Surgical Technology, Associate of Applied Science
Program Overview
The Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare students for a career as a surgical technologist. The program of study will introduce students 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 students 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 Associate of Applied Science in 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 major operating rooms, minor surgery, surgical 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 link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/surgical-technology-associate-degree. To see the Student Consumer Information link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/student-consumer-services 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 About ECPI University on the ECPI website.
In 1.5 years, through our year-round schedule, students 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
Certification requirements for employment vary from state to state and are required in the state of Virginia. ECPI University provides vouchers allowing students to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is recommended.
Program Outline
To receive the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology, students must earn 66 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 5 semesters, which is equivalent to18 months or 70 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:
Program Requirements
Core Curriculum
42 semester credit hours
| MED104 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| SUR101 | Surgical Theory I | 3 |
| SUR102 | Surgical Theory II | 3 |
| SUR120 | Surgical Procedures I | 4 |
| SUR121 | Surgical Procedures II | 4 |
| SUR122 | Surgical Procedures III | 4 |
| SUR123 | Surgical Procedures IV | 4 |
| SUR270 | Surgical Technology Practicum I | 3 |
| SUR270S | Practicum Seminar | 1 |
| SUR271 | Surgical Technology Practicum II | 3 |
| SUR271S | Practicum Seminar | 1 |
| SUR272 | Surgical Technology Practicum III | 4 |
| SUR272S | Practicum Seminar | 1 |
| SUR285 | National Certifying Examination Prep | 4 |
Arts and Sciences*
18 semester credit hours
| BIO101 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO104 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| ENG110 | College Composition | 3 |
| HUM205 | Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities | 3 |
| MTH120 | College Mathematics | 3 |
| PSY105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.
Self-Integration
6 semester credit hours
1,505 total contact hours
*The following courses are available online for Surgical Technology students: CIS108, COR191, ENG110, FOR110, HUM205, and PSY105.