This course is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to identify, pronounce, spell, and use correct medical terminology.

Following a systems approach, this course covers the organization and structure of the human body with emphasis on the physiologic function and interdependence of organ systems.  Topics include the organization of the human body, cellular function, tissue classification, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, lymphatic, reproductive, endocrine, immune, and circulatory system (both central and peripheral), the special senses, and blood and body fluids.

This course provides the student with a broad background of today’s American health care industry and the role of health care providers with an emphasis on surgical technology.  Specific topics include the history of the development of surgery as a medical specialty, health care delivery systems and facilities, hospital organization and management, introduction to the surgical team, the role and function of surgical technologists, and the ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities applicable to implementing standards of care.  The course includes in-depth discussion of a patient’s emotional and physical response to illness and surgery.  In addition the student is introduced to the physical layout of an operating room, including furniture, proper attire, and traffic patterns and to the chemical, biological, and physical hazards.

This course presents the ethical theories and conceptual framework that support ethical decision-making.  The Surgical Technologist Code of Ethics, ethical events that occur within the operative setting, and professional responsibility in the delivery of safe, effective and competent patient care by the Surgical Technologist are presented.

This course addresses the structure and function of the cell, pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms, microscopy and the microscope, classification of microorganisms, genetics, growth factors, and other characteristics of bacteria, microbes and the environment, nosocomial infections, prevention of disease transmission, the three lines of body defense mechanisms, sanitation, sterilization, and disinfection, wound healing, the infectious process and immune response.  Allergy and hypersensitivity are addressed in terms of both patient and the surgical technologist.  Special attention is paid to how tissues react and are restored to normal functions following surgical trauma.

Students review basic math skills and learn a framework of pharmacological principles in order to apply them in the surgical environment.  Commonly used medication with surgical applications are reviewed in depth including antibiotics, diagnostic agents, diuretics, drugs affecting the gastrointestinal system, hormones, drugs that affect coagulation, ophthalmic agents, preoperative medications anesthesia agents for general and regional techniques.  Specific topics include basic math with emphasis on the metric system, percentages, and proportions; basic pharmacological principles including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; drug administration routes and methods; blood and fluid usage; drug reactions including malignant hyperthermia; and, allergic reactions.

This course introduces the core principles of aseptic technique, sterilization and disinfection, the reprocessing of surgical instruments and supplies.  Each student learns to perform a surgical scrub, don gowns and gloves, how to change gowns and gloves when contamination occurs, and how to gown and glove others.  Patient transportation and patient positioning are demonstrated and practiced.  Preparation of the patient for surgical procedures is covered including urinary catheterization and skin preparation.  The course also includes the principles of draping a patient and setting up a back table and mayo stand.  Basic instrumentation, sutures and surgical needles are covered.  Related topics addressed are the methods of achieving hemostasis, care and handling of specimens, the appropriate response to emergencies resulting from blood volume emergencies, respiratory emergencies, cardiac emergencies, malignant hyperthermia, anaphylactic allergic reactions and seizures.

• A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST115

This course is designed to augment the classroom theory presented in ST 170 and provides the opportunity to repeatedly scrub, gown and glove themselves and others, reprocess surgical supplies, activate the flash sterilization cycle, drape and set up a back table and mayo stand with instruments and basic supplies appropriate for a laparotomy procedure, accept and label medications, drape a patient and take down the drapes and instruments following the conclusion of a procedure.  Passing of the Skills Assessment of basic competence of aseptic technique, the setting up of a Mayo stand and back table, and draping of the patient is required.

• A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST115

This course reviews the pertinent anatomy, physiology, and common pathophysiology related to: general procedures, obstetrics and gynecological procedures, orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology, neurological procedures, cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular surgery, urologic, maxillofacial, plastic, and pediatric procedures.  Conditions that warrant surgical correction are discussed in depth.  Common specialized instruments by type, function, name, and supplies are discussed in the context of each specialty.  Common procedures in each of the surgical specialty areas are explained in detail including indication for surgery, anatomy involved, anticipated incision, patient position and prepping, draping, and step-by-step explanation of the procedure.  This course is coordinated with the content of ST251.

This course provides the clinical environment in which to practice the theories and skills covered in ST250.  Students have repeated opportunities to scrub, gown and glove themselves and others, drape and set up a mayo stand and back table appropriate for general laparotomy, gynecological, orthopedic, ENT, and urologic procedure.  Each student learns to handle instruments, suture and needles and sterile supplies.  Progress of skill mastery is assessed and evaluated by return demonstration methods.  Passing of the Skills Assessment of aseptic technique, the setting up of a mayo stand and back table, draping of the patient, handing and receiving supplies, surgical instruments, suture, and needles, is required.

Concurrent registration is required in ST250.

• Passage of the Skills Assessment in ST171
• A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST170

Students are assigned to a clinical facility and assist with surgical procedures within the operative setting under the personal supervision of a clinical preceptor.  This practicum is designed for the student to integrate knowledge and theory from previous classes and to develop specific psycho-motor skills as a surgical technologist.  Clinical assignments are based on a set of clinical performance objectives that must be met prior to the completion of the semester.  Students participate in bi-weekly clinical conferences to debrief current learning and synthesize knowledge with practice.  Also covered in these bi-weekly sessions are professional topics such as understanding the roles, responsibilities and variety of personalities that comprise OR settings, the development of a resume and cover letter, completion of an application form for employment, and the development of answers to commonly asked interview questions.

• Passage of the Skills Assessment in ST251
• A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST250

In this course, the student continues to assume a role with greater responsibility on the surgical team at a different clinical facility than the first rotation.  Specialty procedures are scheduled as part of the student’s learning opportunities.  Students may have the opportunity to obtain experience in areas outside of the main operating room, such as labor and delivery, the instrument room, special procedures area, the outpatient setting, and other procedure areas.  During this course, the student follows a patient through the entire perioperative experience from preoperative preparation, through the OR and postop recovery.  The student demonstrates clinical proficiency to an employment-acceptable level in general and commonly performed specialty procedures.  Bi-weekly clinical conference days continue for debriefing of the clinical experience, professional development, and a simulated interview situation.

• A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST270