2013-2014 Catalog & Handbook 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog & Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Surgical Technology: Allied Health, AAS


Allied Health degrees join a student’s prior health education background with business, health team and general education skills that together will help provide graduates with additional employment and career advancement opportunities.

The addition of general business, health and general education courses, as well as core Health Information Systems courses complement skill-sets of those who already hold a Surgical Technology diploma. An Allied Health AAS Degree also completes the career ladder, which enables students to advance from diploma programs into AAS Degree completion that then qualifies them to pursue a BS degree.

Coursework can be completed in 2 full-time semesters, in various delivery styles of day or evening coursework, as well as online offerings of Business or General Education courses that provide a more flexible scheduling alternative. For those needing a part-time pace for their busy lifestyles, please see an advisor to develop a plan to finish the coursework over 3+ semesters.

Background checks and drug screenings are required for this program.

  • Bring Your Own Laptop (BYOL) (You can either purchase a laptop on your own or purchase one from the STI Support Center. Estimated 750.00 for laptop.)

Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of a Diploma in Surgical Technology, Allied Health a student will be able to:

Science & Technology

  • Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure.
  • Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
  • Maintains highest standard of sterile technique.
  • Applies electrosurgical grounding pads, tourniquets, monitors, etc., using appropriate safety measures.
  • Positions and operates equipment needed for the procedure.
  • Prepares the patients skin.
  • Properly cares for specimens.
  • Sponges and suctions the operative site.
  • Connects drains and suction apparatus.

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking

  • Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, medication and solutions needed for procedure.
  • Help in draping the sterile field.
  • Passes instruments, etc. correctly, to surgeon and assistant during surgery.
  • Prepares sterile dressings.
  • Assist with preparing room for the next patient.
  • Obtains appropriate sterile and unsterile items for the procedure.
  • Assesses safety measures of surgical equipment and supplies being utilized in a surgical procedure.
  • Positions patient using appropriate equipment and safety measures.
  • Anticipates additional supplies needed during the operation.
  • Effective communication skills among all team members in operating room.
  • Performs appropriate counts working in both the scrub and circulator role.
  • Gowns and gloves the surgeon and assistants.
  • Assists other team members with concurrent and terminal cleaning of the room.
  • Checks patient chart, identifies patient, verifies surgery to be performed with consent forms, and brings patient to assigned operating room.
  • Transfers patient to the operating room table.
  • Accesses comfort and safety measures and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
  • Assists anesthesia personnel.
  • Helps transport patient to the recovery room.
  • Holds instruments or retractors as directed by the surgeon.
  • Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders.
  • Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
  • Follows chain of command when reporting situations in the workplace.

Professionalism and Communication

  •  Checks patient chart, identifies patient, verifies surgery to be performed with consent forms, and brings patient to assigned operating room.
  • Transfers patient to the operating room table.
  • Accesses comfort and safety measures and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
  • Assists anesthesia personnel.
  • Performs appropriate counts with the scrub person in circulating role.
  • Helps transport patient to the recovery room.
  • Holds instruments or retractors as directed by the surgeon.
  • Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders.
  • Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
  • Local, regional and national workshops.
  • Changing technology and new procedures necessitate this process.

Please see Health Information Services, Allied Health; Pharmacy Technician, Allied Health; and Surgical Technology, Allied Health for additional program outcomes.

Program Curriculum - Total Credits: 27


Year 1: Surgical Technology Diploma Course Completion 51 credits
(Refer to Surgical Technology, Diploma )

Year 2: Additional Credits for AAS Degree listed below

Additional Information


*You can choose any courses from the suggested Tech Electives below or work with your Program Advisor for other technical elective options.

Estimated total program fees


Tuition $ 2,808
Fees $ 2,403
Physical & Immunizations $ 100
Books & Supplies $ 3,000
Background Check & Drug Screen $ 110
TOTAL $ 8,421