Surgical Technology Courses
Microbiology and Infection Control
This course covers the characteristics and activities of microorganisms. It surveys the various microbial groups, especially the bacteria, viruses, and fungi, with emphasis on pathogenic forms. Bacterial growth, metabolism, and genetics are discussed in some detail. Theories and methods of destruction, removal, and inhibition of microorganisms in the environment are studied, as well as how the human body's natural defenses act to protect against pathogenic microorganisms, principles of wound healing and infection control. Various significant aspects of infectious disease that occur in humans are also covered.
Credit hours: 1.5
Lecture hours: 3
Surgical Anatomy and Physiology
$21.00 lab fee Course is designed to provide the student an understanding of the surgical anatomy, function, and common disorders requiring surgery. Includes lab anatomical dissection and clinical hours for observation.
Credit hours: 6
Lecture hours: 4
Lab hours: 1
Other hours: 1
Surgical Techniques and Procedures
Prerequisite: HSC1000. Corequisite: STS1310L. Course introduces the discipline of surgery, the surgical team, and the perioperative care of the patient (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative). Emphasis is placed on the duties of the surgical technologist in the assistant circulator, first scrub and second scrub roles. Topics include the physical environment, attire, legal/ethical responsibilities, aseptic technique, chart review, infection control, equipment, instrumentation, supplies, methods of disinfection and sterilization, sterile storage and distribution, hazards of the environment, principles of electricity and robotics, environmental sanitation, principles of wound healing and wound management, and the typical sequence of surgery. Skills include patient identification, positioning, skin prep, urinary catheterization, counts, draping, incisions, exposure, hemostasis, application of catheters, drains and dressings and specimen care. An introduction to patient assessment and the specialties of surgery is included.
Credit hours: 6
Lecture hours: 6
Surgical Techniques and Procedures Lab
$250 lab fee. Prerequisites: HSC1000L. Corequisite: STS1310. Course prepares students for the application of the roles of assistant circulator, second scrub and first scrub roles. Skills includes the principles of sterile technique, the preoperative preparation of the patient, the use and preparation of surgical instrumentation, use of surgical supplies, tissue replacement materials, preparation of suture, passing of instruments and the surgical setup. Skills include the application of sterile technique, transfer of patient, positioning, skin prep, preparation of sterile supplies, the identification and passing of instrumentation, specialty equipment usage, and universal case setup. Simulation lab exercises will include role rotation during common surgical procedures such as a breast biopsy, hernia repair and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Credit hours: 2
Lab hours: 7.333
Pharmacology and Anesthesia
This course is designed to introduce students to most commonly used pharmacological agents utilized for surgical patients in each phase of the perioperative experience and those utilized in the treatment of complications and emergencies. Emphasis is placed on preoperative medications, anesthetics and medications utilized within the sterile field stressing identification, preparation, measurements, management within the sterile field, handling/transfer, and usage. Other topics include pain management, airway and respiratory management, IV fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy, and a comparison of the types of anesthesia, physiological effects, complications and treatment. Includes 15 hours of hands on training.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: 3
Lab hours: 1
Endoscopy Basics
This course is designed to prepare students for employment in the related areas of central sterile technology regarding endoscopic instrumentation, basic set up, decontamination, equipment maintenance and sterilization, scope processing, and rigid endoscopic tray assembly.
Credit hours: 1
Lecture hours: 1
Endoscopy Technician Theory
Course is designed to prepare students for role of the GI technician regarding flexible endoscopic procedures including the specialties of gastroenterology and pulmonology. For those desiring training in rigid endoscopy, additional course modules are available to prepare students to function as an endoscopic technician to setup and troubleshoot rigid endoscopy equipment.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: 3
Endoscopy Technician Lab and Clinical
$55.00 lab fee Course provides 185 hours of experience in the field of endoscopy.
Credit hours: 3
Lab hours: 11.56
Introduction to Surgery Clinical
$38.00 lab fee Combined course provides orientation to the operating room environments and novice level assignments including case prep, room turnover, central sterile, observation, circulating, patient care sequencing assignments, and initial scrub experiences. Preconference preparation and assignments prepare the student for the clinical assignment.
Credit hours: 2
Lecture hours: .666
Other hours: 10.666
Surgical Procedures I
Prerequisite: STS1310, STS1310L. Course is designed to prepare students for surgical procedures including the review of surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, relevant equipment, supplies, and techniques regarding general surgery, endoscopic surgery, gynecological and obstetrical surgery, genitourinary surgery, orthopedic surgery, and otorhinolaryngological surgery (ear, nose and throat), diagnostic procedures and relevant equipment, supplies, and techniques. Depth of coverage will be determined by the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologists published by the Association of Surgical Technologists.
Credit hours: 4
Lecture hours: 4
Surgical Simulation Lab I
$195.00 lab fee Prerequisite: STS1310, STS1310L. Corequisite: STS2323. Course introduces student to instrumentation usage and identification, completion of core mock surgical procedures to facilitate the student's ability to anticipate the steps of the procedure and permits the evaluation of the student's performance regarding the critical elements of the surgical technologist's responsibilities.
Credit hours: 1
Lab hours: 3.666
Surgical Procedures II
Prerequisite: STS2323. Course is designed to prepare students for specialty surgical procedures including the review of surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, relevant equipment, supplies, and techniques regarding plastic and reconstructive surgery, maxillary/mandibular surgery, oral surgery, neurosurgery, cardio thoracic surgery, peripheral vascular surgery, trauma and surgery for all ages. Depth of coverage will be determined by the current edition of the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologists published by the Association of Surgical Technologists.
Credit hours: 4
Lecture hours: 4
Surgical Simulation Lab II
$327.00 lab fee Prerequisite: STS2323, STS2323L. Corequisite: STS2324. Course prepares student for the completion of specialty mock surgical procedures to facilitate the student's ability to anticipate the steps of the procedure and permits the evaluation of the student's performance regarding the critical elements of the surgical technologist's responsibilities.
Credit hours: 1
Lab hours: 3.666
Principles of Surgical Assisting
Prerequisite: STS2323 or certification as a surgical technologist (CST). Course provides an in-depth study of the SFA role including history, professional, legal, moral, and ethical responsibilities. Review of healthcare facility information, documentation, and risk management. Topics include: instrument usage, trocar/incisions, tissue handling, dissection, exposure, hemostasis, retraction, suturing, wound healing, tissue replacement materials, irrigation, specimen care, catheter/drain placement, surgical hazard management, IV fluid/auto-transfusion techniques, medication administration, and wound management. Patient care skills include: interview/history techniques, physical assessment, diagnostic exams, planning, patient education, patient monitoring, and perioperative patient care skills. Application of principles includes: the technological sciences, infection control, sterile technique, disinfection and sterilization and problem solving regarding the prevention and treatment of potential complications or emergencies. Includes on-site lab simulation.
Credit hours: 2
Lecture hours: 2
Lab hours: 2.333
Surgical Assisting Simulation Lab II
$360.00 lab fee Prerequisite: STS2331L. Lab course to accompany STS2332, Specialty Surgical Procedures II to prepare the non-certified student. Includes the completion of simulated mock surgical procedures to facilitate the student’s ability to anticipate the steps of the procedure and permits the evaluation of the student’s performance regarding the critical elements of either the hospital employed, surgeon employed, or private practice surgical first assistant’s responsibilities. Final lab skills assessment will be performed regarding the scrub, assistant circulator and first assistant roles including performance regarding the application of sterile technique, disinfection, sterilization, instrumentation, surgical counts, draping, wound management, and sharps handling.
Credit hours: 1
Lab hours: 2
Advanced Integrated Surgical Sciences
Course prepares student for the advanced detail of surgical anatomy, physiology. Includes a review of the common function and structures of the human body including the surface anatomy. Other topics include relevant medical terminology, pathophysiology, etiology, disease, chemistry, microbiology, physics, and the technological sciences and congenital anomalies that are commonly encountered during surgical related interventions. In addition, pathology classification, cellular injury, types of necrosis, inflammation, types of injury, nutritional and metabolic pathologies, immunological disorders, neoplastic disorders, circulatory pathologies, hemodynamic management, and pain management will be included.
Credit hours: 2
Lecture hours: 2
Advanced Surgical Procedures for the Surgical Assistant
Prepares surgical technologist students with the additional core knowledge to assist with surgical procedures. Includes relevant preoperative diagnosis, common complications, surgical sequence, pharmacology, instrumentation, equipment, operative pathophysiology, and postoperative care for common surgical procedures that may require a surgical assistant. Core surgical specialties to be covered include the services of general, gynecologic and obstetric, otolaryngology, genitourinary, and orthopedic, ophthalmic, plastic and reconstructive, neurosurgery, vascular, and cardiothoracic.
Credit hours: 2
Lecture hours: 2
The Art of Teamwork in Surgery
This course will introduce student to the principles of Human Factors science as applied to the system of care, teaching them about the skills needed to function effectively and safely in teams in a modern surgical environment. The course will cover the background psychology of interpersonal interactions and the evidence from other industries on the barriers to safe and effective team communication and cooperation. Students will develop their teamwork and communication skills, explore the principles of hierarchy and power distance, personal styles and coping strategies, situational awareness, secure communications loops, use of checklists and standard operating procedures, how to deal with team dysfunction, leadership, followership, effective briefing and debriefing, models of risk and error in health care, and the principles of risk minimization in systems involving humans.
Credit hours: 1
Lecture hours: 1
Professional Skills for the OR Team
This course will introduce students to the principles of professionalism including such topics as how to work well with many different people/cultures, how to demonstrate respect for and place value on different perspectives, the importance of providing and responding to construction criticism, mechanisms which can help the individual work well under pressure, discussions regarding the willingness to work hard, discussions regarding multi-tasking and safety procedures which can enhance the ability to complete a variety of tasks simultaneously, the importance of professional organizations, the credentialing process, and how to work within the committee process.
Credit hours: 1
Lecture hours: 1
Management in Healthcare
Introduces the basics of management in the healthcare setting for the supervisor to middle management level includes interpersonal skills, budget management, inventory management, performance appraisal, and policy formation.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: 3
Surgical Assisting Clinical
$243.00 lab fee SFA clinical internship which includes the evaluation of the student’s performance regarding the critical elements of the surgical first assistant’s responsibilities.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: .67
Lab hours: 22.7
Surgical Certification Symposium
Course provides instruction, guidance, and preparation for the surgical specialist to enter the surgical field as a professional.
Credit hours: 1
Lecture hours: 1
SA Scrub Role Clincial
Prerequisite: STS1310L and STS2952. Combined course prepares students for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative surgical experiences. Preconference and case preparation prepares students to gain experiences in the role of the scrub, assistant circulator, and second assistant. Performance evaluation prepares student for entry level position in the healthcare field. Students gain hands-on experience in the application of surgical techniques under the supervision of their preceptor and surgeon for the case.
Credit hours: 1
Lecture hours: .666
Other hours: 5.334
Surgical Clinical I
$13.00 lab fee This is a combined clinical course designed to prepare students for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative surgical procedure experiences. Preconference and case preparation prepares students to gain experiences in the role of the scrub, assistant circulator, and second assistant. Performance evaluation includes surgical techniques, sterile technique, medication administration, prevention of wrong site surgery, prevention of foreign body retention, safe work practices, work attitudes, professional ethics, legal requirements, reporting, documentation, and efficiency in the work arena. Students gain hands-on experience in the application of surgical techniques under the supervision of their preceptor and surgeon for the case. Depth of coverage, role performance, and case completion requirements for graduation are determined by the current edition of the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologists as published by the Association of Surgical Technologists.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: .666
Other hours: 16
Surgical Clinical II
$253.00 lab fee Prerequisite: STS1940C. This is a combined clinical course designed to prepare students for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative surgical procedure experiences. Preconference and case preparation prepares students to gain experiences in the role of the scrub, assistant circulator, and second assistant. Performance evaluation includes surgical techniques, sterile technique, medication administration, prevention of wrong site surgery, prevention of foreign body retention, safe work practices, work attitudes, professional ethics, legal requirements, reporting, documentation, and efficiency in the work arena. Students gain hands-on experience in the application of surgical techniques under the supervision of their preceptor and surgeon for the case. Depth of coverage, role performance, and case completion requirements for graduation are determined by the current edition of the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologists as published by the Association of Surgical Technologists.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: .666
Other hours: 16
Surgical Assisting Portfolio
Corequisite: STS2370. Course is designed to prepare the SA surgical student for the surgical setting and employment by incorporating case preparation techniques into a final document describing their experiences and course work preparing them for a lifetime of continuing education. Activities will include the design of their own student portfolio which will document their accomplishments in the program, presentations, papers, case preparation, and their experiences in the clinical setting.
Credit hours: 1
Lecture hours: 1
Surgical Assisting Portfolio II
Corequisite: STS2371. Course is designed to prepare students for the surgical setting and employment by incorporating case preparation techniques into a final document describing their experiences and course work preparing them for a lifetime of continuing education. Activities will include the design of their own student portfolio which will document their accomplishments in the program, presentations, papers, case preparation, and their experiences in the clinical setting. Includes a comprehensive module to assist students prepare for the certification examinations.
Credit hours: 1
Lecture hours: 1
Surgical Transition Portfolio
Corequisite: STS2943. Course is designed to prepare the surgical technology student finalizing the portfolio experience as a surgical technologist in the scrub role into a final document describing their experiences and course work preparing them for a lifetime of continuing education. Activities will include the design of their own student portfolio which will document their accomplishments in the assistant circulator, second scrub and first scrub roles. Additional section will document the transition into and the experiences gained in the Surgical First Assistant role as they complete STS2330C, Principles of Surgical Assisting.
Credit hours: 1
Lecture hours: 1
Surgical Technologist Portfolio I
Course is designed to prepare students for the surgical setting and employment by incorporating case preparation techniques into a final document describing their experiences and course work preparing them for a lifetime of continuing education. Activities will include the design of their own student portfolio which will document their accomplishments in the program, presentations, journals, papers, case preparation, and their experiences in the clinical setting.
Credit hours: 1
Lecture hours: 1
Surgical Technologist Portfolio II
Course is designed to prepare students for the surgical setting and employment by incorporating case preparation techniques into a final document describing their experiences and course work preparing them for a lifetime of continuing education. Activities will include the design of their own student portfolio which will document their accomplishments in the program, presentations, journals, papers, case preparation, and their experiences in the clinical setting.
Credit hours: 1
Lecture hours: 1