defined by the National Association of Surgical Technologists will be reviewed and discussed. Topics discussed will be: factors that affect the student's personal life, professional relations and organizations, preparation for the national certification examination, type of health care delivery agencies, accrediting agencies and job seeking skills. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: SRG 2100, SRG 2110
Corequisites: SRG 2500, SRG 2510, SRG 2600.
SRG 2500 — Surgical Procedures III
Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 4.00 Lecture Hours: 4.00
Designed to continue to progress the student in selected operating room procedures and techniques. Discussed will be the relevant anatomy, indications for surgery, special equipment, supplies, purpose and expected outcome and possible complications for procedures in the following surgical specialties: GU, Thoracic, Cardio, Ortho, Peripheral Vascular, and Neuro-surgery. The student will also be acquainted with pediatric patients and a variety of surgical procedures unique to this special group.
Prerequisites: SRG 1510, SRG 2100
Corequisites: SRG 2110, SRG 2610.
SRG 2510 — Directed Practice for Surgical Procedures III
Credit Hours: 3.00 Total Contact Hours: 15.00 Lecture Hours: 15.00
Presents a continuation of patient care in the intraoperative setting as performed by the advanced level student surgical technologist. The student will perform in the position of first scrub surgical technologist in cardiothoracic, peripheral vascular, procurement/transplants, and pediatric surgical procedures. This course is graded S/U.
Prerequisites: SRG 2100, SRG 2110
Corequisites: SRG 2200, SRG 2500, SRG 2600.
SRG 2600 — Surgical Technology Capstone
Credit Hour: 1.00 Total Contact Hour: 1.00 Lecture Hour: 1.00
Provides an opportunity for the prospective graduate to demonstrate achievement of the program's learning outcomes and competencies as well as the college's general education core skills and abilities. A major component of this course will facilitate a team approach to patient care and cultural diversity through an interdisciplinary team case study project. A final electronic portfolio writing assignment will also be completed. 'C' grade policy applies.
Prerequisites: SRG 2100, SRG 2110
Corequisites: SRG 2200, SRG 2500, SRG 2510.
SRG 2610 — Surgical Technology Capstone
Credit Hours: 4.00 Total Contact Hours: 4.00 Lecture Hours: 4.00
Reinforces previously learned concepts, clinical applications, and legal and ethical practices as defined by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Topics include job search strategies, resume building, interview skills, professionalism, communication and continuing education requirements. Students will utilize their AST membership as well as define the types of healthcare delivery agencies and accrediting agencies. Provides an opportunity for the prospective graduate to demonstrate achievement of the program's and general education's learning outcomes and competencies. Students will prepare for the certification exam given by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Prerequisites: SRG 1510, SRG 2100
Corequisites: SRG 2110, SRG 2500.
Prospective students are required to:
- Be 18 years of age
- Attend a mandatory program briefing to learn detailed program requirements and career opportunities.
- Complete 16 hours of observation arranged by the student
- Have and maintain a 2.0 GPA
- Complete the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) prior to the first spring semester of the program.
Minimum acceptable mental and physical qualifications of a Surgical Technology student include the following abilities:
- Work in a standing position for long periods of time and do frequent walking.
- Lift and transfer patients up to six inches (6”) from a stooped position, then push or pull the weight up to three feet (3’).
- Lift and transfer patient from a stooped to an upright position to accomplish bed-to-chair and chair-to-bed transfers.
- Physically apply up to ten pounds (10#) of pressure to bleeding sites, or in performing CPR.
- Respond and react immediately to verbal instructions/requests and to auditory signals from monitoring equipment; perform auditory auscultation without impediment; discriminate directed sounds in a noise cluttered environment.
- Physically perform up to a twelve-hour shift clinical laboratory experience.
- Perform close and distance visual activities involving objects, persons, and paperwork, as well as discriminate depth and color perception.
- Discriminate between sharp/dull and hot/cold when using hands.
- Perform fine and gross motor skills with both hands with dexterity, agility and steadiness of movement.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and work usage.
The Surgical Technology Program at Rhodes State College has a site visit scheduled for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs(www.caahep.org). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.