Program Description
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals and are integral members of the surgical team who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel. The role of the surgical technologist includes setting up the operating room, preparing surgical instruments and assisting in their use, and preparing patients for surgery. Course work includes both classroom and clinical instruction.

Program Video - click here to view program video. (Windows Media Player)

Length of Program
Six quarters

Entrance Date
Surgical Technology program sequence begins fall quarter. Academic advisor will schedule general core and prerequisite courses quarterly.

Entrance Requirements
OTC Placement Exam

Age
17 years of age or older

Education
High School Diploma or GED

Advisor
An advisor should be consulted prior to enrolling in any course. A program advisor will be assigned by admissions.

Salary Range
Salary Range $20,000- $27,000 annually

Job Market
The job market for the surgical technologist is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year of 2008 (Occupational Outlook Handbook 2000-2001). Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer; however, other employment opportunities in additional areas include: contract medical personnel companies, ambulatory surgical centers, physicians’ offices, and clinics.

Personal Traits Required
Ability to interact with patients and other health professionals, ability to stand on one’s feet and in one position for extended periods of time, ability to lift 30 pounds, emotional stability, possess a strong sense of responsibility, considerable patience and concern for others, function well as a team member, possess manual dexterity and fine motor coordination, capacity to perform well under stress or in emergency situations, perform accurately and efficiently, and the ability to concentrate for long periods and stay on task.

The following schedule is an example of the courses students should take each quarter. Students who do not follow the suggested sequence may require more than seven quarters to complete the program.

Diploma Curriculum

Course		Title		Credit Hours
1st Quarter
MAT 101		General Mathematics		5
SCT 100		Introduction to Microcomputers		3
AHS 109		Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences		3
AHS 104		Introduction to Health Care		5
2nd Quarter
PSY 101		Basic Psychology		5
AHS 101		Anatomy and Physiology I		5
ENG 101		English		5
3rd Quarter
SUR 101		Introduction to Surgical Technology		6
SUR 108		Surgical Microbiology		3
SUR 109		Surgical Patient Care		3
4th Quarter
SUR 102		Principles of Surgical Technology		5
SUR 110		Surgical Pharmacology		3
SUR 112		Introductory Surgical Practicum		7
5th Quarter
SUR 203		Surgical Procedures I		6
SUR 213		Specialty Surgical Practicum		8
6th Quarter
SUR 204		Surgical Procedures II		6
SUR 214		Advanced Specialty Surgical Practicum		8
SUR 224		Seminar in Surgical Technology		3
		Total Hours Required		87