A surgical assistant student examines surgical tools

Surgical Technology

Program Type: Associate In Applied Science

Program Level: UG

Division: Nursing & Allied Health

Program Duration: 48 months

Program Contact: Marianne Caviston

Credit Requirement: 65

Program overview

The Surgical Technology Program is a five-semester associate degree program and is composed of classroom study, laboratory skills, and clinical experience. Students will learn aseptic technique, surgical instrumentation, surgical suite equipment, operative procedures, anatomy, medical terminology, pharmacology, and microbiology. Three semesters of clinical rotations give the student opportunities to apply theory into practice to enable students to gain essential surgical skills. Upon graduation, students will take the national certification exam administered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become Certified Surgical Technologist.

Courses Required

Prerequisite

Basic Anatomy And Physiology

Course Code: BIO-112

This course is a basic integrated study of the structure and function of the human body.

Beginning Algebra

Course Code: MAT-101

This course includes the study of rational numbers and their applications, operations with algebraic expressions, linear equations and applications, linear inequalities, graphs of linear equations, operations with exponents and polynomials, and factoring. Non-degree credit.

Semester 1

Medical Terminology

Course Code: AHS-102

This course covers medical terms, including roots, prefixes, and suffixes, with emphasis on spelling, definition, and pronunciation.

Introduction to Surgical Technology

Course Code: SUR-101

This course includes a study of the surgical environment, team concepts, aseptic techniques, hospital organization, basic instrumentation and supplies, sterilization, principles of infection control, and wound healing.

Applied Surgical Technology

Course Code: SUR-102

This course covers the principles and application of aseptic technique, the perioperative role, and medical/legal aspects.

Semester 2

Basic Microbiology

Course Code: BIO-115

This is a general course in microbiology, including epidemiology, presence, control, and identification of microorganisms. Emphasis is on the organ systems of the human body and their interrelationships.

English Composition I

Course Code: ENG-101

This is a (College Transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: A study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

Surgical Procedures I

Course Code: SUR-103

This course is a study of a system to system approach to surgical procedures and relates regional anatomy, pathology, specialty equipment, and team responsibility. Patient safety, medical/ legal aspects, and drugs used in surgery are emphasized.

Surgical Procedures II

Course Code: SUR-104

This course is a study of the various specialties of surgical procedures.

Semester 3

Introduction To Surgical Practicum

Course Code: SUR-110

This course is an introduction to the application of surgical technique by assisting in the perioperative roles in various clinical affiliations.

Principles Of Surgical Pharmacology

Course Code: SUR-126

This course is a study of therapeutic agents and mathematical concepts in relation to the perioperative setting.

Semester 4

General Psychology

Course Code: PSY-201

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.

Surgical Procedures III

Course Code: SUR-105

This course is a study of advanced specialties of surgical procedures.

Advanced Surgical Practicum

Course Code: SUR-113

This course includes a supervised progression of surgical team responsibilities and duties of the perioperative role in various clinical affiliations.

Semester 5

Surgical Specialty Practicum

Course Code: SUR-114

This course includes the correlation of the principles and theories of specialized surgical procedures with clinical performance in affiliated hospitals.

Surgical Seminar

Course Code: SUR-120

This course includes the comprehensive correlation of theory and practice in the perioperative role.

Entry Requirements

To see a list of entrance requirements for this program, please check the FDTC Course Catalog.

Download Catalog

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Integrate the theoretical knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and surgical procedures into clinical practice as a qualified, entry level surgical technologist.

  • Adapt a strong surgical conscience as evident by their proficient practice in aseptic technique, proper use and care of instrumentation, clinical judgement and anticipation of the surgeon and surgical case needs.

  • Support the Surgical Technology Code of Ethics by demonstrating professional behaviors to include ethical, legal, moral, and medical values related to the patient and surgical team during the perioperative experience.

Open Application Dates for Competitive Health Sciences Programs

Applications for the FDTC Health Sciences Programs will be accepted Monday, April 1, 2024 through Wednesday, May 15, 2024 for the FALL 2024 semester.

Complete Etrieve Application

Health Sciences Application Instructions

Program Accreditations & Resources

Accreditation

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC‐STSA).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th Street N. #7709
Seminole, Forida 33775-7709
727.210.2350.

Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA)
6 West Dry Creek Circle
Suite #110
Littleton, Colorado 80120
303.694.9262

Documents

Surgical Technology Program Weighted Admission Form
Surgical Technology Program Learning Outcomes

FAQ

When does the Surgical Technology program start?

We start with a new group of students every August.


How and when are applicants accepted into the program?

We are a weighted admissions program and you must apply to the program during a Spring semester. We will accept applications during the dates April 1st through May 15th. Applicants receive points based on GPA and courses completed. If an application is not submitted, you will NOT be considered for the program. If you are not selected to start the program you will need to resubmit an application the next year if you wish to be reconsidered. Acceptance letters are sent out by May 31st.

When do clinical rotations begin and where are clinicals?

You will start clinical rotations in the hospitals during the 3rd semester of the program. Students attend clinicals at McLeod Regional Medical Center, MUSC-Florence, and Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center.

Quick links

Search Academic ProgramsSearch CWD ProgramsEvents CalendarDownload Catalog