Surgical Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree

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This program prepares individuals for work as entry level Surgical Technician / Technologist. Graduates will work in operating room suites assisting in the preparation of supplies and in the delivery of care to the surgical patient. Just prior to graduation, student will take a national test through The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).The NBSTSA credential of certification of surgical technologists (CST) is recognized in all states including NY and PA.  Students will also have the opportunity to become certified as a Sterilization Processing Technician.

This program blends both in person and online instruction.

Goals

  • To provide students with the skills they need for employment in a perioperative setting as a Surgical Technician/Technologist
  • To provide students with the skills necessary to interact effectively with members of the surgical team in the perioperative setting
  • To provide students with the knowledge of the legal and ethical codes pertaining the perioperative setting as a Surgical Technician /
    Technologist.
  • To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy
  • To provide students the knowledge for entry level work in a sterile processing environment

Gainful Employment - follow the link below for gainful employment information.

https://www.mvcc.edu/institutional-effectiveness/gainful-employment/gainful-employment-disclosures.php

Total Credit Hours: 62

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

This course includes a study of the language of medicine, including roots, prefixes and suffixes and the proper pronunciation and spelling of medical terms. All body systems and functions, including the structure, meaning, and use of medical terms related to diseases and operations of the human body are covered. An introduction to pharmacology (medications) is included. (Online Only)

This course is a survey of mathematics for students in those programs that do not require a mathematics sequence. It provides an appreciation of mathematical ideas in historical and modern settings. Topics include problem solving, logic, geometry, statistics, and consumer mathematics. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.

This course introduces students to common surgical instrumentation. Topics include instrument identification, function and grades, and proper instrumentation handling and usage in various surgical services. Suture material and needles by type and function are also covered.

Second Semester

This course covers the structure and function of the human organism and the regulatory processes that operate within a living system. It introduces general anatomical, physiological, and chemical organization, and includes the integumentary (skin), skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Laboratories involve vertebrate dissection, the use of prosected human cadavers and human skeletal materials, microscope work, non-invasive human experimentation, and possibly animal experimentation. Prerequisite: High School Biology or its equivalent is recommended.

This course introduces students to the functions and responsibilities of surgical technologists and sterile processing technicians. Topics include supply and equipment preparation for surgery and the safe usage, care, decontamination and sterilization of surgical instruments. Students are familiarized with the structure and design of the operating room as well as operating room safety precautions, infection control standards, healthcare law, and professional ethics. Corequesite: ST131 Fundamentals of Surgical Technology

This course introduces students to the procedures used to prepare patients for surgery. Topics include preparation of the surgical site, draping, wound management, vacuums, catheters, drains, and hemostatic agents. Students gain hands-on experience with the various machines and equipment used for surgery and are introduced to the precautions taken during electro-surgery and laser surgery. Corequisite: ST130 Sterile Processing and Surgical Technology

This course partners students with experienced sterile processing technicians. As students transition to a more active role, they will concentrate in the cleaning and sterilization of surgical instruments and other medical equipment. Students are expected to interact with personnel from all areas of the hospital and be involved in distribution of medical supplies throughout the healthcare facility. Prerequisite: ST120 Surgical Instrumentation

Third Semester

This course, which is a continuation of BI216 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1, involves the study of structure, function, and regulation in the human organism. Topics include blood, peripheral nerves, the cardiovascular system, lymphatics, the respiratory system, the excretory system, the endocrine system, the reproductive systems, the digestive system, and metabolism. Laboratories involve vertebrate dissection, the use of prosected human cadavers and human skeletal materials, microscope work, non-invasive human experimentation, and possibly animal experimentation. Prerequisite: BI216 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1.

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course provides an introduction to general, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical procedures. Course emphasizes proper surgical procedures for various anatomical regions. Students are provided hands-on experiences preparing surgical trays and performing the steps taken by surgical technologists during surgery. Prerequisite: ST131 Fundamentals of Surgical Technology

This course partners students with Surgical Technicians in a clinical setting. Primary surgical specialties are general surgery, OB/GYN, orthopedic, otorhinolaryngology, and genitourinary. As students transition to a more active role, surgical interventions include special patient care considerations, room set ups, anesthesia, positioning, skin prep, draping, incision and approach, supplies, equipment instrumentation, procedural steps, counts, dressing materials, specimen care, and postoperative destination and care. Prerequisite: ST220 Sterile Processing Clinical Practice

Fourth Semester

This course examines the physiological consequences of various disease states. Diseases are treated as threats to homeostasis. The effects of pathology on normal bodily processes are discussed at various organizational levels, including biochemical, cellular, histological, and organ systems. This course is designed for allied health students. Prerequisites: BI216 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1.

This course covers general principles of pharmacology related to the surgical technologist in the perioperative environment. Topics include drug sources, classifications, and regulatory issues, indications for use, complications, adverse reactions, and routes of administration, calculation, and medication handling. Emphasis on the relationship of drugs to the surgical patient. Anesthesia and emergency situations are stressed. Prerequisite: HM100 Medical Terminology for Health Professionals

This course provides the student with basic knowledge of surgical procedures. Topics include orthopedic, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, ophthalmic, cardiac, pediatric, thoracic, and vascular surgery. Previously learned and mastered skills will be integrated in this course. The student will be provided with hand-on experience in preparing the necessary surgical trays for these procedures and then practice following the steps involved in the surgical procedures from beginning to end. Prerequisite: ST140 Surgical Technology Skills & Procedures 1

This course is the continuation of ST230 Surgical Technician Clinical Practice 1. This course partners students with experienced Surgical Technicians. Primary surgical specialties are general surgery, OB/GYN, orthopedic, otorhinolaryngologic, and genitourinary. As students transition to a more active role, surgical interventions include special patient care considerations, room set ups, anesthesia, positioning, skin prep, draping, incision and approach, supplies, equipment instrumentation, procedural steps, counts, dressing materials, specimen care, and postoperative destination and care. Prerequisite: ST230 Surgical Technology Clinical Practice 1

Note: HM100, ST120, ST130, ST109, and BI209 are online only

Recommendation:

  • High school chemistry with lab component or its equivalent (Regents score of 70 or higher or high school score of 70 or higher within 10 years of admission to the Surgical Technology Program.)
  • High school biology or its equivalent is recommended.

Prerequisites:

The following requirements must be met before acceptance into the program:

  • High school diploma or its equivalent.
  • An appropriate MVCC Mathematics Placement test result.
  • Proof of current Health Care Provider CPR certification must be on file from the American Heart Association.
  • The Health Physical Assessment form must be completed and on file by August 1 for Fall admission and by November 1 for Spring clinical placement.
  • Prerequisites taken at MVCC or at other institutions must have a minimum grade of “C” (70) within the last 7 years.
  • Schedule an appointment with the School of Health Sciences. Call 315-792-5499 for an appointment.

Other requirements:

  • Professional liability and accident insurance, available through the College, is required and payable at registration.
  • Students must provide their own transportation to and from the assigned health care agency for externships.
  • Health Care Provider CPR must be kept current while attending the program.
  • A dress code exists and identified items (protective eyewear, picture ID, “sturdy” shoes and support hose) are required before entering ST131 Fundamentals of Surgical Technology. Students are required to purchase “scrubs.”
  • Minimum grade of “C” (70) required in all program courses.
  • Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be eligible to graduate from this program.
  • Graduation from the Surgical Technology program does not guarantee national certification at this time.
  • Students with legal charges pending or who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor may have their credentialing delayed or denied.
  • Students unable to complete Surgical Technology Program coursework at MVCC may face barriers to completion,  credentialing or employment; therefore, it is highly recommended for these students to meet with the Dean of Health Sciences to discuss implications.
  • If a student relocates to a state in which the institution does not have approval to operate prior to program completion it may adversely impact the student’s ability to complete the program or gain in-field employment.