Surgical Technology (SUR)

Introduces professional practice concepts within the profession of surgical technology with emphasis on the profession and career opportunities. Introduces concepts such as group dynamics, effective communication, organization, prioritization, and delegation. Emphasizes standards of practice and codes of conduct for surgical technologists. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week.

Introduces the fundamentals of surgical microbiology. Includes an introduction to cell structure and theory, microbial function, human pathogen relationships, infectious process, blood borne and airborne pathogens, defense microorganisms, infection control, and microbial control and destruction. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week.

Introduces concepts of the surgical process including preparing the patient for surgery, transporting, positioning, and special preparation procedures of the surgical patient. Presents diagnostic and assessment procedures of the surgical patient including the importance of safety. Discusses the basic principles of aseptic technique. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Introduces students to the surgical process, including aspects of the operating room environment. Provides students with the opportunity to practice preparation, transportation, and positioning of the patient for surgery. Practice of hand hygiene, the surgical hand scrub, opening of sterile supplies, donning and doffing operating room attire and personal protective equipment. Laboratory 9 hours. Total 9 hours per week.

Introduces surgical instrumentation, supplies, and equipment used in the operating room for surgical procedures. Includes identification of instruments based on use, type, function, and design. Emphasizes use of surgical instruments to perform safely and effectively in the operating room environment. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week.

Introduces procedures for surgical specialties such as General, Gynecological, Obstetrics, Genitourinary, EENT (Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat), Orthopedic, Neurosurgery, Cardiac, Vascular, Pediatric, Plastic, Transplant, and Trauma surgery. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Builds on Surgical Care I by introducing anesthetics, wound healing, incisions, and suturing techniques. Presents principles of wound healing including types, stages, and complications. Provides foundational knowledge in the preparation and care of surgical supplies and equipment. Reviews responsibilities related to the surgical technologies in the scrub and circulating roles. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Builds upon essential skills to perform safely and competently in the operating room environment. Emphasizes active learning and critical thinking in the lab setting. Uses simulations to introduce skills in setting up a back table, mayo stand and passing instruments. Focuses on anticipating the needs of the surgeon and team members. Covers demonstration of counting procedures to prevent retained items and maintaining the sterile field to prevent contamination. Laboratory 9 hours. Total 9 hours per week.

Introduces pharmacology as it relates to surgical intervention in the operating room. Includes medication calculations, measurements, administration, terminology and handling and a review of certain drug classifications as they relate to surgical patients. (Note: Previously listed as HLT 250, General Pharmacology).

Provides job seeking skills and an overview of theoretical knowledge in preparation for national certification. Includes test taking strategies, career options, resume preparation, interviewing techniques, professional credentialing, and organizations and professionalism as it relates to surgical technology. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week.

Provides continued study and extensive clinical experience in all surgical specialties. Emphasis is on clinical practice thereby further enhancing theoretical and practical knowledge of select procedures, surgical instrumentation, supplies and equipment. The scrub and circulating roles of the surgical technologist including aseptic technique and case preparation for select surgical procedures continue to be emphasized. Laboratory 24 hours. Total 24 hours per week. 8 credits

Specializes in career orientation and training program without pay in selected businesses and industry, supervised and coordinated by the college. Credit/work ratio not to exceed 1:5 hours. May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.

Requires completion of a project or research report related to the student's occupational objectives and a study of approaches to the selection and pursuit of career opportunities in the field. May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.