Associate in Applied Science inSurgical Technology

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Why Major in Surgical Technology

New students applying to Black Hawk College should select the AAS/General Occupational and Technical Studies (GOTS) until such time as they have been officially accepted by the department into this program.

The Surgical Technology Program is a career-oriented program designed to prepare students to function as part of a team in the operating room setting. This will include preparation of instruments, set up of the operating room and assisting with the care of patients undergoing surgery.

The curriculum includes both theory and practical application within the operating room setting. Students must achieve at least a “C” in all course work both general education and program specific.

Download the Surgical Technology Application (PDF)

Discover careers and salaries for this program

Locations

Quad-Cities Campus

Formats

On-campus

Number of Credits

Next Start Date

Fall

Careers In Surgical Technology

Surgical Technologists (ST) are employed in hospital operating rooms, delivery rooms and ambulatory care surgical centers.

Student Testimonials

Courses in Surgical Technology

First Semester

BIOL 145 Anatomy – Physiology I (4)
COMM 100 Communication Skills (3)
ST 101 Surgical Tech Fundamentals (5)
PSYC 101 Intro to Psychology or
SOC 101 Principles of Sociology (3)
*MATH 078 Pre-Algebra (3)

*Appropriate placement score or MATH 078 is prerequisite to ST 112.

Second Semester

BIOL 146 Anatomy – Physiology II (4)
COMM 105 Essentials of English (3)
ST 110 Surgical Technologist I (5)

Summer Semester

BIOL 261 Microbiology (4)
ST 112 Surgical Pharmacology (3)

Third Semester

CS 100 Intro to Computers (3)
ST 212 Surgical Tech Clinical II (6)
ST 213 Surgical Technologist II (6)

Fourth Semester

ST 214 Surgical Technologist III (6)
ST 215 Surgical Tech Clinical III (6)

Surgical Technology Admission Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
Complete Surgical Technology application process. Students are required to fill out a program application.
A physical examination and current immunizations.
Background check.
Minimum of “C” average in courses previously completed at Black Hawk College and any courses transferred from other colleges is required.

Students must successfully document and meet all health care and background checks required by the Black Hawk College health career programs and/or the clinical sites prior to entry into the Surgical Technology Program. A physical examination and immunizations are required prior to beginning of clinical rotations.

Students with chronic health problems or physical disabilities will be accepted unless the health problem or disability is such that the student would be unable to complete the objectives of the program. (See Technical Abilities required by Health Care Programs for more information.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Technology

What are the learning objectives?

Students who complete this program will be able to:

• Manipulate surgical instruments, equipment and supplies safely according to the AST 6e Core Curriculum.
• Perform at an entry level in the first and second scrub role as defined by the AST 6e Core Curriculum.
• Apply the ethics of surgical conscience which includes honesty, integrity and respect while abiding by the Association of Surgical Technologist Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrate principles of aseptic and sterile technique.
• Recognize the different types and methods of sterilization.
• Apply fundamental theoretical knowledge by scoring at least 70% on the NBSTSA Certification Exam.
• Advocate for the patient by following HIPAA guidelines on confidentiality and promoting patient safety before, during and immediately after the surgical procedure.
• Demonstrate skills acquired by participating in 120 surgical cases according to the AST standards.

What are the program goals?

To prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Upon completion the graduate will be able to:

Cognitive Learning Goals

Successfully complete the National Certificate Exam offered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Apply fundamental theoretical knowledge in the practice of surgical technology.
Meeting or exceeding criteria set forth in the current CAAHEP Standards and Guideline for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Surgical Technology.

Psychomotor Learning Goals

Demonstrate safe manipulation of surgical instruments, equipment and supplies.
Perform entry level in the first and second scrub role as defined by the AST 6e Core Curriculum.
Learn and demonstrate principles of aseptic and sterile technique and understand the types and methods of sterilization.

Affective Learning Goals

Advocate for the patient by following HIPAA guidelines on confidentiality and promoting patient safety before, during, and immediately after the surgical procedure.
Display critical thinking and problem solving skills in patient care situations.
Develop practitioners with high ethical conduct and high professional standards, upholding and abiding by the Association of Surgical Technologist Code of Ethics.

Is the Surgical Technology program accredited?

Yes, the Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Hwy 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: 727-210-2350
Website: www.caahep.org

What is the pass rate for the certification exam?

2023 (5 out of 6) = 83%