Surgical Technology (AAS)
Associate of Applied Science
Career-Technical Program
Interest Areas:
- Healthcare
The Surgical Technology program prepares students for entry-level employment as surgical technologists in hospitals, surgery centers, and specialty clinics. The program combines didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction, which provides students with the knowledge and skills required to enter the field of surgical technology in accordance with the American Medical Association and the Association of Surgical Technologist guidelines. A clinical externship begins in semester four of the Professional Component and provides students with the opportunity to work in real-life settings.
The Surgical Technology program is a selective admissions program. Ten students are admitted to the Professional Component of the program each fall semester. Program requirements other than the Professional Component are open to all students who meet specific course prerequisites. An Associate of Applied Science Degree is awarded upon successful completion of the program. All Professional Component courses must be passed with a minimum cumulative grade point average of C+/2.3 and must be passed consecutively before continuing to the next courses.
Contact Information:
Health Professions Division
Meyer Health and Sciences Building, Room 167
Phone: (208) 625-2320
Program Requirements
Note: A minimum grade of C/2.0 is required in all prerequisite courses. A minimum grade of C+/2.3 is required in all SURG courses.
| Prerequisites | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL-175 or BIOL-228 |
Human Biology or Human Anatomy and Physiology II With Cadaver |
4 |
| ENGL-101 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| SURG-101 | Foundations of Surgical Technology | 4 |
| GEM 3 - A.A.S. Mathematical Ways of Knowing | 3-5 | |
| Credits | 14-16 | |
| Semester 1 | ||
| SURG-112 | Disease Process and Pharmacology | 4 |
| SURG-120 & 120L |
Fundamentals of Surgical Technology I and Fundamentals of Surgical Technology I Lab |
6 |
| SURG-130 | Surgical Procedures I | 4 |
| CAOT-179 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| SURG-121 & 121L |
Fundamentals of Surgical Technology II and Fundamentals of Surgical Technology II Lab |
3 |
| SURG-131 | Surgical Procedures II | 4 |
| SURG-140 | Clinical Experience I | 6 |
| PSYC-101 or SOC-101 |
Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology |
3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| SURG-141 | Clinical Experience II | 8 |
| SURG-150 | CST Exam Review/Leadership | 3 |
| COMM-101 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 60-62 | |
Course Key
- GEM
- AAS Institutionally Designated
-
- Gateway
-
- Milestone
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate practical skills required to work as a competent surgical technologist in the operating room including aseptic technique, instrument setup, assisting the surgeon, anticipating the surgeon's needs, and assisting with post-operative care.
- Correlate their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and microbiology concepts to the role as a Surgical Technologist.
- Understand and correlate the elements, action, and use of medications and anesthetic agents used during the perioperative experience.
- Implement safe practice techniques during perioperative routines, patient transportation, positioning, and emergency procedures.
- Integrate principles of surgical asepsis as part of the perioperative experience.
- Apply knowledge and skills of a professional Surgical Technologist to address the biopsychosocial needs of the surgical patient.
- Display professionalism, continue educational growth, and value the professional attributes of the Surgical Technologist.
In addition to the program outcomes, students will meet the following North Idaho College General Education (GEM) Requirements: Written and Oral Communication; Mathematical Ways of Knowing; Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing; and an additional program-designated or selected course from any of the GEM requirements.