Surgical Technology, Diploma

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a Diploma 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 utalized 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.

Program Curriculum - Total Credits: 52

Additional Information

Requirements: Achievement of a grade of “C” or higher for all ST and HC courses is required for graduation and before moving to the next semester.

Clinical Placement will be chosen by the lottery (drawing out of a hat) system. Clinical sites are in the Midwest region.

Students entering a program in any semester other than outlined may not graduate in the expected amount of time.

Estimated total program fees