Surgical Technology, A.A.S.
Entry Time
Spring (Cedar Rapids site)
Fall (Distance Education)
Award
Associate of Applied Science
2 years (4 terms)
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. They work under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room or environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize safety. This degree program is designed for the surgical technology diploma graduate who wants to continue his or her education and receive an associate of applied science degree. With the escalating rate of change and increasing complexity of surgical procedures, the associate of applied science degree option will provide the student with a broader education basis, which may assist in career advancement.
Accreditation
The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Association of Surgical Technologies (AST) based on the recommendations of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). ST graduates will apply to take the Certified Surgical Technologist test. Certification is strongly recommended, and occasionally required, for employment. The Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA) can be contacted at:
19751 E. Main Street, Suite 339
Parker, CO 80138
303-694-9262
http://www.arcstsa.org
CAAHEP
9355-113th Street N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
Career Opportunities
- hospital operating rooms
- sales representative
- ambulatory surgery centers
- teaching, hospital labor and delivery
- hospital central supply
- sterile processing
- advancement to management positions possible with experience and education
This curriculum is for the Cedar Rapids-based program or the spring start. Curriculum for the Distance Education program, or fall start, is slightly different. Contact Allied Health for information.
Degree Requirements
| Prerequisites | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-168 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I 1 | 4 |
| HSC-115 | Medical Terminology 1 | 4 |
| Term Totals: | 8 | |
| Term 1 | ||
| ENG-105 | Composition I 1 | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology 1 | ||
| Introduction to Sociology 1 | ||
| Humanities or History/Culture Course 1 | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Management 1 | ||
| Principles of Supervision 1 | ||
| Human Relations in Management 1 | ||
| Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Term Totals: | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| HSC-107 | Professionals in Health 1 | 2 |
| BIO-173 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II 1 | 4 |
| SUR-126 | Surgical Technology I | 4.5 |
| SUR-128 | Surgical Technology I Lab | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Microbiology for Surgical Technologists | ||
| Microbiology 1 | ||
| Term Totals: | 13.5 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Oral Communication 1 | ||
| Communication for Health Care Professionals 1 | ||
| Public Speaking 1 | ||
| Workplace Communications 1 | ||
| SUR-322 | Surgical Technology II | 3 |
| SUR-323 | Surgical Technology II Lab | 1 |
| SUR-340 | Surgical Specialties I | 1 |
| SUR-420 | Pharmacology for the Surgical Technologist | 2 |
| SUR-440 | Biomedical Sciences for Surgical Technology | 2 |
| Term Totals: | 12 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| SUR-341 | Surgical Specialties II | 3 |
| SUR-520 | Surgical Technology Practicum I 2 | 2 |
| SUR-523 | Surgical Technology Practicum II | 9 |
| Term Totals: | 14 | |
| Program Totals: | 62.5 | |
- 1
Courses may be taken before beginning the program.
- 2
Indicates a course which involves off-campus clinical experience.
Surgical Technology graduates will apply and take the Certified Surgical Technologist exam.
Note: Students must receive a C in all technical courses in the Surgical Technology program and a C- in BIO-168 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, BIO-173 Human Anatomy and Physiology II and HSC-115 Medical Terminology.
Optional Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HSC-103 | Studies in Health Sciences | 1-3 |
| SUR-924 | Honors Project | 1 |