DEGREE: ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
DIVISION: ALLIED HEALTH
Surgical technologists serve primarily as members of the surgical team. They work with surgeons, anesthetists, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care and providing a safe environment. The surgical technologist assumes appropriate responsibilities before, during, and after surgery. Surgical technologists may also work in other patient service areas such as the emergency room or hold career-related positions such as central service manager, educator, preservation technologist, research assistant, materials manager, or medical salesperson.
The Surgical Technology program is two-year associate degree program and is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Through a selective admission process, two classes are admitted each year (one in January and one in August). Upon completion of the program, the student will be qualified to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology/Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Enrollment in the program is limited and is governed by the number of clinical positions available in affiliate hospitals. The Admissions Committee for the Surgical Technology Program reviews and evaluates each application on an impartial basis. The most qualified applicants with the greatest potential for contributing to the profession are selected. All prospective students must contact the Allied Health division to initiate the application process.
The deadlines for application are October 30 for the January class and March 31 for the August class.
To be eligible to apply to the Surgical Technology program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Score on the ACT, SAT, or Delgado College Placement test sufficient to place the student at college level courses (ENGL 101 or ENGL 110 and MATH 120).
- Successfully complete the eligibility course requirements (BIOL 211, BIOL 161/163, and HESC 111).
- Possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all college courses.
- Be able to meet the program’s technical standards.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program, the learner will be able to:
- Incorporate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as it relates to surgical procedures performed (SLO #1)
- Demonstrate theoretical and practical proficiency in surgical aseptic technique, surgical procedures, and patient care (SLO #2)
- Work effectively as a member of the health care team (SLO #3)
- Assume a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, pride, and teamwork (SLO #4)
- Communicate effectively with members of the surgical team (SLO #5)
- Practice independent clinical judgments under the supervision of the surgeon or registered nurse (SLO #6)
- Identify and explain the function of surgical instruments and their use in surgical procedures during their perioperative care (SLO #7)
