Surgical Technology (ST)

Surgical Technologists assist in operations under the supervision of surgeons or registered nurses. Before an operation, surgical technologists help to set up the operating room with surgical instruments, equipment, and other sterile supplies needed for surgery. They may transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and assist the surgeon in draping the patient with sterile drapes to prevent exposure.

During surgery they pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon's assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical Technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis during operations. They also assist in the application of dressings after the surgical procedure. They may also operate the sterilizer, lights, suction machines, and other diagnostic equipment.

After a surgical procedure, the surgical technologist may assist in transporting the patient to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. They assist nurses and ancillary personnel in cleaning and restocking the operating room for the next surgical procedure.

Surgical Technologists are vital personnel that work side-by-side with the surgeon during a surgical procedure. They assure that the surgeon has all the proper equipment and supplies needed for a particular operation. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology (ARC-EST). Information on accredited Surgical Technology programs may be obtained from the ARC-EST at 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 210, Littleton, Colorado 80120, telephone 303-694-9262.

Surgical Technologists graduating from this accredited program are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist.

Course See Note  Course Title Credits   HLS102 1 Anatomy & Physiology for Allied Health 4   HLS104 2 Overview of Microbiology 1   SRG100   Aseptic Technique Laboratory 2   SRG101   Principles of Aseptic Technique 4   SRG104   Patient Care in Surgery 6   SRG106 3 Medical Terminology for Surgical Technology 2   SRG114   Basic Pharmacology 1   SRG102   Surgical Procedures 5   SRG116   Surgical Care for All Patient Ages 2   SRG120   Operating Room Externship 8   SRG131   Vocational Trends for Surgical Technologist 1

Notes  1 BIO103/104 may be substituted with a 'C' or better, to fulfill this requirement.  2 BIO110 may be substituted with a 'C' or better to fulfill this requirement.  3 OFT116 may be substituted with a 'C' or better, to fulfill this requirement.

Program Information  • Surgical Technology Program courses require a grade of (75%) or better in all SRG and HLS courses.

Admissions Information  • Admission to this program occurs only in the fall and it is a full-time, day program.  • The Surgical Technology Program is a selective admissions program. Further information about the program, application process and admission requirements can be found on the academic department web page at www.northshore.edu/programs.