Certificate: Surgical Technology

Degree: ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE WITH A MAJOR IN SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

Transfer: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Nursing or Health Sciences

CAREER OPTIONS
Surgical technologists may specialize and assist in complex procedures such as liver transplants. With additional education, they may become surgical nurses or surgical technology instructors. Some surgical technologists assume management positions in hospital central supply departments or in business firms such as sterile supply services and operating room equipment distributors.

JOB DESCRIPTION
A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a member of the surgical team who works with surgeons, anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during and after surgery. Duties include passing instruments to the surgeon and assisting during surgery.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS NEEDED
Individuals who want to enter the field of surgical technology need manual dexterity because they must handle instruments quickly. They must also be alert, conscientious, orderly, and emotionally stable to handle the demands of surgeons. Surgical technologists need to have stamina and be able to work on their feet through out operations that may last several hours.

SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Beginning wages for surgical technologists in the Bay Area range from $21.00 - $23.00 per hour.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION
Students are highly encouraged to join their professional association, The Association of Surgical Technologists, during their student year in order to receive the many benefits of membership including discounts on fees for membership, the national Certification Exam and continuing education opportunities. Student membership fee is $45.00. For more information: 1-800-637-7433.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Skyline's program combines academic and clinical instruction that includes learning to prepare surgical instruments, passing them to the surgeon and handling specialized equipment. Skyline College offers a 12-month training program to prepare students to function as surgical technologists and to take the national certification exam. The program follows the Core Curriculum for the Surgical Technologist, developed by the Association of Surgical Technologists, Inc. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will receive a Certificate of Completion from Skyline College. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the exam given by the National Board for Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants.

All courses must be taken in sequence. Credit may be given for previous coursework. A minimum grade of "C" is required in all Surgical Technology classes.

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
The Surgical Technology Program of the Skyline College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

CHALLENGING COURSES
Students who want to transfer from another surgical technology program or graduates of non-accredited programs may apply to challenge the course work for SURG 440. Students who successfully challenge SURG 440 may enroll in SURG 441 on a space available basis.

Applicants must meet the requirements for admission into the program and possess a current Basic Life Support-C recognition card

To challenge SURG 440, students must pass (receive a score of 78% or better) an exam covering Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology, and O.R. Pharmacology. To challenge SURG 441, students must pass (receive a score of 78% or better) on an exam covering Aseptic Technique, Instrumentation, Patient Safety, Surgical Equipment and Supplies, Wound Closures. They must also demonstrate clinical skills competencies at the level of a beginner or better for the following skills:

• Body Mechanics
• Passing Instruments
• Draping
• Sponge & Needle Counts
• Aseptic technique
• Handling Sutures

• Preoperative Diagnosis
• Incisions and Wound Closure
• Instrumentation
• Supplies
• Sutures and Needles
• Accessory and Specialty Equipment
• Medications
• Dressings
• Prognosis
• Postoperative Complications