Surgical Technology, Associate of Applied Science

Program Overview

The Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare students for a career as a surgical technologist. The program of study will introduce them to the basics of surgical technology and will include a practicum providing the student with a hands-on experience in the operating room. The technology courses will give them additional skills to enhance their advancement in the surgical environment.

The curriculum is also designed to give students a general education knowledge base which will complement their skills in the major subject areas. Additionally, the curriculum is also designed to prepare the student for the surgical technology national certifying examination which will be administered as part of the core curriculum.

Program Outcomes

Students who graduate from the Surgical Technology program will be equipped with the knowledge and skill to assist with basic and advanced surgical procedures. This knowledge will prepare students to perform in the major operating rooms, minor surgery, surgi-centers, and surgeon‘s offices. Specific program objectives are designed to enable graduates to:

• Possess entry level knowledge of surgical technology and its place in the modern healthcare delivery system
• Understand basic surgical anatomy and physiology in the operating room
• Know the names and uses of all basic and advanced surgical instrumentation.
• Understand and utilize aseptic technique and sterile barriers.
• Discuss and know the flow of a surgical procedure from start to finish.
• Assure that there are accurate counts of all materials and instruments used in any surgical procedure
• Demonstrate ―surgical consciousness.

For additional information about the program outcomes, please see the Student Consumer Information (link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/medical/program/surgical-technology-associate-degree/ ) which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see Information About the University on the ECPI website (link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/services/about-ecpi-university/ )

In 1.5 years, through our year-round schedule, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology.

About Surgical Technology

An entry level surgical technologist is able to act as a “primary scrub” in a variety of surgical procedures, and he or she can participate in all aspects of the operating room experience.

Requirements include negative drug screen, clear criminal background check, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification preferred; proof of immunizations/immunity to common communicable diseases (HepB; Td; MMR; Varicella; TB; etc); physical examination and CPR certification.

Students must have good manual dexterity, the ability to lift/push/pull up to 50 pounds, the ability to stand for more than 4 hours, and good eyesight with the ability to distinguish colors.

Graduates are eligible for employment as a surgical technologist in hospital based and ambulatory surgical centers.

Recommended Certifications

Certifications are not required for completion of this program but are encouraged. ECPI University provides vouchers allowing students to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Certification requirements for employment vary from state to state. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is recommended.

Program Outline

To receive the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology, the student must earn 66 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of five semesters or 18 months of instruction. Program requirements are as follows:

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum

42 semester credit hours

Arts and Sciences

18 semester credit hours

Self Integration

6 semester credit hours

1,505 total contact hours