Surgical Technology A.A.S.

Surgical Technology
Program Code: A45740

Surgical Technology

The Surgical Technology curriculum prepares individuals to assist in the care of the surgical patient in the operating room and to function as a member of the surgical team.

Students will apply theoretical knowledge to the care of patients undergoing surgery and develop skills necessary to prepare supplies, equipment, and instruments; maintain aseptic conditions; prepare patients for surgery, and assist surgeons during operations.

Employment opportunities include labor/delivery/emergency departments, inpatient/outpatient surgery centers, dialysis units/facilities, physicians’ offices, and central supply processing units.

Students of programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) are required to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board on Certification in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) within a four-week period prior to or after graduation.

Specific Requirements

  1. General College admission requirements.
  2. This program has a selective or limited program admission criteria selection process. See the Selective and Limited Programs page of the A-B Tech website.
  3. Final admission to the Surgical Technology program shall be contingent upon documentation of physical and emotional health that would provide evidence indicative of the applicant’s ability to provide safe care to the public.
  4. Satisfactory completion of required immunizations.
  5. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification is a prerequisite to admission and must be maintained throughout the program.
  6. Clinical agencies and/or credentialing bodies require criminal background checks and drug screens prior to admission to clinical sites or issuance of credentials.
  7. Students applying to the Surgical Technology program are encouraged to have successfully completed: ACA-115, BIO-175, and ENG-111 prior to program admission due to the rigorous nature of the Surgical Technology curriculum.

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775

Upon the recommendation of:
Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)
19751 E. Main Street, Suite 339
Parker, Colorado, 80138

Courses requiring a grade of C or better: ACA, BIO, SUR

Courses in this program

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement for transferability as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

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 provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as metabolism, nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement.

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 a comprehensive study of perioperative care, patient care concepts, and professional practice concepts within the profession of surgical technology. Topics include introductory concepts, organizational structure and relationships, legal, ethical and moral issues, medical terminology, pharmacology, anesthesia, wound healing management concepts, and technological sciences. Upon completion, students should be able to apply theoretical knowledge of the course topics to the practice of surgical technology.

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.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

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 an introduction to selected basic and intermediate surgical specialties that students are exposed to the first 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 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.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

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 provides clinical experience with a variety of perioperative assignments to build skills required for complex perioperative patient care. Emphasis is placed on greater technical skills, critical thinking, speed, efficiency, and autonomy in the operative setting. Upon completion, students should be able to function in the role of an entry-level surgical technologist.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

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 provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences.

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 provides the opportunity to continue mastering the continuity of care in the perioperative assignment.  Emphasis is placed on maintaining and enhancing acquired clinical skills in the perioperative setting.  Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate mastery of surgical techniques in the role of the entry-level surgical technologist.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

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 introduces the scientific study of human society, culture, and social interactions. Topics include socialization, research methods, diversity and inequality, cooperation and conflict, social change, social institutions, and organizations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of sociological concepts as they apply to the interplay among individuals, groups, and societies. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences.

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.

This course provides employability skills and an overview of theoretical knowledge in preparation for certification. Topics include test-taking strategies, resume preparation, interviewing strategies, communication skills, and teamwork concepts. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare a resume, demonstrate appropriate interview techniques, and identify strengths and weaknesses in preparation for certification.

Total Credit Hours Required:
68

The curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Good To Know

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

  • Six hours from Communication
  • Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
  • Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

CommunicationHumanities & Fine ArtsSocial & Behavioral ScienceNatural Science & Mathematics
COM-110ART-111ECO-251BIO-161
COM-120ART-114ECO-252BIO-163
COM-231ART-115HIS-111BIO-168
ENG-110HUM-110HIS-112MAT-110
ENG-111HUM-115HIS-131MAT-121
ENG-112MUS-110HIS-132MAT-143
ENG-114MUS-112POL-120MAT-152
 PHI-215PSY-150MAT-171
 PHI-240SOC-210PHY-110/110A
  SOC-225PHY-121

 

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Three to eight hours in Mathematics
  • Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
  • 11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • 12 hours in Mathematics
  • 12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Three to four hours in Mathematics
  • Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

  • Students will demonstrate information literacy.
  • Students will critique works of human expression.
  • Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

  • Students will identify processes.
  • Students will analyze problems.
  • Students will interpret the results.
  • Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

  • Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
  • Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
  • Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.

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