Surgical Technology A.A.S.

This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition.

This course provides the surgical technology student the theoretical knowledge required to function in the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative role. Topics include asepsis, disinfection and sterilization, physical environment, instrumentation, equipment, perioperative patient care, and perioperative case management. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the principles and practices of the perioperative team member to the operative environment.

This course covers principles of microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms and human disease. Topics include an overview of microbiology and aspects of medical microbiology, identification, and control of pathogens, disease transmission, host resistance, and immunity. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of microorganisms and the disease process as well as aseptic and sterile techniques. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement.

This course provides clinical experience with a variety of perioperative assignments to build upon skills learned in SUR 111. Emphasis is placed on the scrub and circulating roles of the surgical technologist including aseptic technique and basic case preparation for selected surgical procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare, assist with, and dismantle basic surgical cases in both the scrub and circulating roles.

This course provides a comprehensive study of intermediate and advanced surgical specialties that students are exposed to in the second clinical rotation. Emphasis is placed on related surgical anatomy, pathology, and procedures that enhance theoretical knowledge of patient care, instrumentation, supplies, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to correlate, integrate, and apply theoretical knowledge of the course topics to the clinical operative environment.

This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication in both dyadic and group settings. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, apply basic principles of group discussion, and manage conflict in interpersonal communication situations.

This course covers theoretical knowledge required for extension of the surgical technologist role. Emphasis is placed on advanced practice in complex surgical specialties, educational methodologies, and managerial skills. Upon completion, students should be able to assume leadership roles in a chosen specialty area.

This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts.

This course is designed to provide individualized experience in advanced practice, education, circulating, and managerial skills. Emphasis is placed on developing and demonstrating proficiency in skills necessary for advanced practice. Upon completion, students should be able to assume leadership roles in a chosen specialty area.