Semester One

ST105
Medical Terminology (1 cr./15 hrs.)
This course is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to identify, pronounce, spell, and use correct medical terminology.

ST110
Anatomy and Physiology (5 cr./75 hrs.)
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.

ST115
Introduction to Surgical Technology (3 cr./45 hrs.)
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.

Semester Two

ST150
Microbiology and Wound Healing (3 cr./45 hrs.)
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, other characteristics of bacteria, microbes and the environment, nosocomial infections, prevention of disease transmission, the three lines of body defense mechanisms, sanitation, sterilization, 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.

ST160
Pharmacology (4 cr./60 hrs.)
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, hormones, drugs that affect coagulation, ophthalmic agents, and 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.

ST170
Operating Room Principles I (3 cr./45 hrs.)
Prerequisite: An earned C (2.0) or better in ST115
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 coordinated with the content of ST170.

Semester Three

ST210
Health Care Ethics (1 cr./15 hrs.)
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.

ST240
Operating Room Principles II (3 cr./45 hrs.)
Concurrent registration is required in ST250 and ST251
Prerequisite: A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST170, and passing of the Skills Assessment in ST171
This course reviews the pertinent anatomy, physiology, and common pathophysiology related to diagnostic procedures (non-invasive and invasive), general procedures, obstetrics and gynecological procedures, orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology, neurological procedures, cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular surgery, urology, maxillofacial, plastic and pediatric procedures. Conditions that warrant surgical correction are discussed in depth. This course is coordinated with the content of ST250 and ST251.

ST250
Operating Room Principles III (3 cr./45 hrs.)
Concurrent registration is required in ST250 and ST251
Prerequisite: A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST170, and passing of the Skills Assessment in ST171
This course addresses common specialized instruments by type, function, name, specialized equipment and supplies associated with the following topics: general surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology, neurological procedures, cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular surgery, urology, maxillofacial, plastic and pediatric procedures. Common procedures in each of the surgical specialty areas are explained in detail including indication for surgery, anatomy involved, anticipated incision, position, prepping, draping, and step-by-step explanation of the procedure. This course is coordinated with the content of ST240 and ST251.

ST251
Operating Room Application II (6 cr./90 hrs.)
Concurrent registration is required in ST240 and ST250
Prerequisite: A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST170, and passage of the Skills Assessment in ST171
This course provides the clinical environment in which to practice the theories and skills covered in ST240 and T250. 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, 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. This course is coordinated with the content of ST240, ST250.

Semester Four

ST270
Clinical Practicum I (5 cr. /250 hrs.)
Prerequisite: A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST240, ST250, and passing of the Skills Assessment in ST251
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.

ST280
Clinical Practicum II (5 cr./250 hrs.)
Prerequisite: Grade of C (2.0) or better in ST270
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.