This course is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to identify, pronounce, spell, and use correct medical terminology.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify the organs and structures of human body systems.
2. Define the word roots and combining forms used to describe the organs and human body structures.
3. Define suffixes and prefixes in medical terminology.
4. Construct and define compound words as they relate to medical terminology.
5. Derive the meaning of new medical terms by analyzing their elements.
6. Correctly pronounce and spell medical terminology
    

Following a systems approach, this course covers the organization and structure of the human body with emphasis on the physiologic function and interdependence of organ systems. Topics include the organization of the human body, cellular function, tissue classification, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, lymphatic, reproductive, endocrine, immune, and circulatory system (both central and peripheral), the special senses, and blood and body fluids.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify body planes and demonstrate an understanding of body organization and biological terms of reference.
2. Describe the basic structure of the cell
3. Identify the types and characteristics of tissue that comprise various organ systems
4. Describe the layers of the skin and the components of each.
5. Locate, name, and describe the prominent features of bones, cartilage and joints.
6. Describe the characteristics of muscle tissue throughout the human body, with emphasis on skeletal muscle and name the major external muscles of the body.
7. Explain the major anatomic and functional parts of the Central, Peripheral, and Autonomic Nervous systems
8. Define the function and structure of the organs making up the special senses, including the eye (sight), tongue (taste), nose (smell), skin (touch), and eararing).
9. Describe the components and function of blood
10. Distinguish the anatomic structures of the heart and explain circulation of blood
11. Describe the structure of arteries and veins; and name the major vessels of both systems.
12. Identify the major structures comprising the lymphatic system and describe immunity
13. Recognize the anatomical structures of the upper and lower respiratory tract, and describe the regulatory mechanisms of the respiratory system.
14. Identify and structures and describe the function of the digestive system.
15. Identify and describe the structures, function and regulatory mechanisms of the urinary system.
16. Identify the structures and function of both the male and female reproductive system.

This course provides the student with a broad background of today's American health care industry and the role of health care providers with an emphasis on surgical technology. Specific topics include the history of the development of surgery as a medical specialty, health care delivery systems and facilities, hospital organization and management, introduction to the surgical team, the role and function of surgical technologists, and the ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities applicable to implementing standards of care. The course includes in-depth discussion of a patient's emotional and physical response to illness and surgery. In addition the student is introduced to the physical layout of an operating room, including furniture, proper attire, and traffic patterns and to the chemical, biological, and physical hazards.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe how infection control practices are implemented in the surgical setting to ensure safe patient care.
2. Identify the basic principles of aseptic technique.
3. Describe the various means used to disinfect, sterilize, and monitor surgical instruments and supplies for use in the operating room.
4. Demonstrate the correct method of scrubbing, gowning, and gloving self and other members of the surgical team.
5. Demonstrate the proper methods to transfer and safely position the patient.
6. Describe and demonstrate the preparation of a sterile surgical field, including the proper technique to maintain sterility when receiving or removing equipment supplies from the field.
7. Describe the purpose and use of surgical drapes and demonstrate proper draping techniques for surgical equipment and the surgical patient for a variety of surgical procedures.
8. Correctly prepare and handle surgical supplies.
9. Identify basic surgical instruments by type, function and name and demonstrate the proper care, safe handling and assembly of surgical instruments classifications include cutting, grasping, clamping, retracting, probing, suturing, scoping, dilating and dissecting.
10. Identify suture materials and demonstrate proper preparation and handling techniques.
11. Demonstrate correct handling of needles and syringes.
12. Describe common means of establishing hemostasis.
13. Demonstrate the proper care of handling of specimens.
14. Describe the role of surgical technologist in responding to life-threatening emergencies in the operating room.
     

This course presents the ethical theories and conceptual framework that support ethical decision-making. The Surgical Technologist Code of Ethics, ethical events that occur within the operative setting, and professional responsibility in the delivery of safe, effective and competent patient care by the Surgical Technologist are presented.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe a conceptual framework that supports ethical decision-making.
2. Describe the major ethical theories in terms of the principles of autonomy, nonmalficence, beneficence and justice.
3. Identify pertinent ethical issues facing the Surgical Technician.
4. Define “surgical conscience.”
5. Identify issues and events that occur within the operative setting and can be affected by a surgical conscience.
6. Recognize events that may require an ethical analysis or a moral judgment in the perioperative area.
7. Identify the Surgical Technologist’s personal and professional responsibility in the delivery of safe, effective and competent patient care.
8. Describe the elements of the Surgical Technologist Code of Ethics.

This course addresses the structure and function of the cell, pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms, microscopy and the microscope, classification of microorganisms, genetics, growth factors, and other characteristics of bacteria, microbes and the environment, nosocomial infections, prevention of disease transmission, the three lines of body defense mechanisms, sanitation, sterilization, and disinfection, wound healing, the infectious process and immune response. Allergy and hypersensitivity are addressed in terms of both patient and the surgical technologist. Special attention is paid to how tissues react and are restored to normal functions following surgical trauma.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify the significant historical developments in the field of microbiology.
2. Describe theories of disease, including the germ theory.
3. Define common terminology used in the field of microbiology.
4. Understand the classification of microorganisms.
5. Describe the basic characteristics and diseases caused by the specific classes of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, algae, and prions.
6. Describe basics of bacterial morphology, growth factors, and genetics.
7. Describe the interaction between man and microorganisms, including the indigenous microflora of the body.
8. Describe the disease process and pathogenicity and virulence factors.
9. Describe nosocomial infections, including contributing factors and prevention.
10. Describe the most common organism involved in nosocomial infections and other organisms of concern to the surgical technologist.
11. Describe conditions that affect the growth of microorganisms.
12. Describe principles of decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization as they relate to surgical procedures.
13. Describe methods of sterilization, disinfection, and decontamination.
14. Describe the infectious process, including natural defenses and virulence factors.
15. Explain disease transmission and prevention, including the use of Standard Precautions and other infection control practices.
16. Understand the non-specific and specific body defenses to infection, including the immune system.
17. Describe the basics of the healing process, including normal reactions and complications.
18. Describe the classification of wounds.
     

Students review basic math skills and learn a framework of pharmacological principles in order to apply them in the surgical environment. Commonly used medication with surgical applications are reviewed in depth including antibiotics, diagnostic agents, diuretics, drugs affecting the gastrointestinal system, hormones, drugs that affect coagulation, ophthalmic agents, preoperative medications anesthesia agents for general and regional techniques. Specific topics include basic math with emphasis on the metric system, percentages, and proportions; basic pharmacological principles including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; drug administration routes and methods; blood and fluid usage; drug reactions including malignant hyperthermia; and, allergic reactions.

Upon completionof the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate competence in using the metric system as applied to the science of pharmacology including measurement and weights, fractions and decimals, ratios and proportions, temperature measurement, liquid and solid calculations, and conversion values between measurement systems.
2. Describe basic pharmacological principles of drug action and effect in terms of the pharmocodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of a drug.
3. Demonstrate the safe practice of drug identification, preparation and administration within the surgical environment.
4. Describe the legal requirements of drug preparation and administration within the surgical environment.
5. Describe the action, uses, and modes of administration and side effects of drugs used in the care of the surgical patient.
6. Describe the action, uses, modes of administration, and untoward effects of anesthetic and adjunctive agents used in the care of the surgical patient.
7. Describe the legal aspects and safety factors related to blood and fluid therapy.

This course introduces the core principles of aseptic technique, sterilization and disinfection, the reprocessing of surgical instruments and supplies. Each student learns to perform a surgical scrub, don gowns and gloves, how to change gowns and gloves when contamination occurs, and how to gown and glove others. Patient transportation and patient positioning are demonstrated and practiced. Preparation of the patient for surgical procedures is covered including urinary catheterization and skin preparation. The course also includes the principles of draping a patient and setting up a back table and mayo stand. Basic instrumentation, sutures and surgical needles are covered. Related topics addressed are the methods of achieving hemostasis, care and handling of specimens, the appropriate response to emergencies resulting from blood volume emergencies, respiratory emergencies, cardiac emergencies, malignant hyperthermia, anaphylactic allergic reactions and seizures.

This course is designed to augment the classroom theory presented in and provides the opportunity to repeatedly scrub, gown and glove themselves and others, reprocess surgical supplies, activate the flash sterilization cycle, drape and set up a back table and mayo stand with instruments and basic supplies appropriate for a laparotomy procedure, accept and label medications, drape a patient and take down the drapes and instruments following the conclusion of a procedure. Passing of the Skills Assessment of basic competence of aseptic technique, the setting up of a Mayo stand and back table, and draping of the patient is required.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe how infection control practices are implemented in the surgical setting to ensure safe patient care
2. Identify the basic principles of aseptic technique
3. Describe the various means used to disinfect, sterilize and monitor surgical instruments and supplies for use in the OR
4. Demonstrate the correct method of scrubbing, gowning, and gloving self and other members of the surgical team
5. Demonstrate the proper methods to transfer and safely position the patient
6. Describe and demonstrate the preparation of a sterile surgical field, including the proper technique to maintain sterility when receiving or removing equipment and supplies from the field.
7. Describe the purpose and use of surgical drapes and demonstrate proper draping techniques for surgical equipment and the surgical patient for a variety of surgical procedures.
8. Correctly prepare and handle surgical supplies.
9. Identify basic surgical instruments by type, function and name and demonstrate the proper care, safe handling and assembly of surgical instruments. Classifications include cutting, grasping, clamping, retracting, probing, suturing, scoping, dilating, and dissecting.
10. Identify suture materials and demonstrate proper preparation and handling techniques.
11. Demonstrate correct handling of needles and syringes.
12. Describe common means of establishing hemostasis.
13. Demonstrate the proper care of handling of specimens.
14. Describe the role of surgical technologist in responding to life-threatening emergencies in the operating room.
     

This course is an exam that assesses the demonstration of the clinical skills necessary in order to proceed into ST250 and ST251.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate the correct method of performing a surgical scrub, donning sterile gown and gloves of self and other surgical team members.
2. Drape and correctly prepare a back table and mayo stand in preparation for a simple laparotomy procedure, including basic instruments, sutures, and drapes.
3. Accept and correctly place sterile surgical supplies.
4. Accept and correctly label medications.
5. Place sterile drapes correctly and efficiently.
6. Perform correct surgical counts.
7. Demonstrate aseptic technique including awareness of breaks in technique, proper and efficient correction of breaks, openness to being informed of breaks in technique, and professional manner in informing others of breaks in technique.

This course reviews the pertinent anatomy, physiology, and common pathophysiology related to: general procedures, obstetrics and gynecological procedures, orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology, neurological procedures, cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular surgery, urologic, maxillofacial, plastic, and pediatric procedures. Conditions that warrant surgical correction are discussed in depth. Common specialized instruments by type, function, name, and supplies are discussed in the context of each specialty. Common procedures in each of the surgical specialty areas are explained in detail including indication for surgery, anatomy involved, anticipated incision, patient position and prepping, draping, and step-by-step explanation of the procedure. This course is coordinated with the content of .

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to discuss these critical surgical aspects associated with the following specialties:

1. The relevant anatomy related to the surgical systems,
2. Common surgical pathophysiology of the surgical systems.
3. Indications for, the purposes of, the expected outcomes, and possible complications related to the surgical systems.
4. Identify common specialized surgical instruments by type, function, and name related to the surgical systems.
5. Explain how to use specialized supplies and equipment related to the surgical systems:
    -General surgery
   -Obstetric and gynecological surgery
   -Ear, nose, and throat surgery
   -Head and neck, oral and maxillofacial surgery
   -Orthopedic surgery
   -Plastic and reconstructive surgery
   -Neuro and spine surgery
   -Peripheral vascular surgery
   -Genitourinary surgery
   -Cardiothoracic surgery
   -Ophthalmic surgery
   -Pediatric surgery
    

This course provides the clinical environment in which to practice the theories and skills covered in . Students have repeated opportunities to scrub, gown and glove themselves and others, drape and set up a mayo stand and back table appropriate for general laparotomy, gynecological, orthopedic, ENT, and urologic procedure. Each student learns to handle instruments, suture and needles and sterile supplies. Progress of skill mastery is assessed and evaluated by return demonstration methods. Passing of the Skills Assessment of aseptic technique, the setting up of a mayo stand and back table, draping of the patient, handing and receiving supplies, surgical instruments, suture, and needles, is required. Concurrent registration is required in .

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe and demonstrate the preparation of a sterile surgical field, including the proper technique to maintain sterility when receiving or removing equipment and supplies from the field.
2. Demonstrate the preparation of sterile supplies and equipment.
3. Describe and demonstrate intraoperative techniques for the safe handling and passing of instrumentation.
4. Describe the purpose and use of surgical drapes and demonstrate proper draping techniques for surgical equipment and the surgical patient for a variety of surgical procedures.
5. Set up and disassemble a surgical field.
6. Describe the application of informatics and computer science to surgery and related systems.
7. Locate and use computerized databases to construct a complete surgical case cart set-up for a variety of surgical procedures.
8. Prepare instrumentation and equipment set up for a minor general, GYN, and orthopedic surgical procedure.
9. Demonstrate correct electrical safety based on the principles of electricity and physics.
10. Anticipate appropriate instrumentation needs for a variety of surgical procedures, as demonstrated by Mayo stand and back table set up.
11. Select, prepare and safely pass appropriate surgical suture materials.
12. Pass the required skills proficiency exam with a minimum of 90%.
13. Demonstrate the purpose and use of surgical drapes and proper draping techniques for surgical equipment and the surgical patient for a variety of surgical procedures.
14. Identify the safe use, basic care, handling and cleaning techniques of the following accessory equipment: suction and vacuum systems, lights, pneumatic equipment, sequential compression devices, tables, and stands.
15. Identify the safe use, basic care, and cleaning techniques of various styles of operating room tables and related equipment.

This course is an exam that assesses the demonstration of the clinical skills necessary in order to proceed into ST270/ST280 Clinical Practicum.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate the correct method of performing a surgical scrub, donning sterile gown and gloves of self and other surgical team members.
2. Drape and correctly prepare a back table and mayo stand in preparation for all of the five basic procedures, including basic instruments, sutures, and drapes in less than 20 minutes.
3. Open and accept surgical supplies.
4. Accept and correctly label medications; also perform a “pause for the cause” to identify the patient.
5. Apply sterile drapes correctly and efficiently.
6. Initiate and complete surgical counts for all the basic procedures.
7. Pass surgical instruments for all five of the basic surgical procedures.
8. Handle sharps in a safe and effective manner; dispose of sharps and hazardous materials appropriately.
9. Remove drapes from the patient, and remove their gown and gloves and dispose of this material properly.
10. Demonstrate aseptic technique, including awareness of breaks in technique, proper and efficient correction of breaks, openness to being informed of breaks in technique, and professional manner in informing others of breaks in technique.

Students are assigned to a clinical facility and assist with surgical procedures within the operative setting under the personal supervision of a clinical preceptor. This practicum is designed for the student to integrate knowledge and theory from previous classes and to develop specific psycho-motor skills as a surgical technologist. Clinical assignments are based on a set of clinical performance objectives that must be met prior to the completion of the semester. Students participate in bi-weekly clinical conferences to debrief current learning and synthesize knowledge with practice. Also covered in these bi-weekly sessions are professional topics such as understanding the roles, responsibilities and variety of personalities that comprise OR settings, the development of a resume and cover letter, completion of an application form for employment, and the development of answers to commonly asked interview questions.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify the roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist.
2. Explain the ethical, legal and moral aspects of surgical technology as they relate to patients, co-workers, employers, communities and self.
3. Use appropriate medical terminology, accurately and with ease.
4. Relate principles of human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to a wide variety of surgical conditions and procedures.
5. Participate in and log completion of at least 80 surgical procedures
6. Identify the surgical instrumentation and supply needs for a wide variety of surgical conditions and procedures.
7. Apply principles of microbiology in maintaining asepsis.
8. Protect patients, staff, and self from iatrogenic complications by the consistent use of standard precautions and other safety measures as appropriate.
9. Prepare, calculate, and label drugs and solutions accurately
10. Identify critical components necessary to prepare the patient for surgery including patient identification, consent for surgery, preoperative laboratory requirements and results, physical assessment and vital signs, patient transport, patient positioning, skin preparation requirements, urinary catheterization, emergency preparations, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
11. Demonstrate methods of sterilization and disinfection, including room preparation and terminal cleaning of equipment and supplies.
12. Prepare equipment and supplies for surgical use.
13. Safely select and pass surgical instruments.
14. Demonstrate personal and professional integrity and the ability to interact as a professional with the entire healthcare/surgical team.
15. Complete the required clinical experience documentation.
16. Prepare a personal resume and cover letter
     

In this course, the student continues to assume a role with greater responsibility on the surgical team at a different clinical facility than the first rotation. Specialty procedures are scheduled as part of the student's learning opportunities. Students may have the opportunity to obtain experience in areas outside of the main operating room, such as labor and delivery, the instrument room, special procedures area, the outpatient setting, and other procedure areas. During this course, the student follows a patient through the entire perioperative experience from preoperative preparation, through the OR and postop recovery. The student demonstrates clinical proficiency to an employment-acceptable level in general and commonly performed specialty procedures. Bi-weekly clinical conference days continue for debriefing of the clinical experience, professional development, and a simulated interview situation.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify the appropriate roles and responsibilities of the surgical technician.
2. Explain the ethical, legal, and moral aspects of surgical technology as they relate to patients, co-workers, employers, communities, and self.
3. Use appropriate medical terminology accurately and with ease.
4. Relate principles of human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to a wide variety of surgical conditions and procedures.
5. Identify the surgical instrumentation and supply needs for a wide variety of surgical conditions and procedures.
6. Participate in and log completion of at least 80 surgical procedures.
7. Apply principles of microbiology in maintaining asepsis.
8. Protect patients, staff, and self from iatrogenic complications by the consistent use of standard precautions and other safety measures as appropriate.
9. Recognize the action and indication of drugs used in the surgical environment. Prepare and calculate drugs and solutions as necessary.
10. Demonstrate knowledge of a wide variety of anesthetic drugs and techniques.
11. Identify critical components necessary to prepare the patient for surgery, including patient identification, consent for surgery, preoperative laboratory requirements and results, physical assessment and vital signs, patient transport, patient positioning, skin preparation requirements, urinary catheterization, emergency preparations, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
12. Document the care of the patient as defined by legal and institutional policy.
13. Demonstrate methods of sterilization and disinfection, including room preparation and terminal cleaning of equipment and supplies.
14. Demonstrate personal and professional integrity and the ability to interact as a professional with the entire health care/surgical team.
15. Complete the required clinical experience documentation, including types and numbers of cases scrubbed, role of first scrub or assist, daily performance evaluation, daily care plan.
16. Prepare a personal resume
17. Practice interviewing for a job
18. Prepare for orientation to a hospital
19. Prepare for the Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) certification exam
20. Complete the Program Assessment Exam (PAE) exam