2019-2020 Catalog and Handbook 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalog and Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Surgical Technology, AAS


Upon completion of a Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology, 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.