Surgical Technology

Overview

The Surgical Technology program will provide you with the knowledge, tools, and skills you will need to become an entry-level Surgical Technologist. This career is fast-paced and rapidly changing. You will learn the latest procedures, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, sterile technique, instruments and supplies you will need to assist during surgery. Students must be professional, organized, emotionally stable and enjoy being a part of a team while helping others.

Why Great Bay?

The Surgical Technology program at Great Bay Community College is the only Associate of Science degree program of its kind in the area.  We only accept 20 students, making this a very competitive program to get into. Our program works with several local and regional hospitals for clinical experiences.

Career Options

With a two-year degree, you can work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, surgical centers, and private practices.

Surgical technologists are highly skilled members of the surgical team qualified by classroom education and supervised clinical experience. They work closely with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, registered nurse, and other surgical personnel to deliver the highest level of care for the surgical patient before, during, and after surgery.  Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.  Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation of instruments and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Surgical technologists comprehend the procedure being performed and anticipate the needs of the surgeon.  They have the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care before and during the operative procedure and are constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.  The surgical technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure.  Duties include setting up a sterile field, gowning and gloving other sterile team members, maintaining the highest standard of sterile technique during procedures, and assisting the surgeon during surgery.  With advanced training, surgical technologists may become first assistants who assist in complex surgical procedures such as open–heart surgery.  With additional education, they may become operating room nurses, physician assistants, or instructors.  Some surgical technologists assume management positions in hospital education, and central supply departments or business firms such as sterile-supply services and operating-room equipment distributions.

Related Degrees:

• Nursing

Admission Criteria

Surgical Technology program applications must be completed by April 1st to be considered for acceptance in the fall semester.

Admissions Requirements:

1. Complete an application to the program.
2. Provide proof of high school completion or equivalent.
3. Provide proof of completion of high school biology, or equivalent with a grade of “C” or greater or proof of registration in a course with a projected completion date of August 30th of the current year.  Computer background strongly recommended.
4. Place into college level Math, Reading and Writing or demonstrate equivalent competencies through a college transcript or SAT scores.

Special Consideration points are given to applicants who:

• Have completed any of the following college-level courses prior to the April 1 deadline with a grade of “C” within the past 5 years from the time of acceptance: Human Anatomy & Physiology I, Human Anatomy & Physiology II, Microbiology;
• Are Health Occupation students in a CTE high school program prior to the April 1 deadline;
• Are LPNs/MNAs, CNAs, EMTs, Medical Assistants, or Paramedics with an active license/certification. If you are currently one of the listed, please submit a copy of your license to Admissions that shows your name, type of license, and expiration date. A screenshot from your state’s Department of Licensing showing this information is acceptable.

View Surgical Technology Info Session video

Surgical Technology Program Suspension Information

Students matriculated in the Surgical Technology Program who are withdrawn or do not achieve the required minimum grade of a “C” in all major Surgical Technology and science courses will not be able to continue in the program.  In addition, students are required to achieve the required minimum grade of “C” in BIOL110G, BIOL120G and BIOL210G, as designated in the chart below.

Students who do not pass the Competency Based Objectives (CBO) will not be allowed to retake the CBO.  A student who fails the CBO will not be able to continue in the program.

Surgical Technology Readmission Policy

Students matriculated in the Surgical Technology program who withdraw or are Program Suspended may be eligible for readmission consideration.  Students who have failed a course because of lack of professionalism or unsafe practice involving actions or non-actions may be suspended from the program without eligibility for readmission consideration.  Unsafe practice includes actions or non-actions that may cause injury, damage or harm to the surgical client or others.

Re-admissions are contingent upon space availability.  The student applying for readmission will be required to meet the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of readmission.  In order to be reconsidered for admission, the student must:

• Have successfully completed with a C or better BIOL110G, BIOL120G, and BIOL210G within the past five years from the time of readmission to the program.
• Submit a written, dated letter requesting readmission consideration to the Program Director of Surgical Technology
• Briefly outline the reasons they were unable to continue in the program and identify the surgical technology course to which they are requesting readmission.
• Students who have requested readmission consideration will be ranked according to their surgical technology course average as space availability is determined.
• Students will be readmitted based on their ranking order. Students will then be notified of the status of the request in writing by the Admissions department.
• If a request for readmission is granted, the student must complete a new application.
• If the student is reentering the program and has completed the requirements for SURG119G and/or 122G, they will need to pass Competency Based Objectives (CBO), outlined in SURG119G and SURG122G lab syllabi, to demonstrate that they are ready for clinical and have retained skills learned during these labs.

Advanced Placement:

In addition to the general admission criteria, students seeking advanced placement must have completed and passed with a C grade or better all prerequisite coursework by examination, challenge or transfer credit.  They must pass Competency Based Objectives (CBO), outlined in SURG119G and/or SURG122G lab syllabi.  Students applying to the Surgical Technology Program will be required to have a personal interview with the program director.

Surgical Technology Transfer Credit Policy

In addition to Great Bay Community College transfer credit policies, transfer courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, and Microbiology cannot be more than five years old at the time of acceptance.

Total Overall Credits : 66-68

*Theory, lab, and credit hours may vary depending on the course chosen.

Course expectations include computer work. Students unfamiliar with computers are encouraged to take the Accuplacer Assessment in Computer Literacy or take Introduction to Computers (CIS110G) (or CIS107G) before entering the program.

Upon acceptance, applicants must participate in an operating room tour at a hospital affiliated with the program. This experience will be under the supervision of the program director or designee and will occur prior to the start of Orientation to Surgical Clinical (SURG123). Specific dates will be provided to each student.

Accreditation Information 

The Surgical Technology program here at GBCC follows the latest edition of the Association of Surgical Technology (AST) Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology.

Questions about the status of accreditation for the Surgical Technology program should be addressed to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 – 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, Website: www.caahep.org 727.210.2350, Email: [email protected].

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA), 19751 East Mainstreet, Suite 339, Parker, CO 803138; 303.694.9262 Website: www.arcstsa.org Email: [email protected] Fax: 303.741.3655

Questions about certification should be addressed to the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting 3 West Dry Creek Circle, Littleton, CO 80120 Toll Free: 1.800.707.0057 FAX: 303.325.2536. Email [email protected]

Program Specific Requirements

Prior to SURG123G, Orientation to Surgical Clinical, summer semester, students will be required to:

• Possess and maintain professional liability insurance (available at the college)
• Submit a report of a current physical examination including all program required health screening and immunizations
• Certify in American Heart Association CPR Healthcare Provider or Red Cross equivalent (BLS) (No on-line CPR certifications accepted)
• Possess/maintain health/accident insurance
• Complete a Level I criminal background check. Students may be required to perform more than one criminal background check throughout the course of the program based on clinical facility requirements. Participation in clinical experiences may be restricted or denied based on results of criminal record check and therefore would affect the ability of the student to meet course objectives and successfully complete the program.
• Pass a 12-panel drug screen (through approved vendor)
• Students may be required to perform more than one drug test throughout the course of the program based on clinical facility requirements. Participation in clinical experiences may be restricted or denied based on results of drug testing and therefore would affect the ability of the student to meet course objective and successfully complete the program. 

The goal of the program is to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists with the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) domains needed to be successful in their careers.  Students will take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam upon completion of the program.  All Surgical Technology courses must be completed within four years of the date of entry into the first Surgical Technology course.  Students admitted to or re-entering the program must meet current requirements necessary for graduation.  Advanced Placement and Transfer are possible through transfer credit and testing.  Students may enroll in Liberal Arts and Science courses prior to admission to the surgical Technology program.  Enrollment into these courses does not guarantee acceptance into the Surgical Technology program.  Students admitted into the Surgical Technology program must take Surgical Technology courses in sequence, and must achieve a minimum grade of C (73.33%) in all major theory and science courses (Surgical Technology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, and Microbiology) and a grade of “Pass” in clinical courses in order to continue in the program.  Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II and Microbiology must be taken within a five-year period from the time of acceptance into the Surgical Technology program or concurrently as scheduled with the Surgical Technology core courses.  Students who do not successfully achieve the minimum grade in the major theory, science and other co-requisite courses as outlined in the program course sequencing will be Program Suspended.

Surgical technologists are highly skilled members of the surgical team qualified by classroom education and supervised clinical experience. They work closely with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, registered nurse, and other surgical personnel to deliver the highest level of care for the surgical patient before, during, and after surgery.  Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.  Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation of instruments and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Surgical technologists comprehend the procedure being performed and anticipate the needs of the surgeon.  They have the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care before and during the operative procedure and are constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.  The surgical technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure.  Duties include setting up a sterile field, gowning and gloving other sterile team members, maintaining the highest standard of sterile technique during procedures, and assisting the surgeon during surgery.  With advanced training, surgical technologists may become first assistants who assist in complex surgical procedures such as open–heart surgery.  With additional education, they may become operating room nurses, physician assistants, or instructors.  Some surgical technologists assume management positions in hospital education, and central supply departments or business firms such as sterile-supply services and operating-room equipment distributions.

The Surgical Technology program includes classroom courses in liberal arts, basic sciences, and surgical technology, along with clinical laboratory and supervised clinical experiences in community hospital operating rooms.  Students must be able to complete and successfully pass Competency Based Objectives embedded within Surgical Technology courses in order to continue with the program.  Surgical Technology students must be CPR certified before their first clinical practicum (SURG123) and maintain certification throughout their senior year.  Transportation to and from the practicum site is the responsibility of the student.  Hospital regulations may restrict candidates from attending clinical practice who have been involved in civil or criminal legal proceedings. Questions may be directed to the student’s assigned clinical site.

Program Outcomes

Surgical Technology graduates will be able to:

• Incorporate knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Microbiology into the practice of surgical technology
• Assess at appropriate levels for progress in the program
• Always demonstrate surgical and aseptic safe practice. Recognize unsafe practice in all aspects and immediately report it, per hospital policy
• Always practice with a surgical conscience
• Apply ethical, legal, moral and medical values related to the patient and or team during all levels of the perioperative procedure
• Understand elements, actions, and use of all medications, anesthetic agents used during perioperative procedure
• Perform in sequence all perioperative requirements
• Understand, value, and demonstrate professional attributes of a surgical technologist
• Implement actions, behaviors, decisions and characteristics/qualities of a surgical technologist:
  • Psychomotor – skill
  • Cognitive – learned
  • Affective – behavior domains

Technical Standards

Surgical Technology requires the ability to:

• Recognize, report and correct unsafe practice by self or by team member
• Communicate professionally, appropriately and effectively in different situations
• Advocate for the patient’s safety, legal and moral rights
• Function as a team member
• Perform effectively in high stress situations
• Stand for long periods of time
• Hold uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time
• Lift heavy objects/patients safely
• Remain calm and alert in stressful and tiring situations
• Work effectively with both hands (manual dexterity)
• Focus for extended periods of time
• Perform in a quick, accurate, and detailed-oriented manner
• Follow orders and directions as instructed
• Handle constructive criticism with a positive and professional attitude
• Be flexible both physically and mentally
• Be honest and ethical
• Develop effective strategies for controlling bodily functions (sweat, urination, etc.)
• Understand risks (physical and health) of job (HIV, Hep C, etc.), and take the necessary precautions to avoid these risks
• Handle physical, emotional, mental, smells and sights of the operating room (all sensory aspects and/or unexpected outcomes in the operating room)

If at any time during the program the student does not demonstrate/practice the above, they may be placed on suspension from the program with the possibility of not being readmitted to the program.

If the student is asked to be removed from a clinical site for unsafe practice, they will be suspended from the program and may not be eligible for reentry.

Highlight Statistic (s) 

Our students will graduate with over 300 different surgical cases and have over 900 clinical contact hours (well above the national average). Upon graduation, our graduates take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Certification exam.  Questions about certification should be addressed to:

National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
3 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO  80120
Toll-Free:  1-800-707-0057
Fax:  303-325-2536
Website:  www.nbstsa.org 

Updates

Questions about the status of accreditation for the Surgical Technology program should be addressed to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 US Highway 19 North Suite 158, Clearwater, FL. 33763 Website: www.caahep.org 727.210.2350 Email: [email protected] Fax: 727.210.2354

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA), 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 110, Littleton, CO 80120 303.694.9262 Website: www.arcstsa.org Email: [email protected] Fax: 303.741.3655

Questions about certification should be addressed to the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting 3 West Dry Creek Circle, Littleton, CO 80120 Toll Free: 1.800.707.0057 FAX: 303.325.2536 Website: www.nbstsa.org