Surgical Technologist - Associate Degree
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. The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works 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 patient safety. A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $10,366, Books: $528, Supplies: $0
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=105122
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following:
- High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript).
- College transcript.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Complete these prerequisite courses and requirements (unless already completed):
- American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR course.
- Caregiver background check, CPR certification, vaccine records.
- Functional Abilities Inventory.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
- Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.
Program Outcomes
- Apply healthcare and technological science principles to the perioperative environment.
- Maintain principles of sterile technique in the surgical environment.
- Provide a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for the patient.
- Prepare the patient, operating room, and surgical team for the preoperative phase.
- Perform intraoperative case management in the scrub role.
- Perform postoperative case management.
- Function as an ethical, legal, and professional member of the healthcare team as determined by governing bodies.
Accreditation
The Surgical Technologist Program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763 (303) 694-9262 FAX (303) 741-3655 | Minimum Expectation: To prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
Curriculum
Please note, the last tech diploma acceptance will be Fall 2023. The program will shift to an Associate Degree (2-year program) starting Spring 24. Surgical Tech is a full-time program that combines classroom time, skills practice in the lab, and hands on clinical experiences in local healthcare facilities. Students should expect to be available for classes Monday through Friday. The program includes one Summer semester. Students will collaborate with an Admissions Advisor and Academic Advisor to move from application to enrollment.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-512-XXX courses; 10-806-189, Basic Anatomy; 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-801-196, Oral Interpersonal Com; and 10-801-136, English Composition . A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course (10-512-XXX) may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college and employment. This course encourages students to develop a growth mindset and make wise choices. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringExamines concepts of anatomy and physiology as they relate to health careers. Learners correlate anatomical and physiological terminology to all body systems. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 15; OR preparatory courses-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringDefines human development; examines theories; heredity and environmental effects; prenatal development and birth; evaluates biosocial, cognitive psychosocial development through the life span; aging, death, and dying. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringFocuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringExamines the structure, general classification, reproduction, and transmission of microorganisms. Emphasis is placed on the practice of sterile technique and how it impacts infection control in the health care setting.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringProvides the foundational knowledge of the occupational environment. Principles of sterilization and disinfection are learned. Surgical instruments are introduced. Preoperative patient care concepts are simulated. Lab practice is included. (Prerequisites: 10-806-189, Basic Anatomy; 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-512-143, ST: Infection Control; Co-requisite: 10-512-126, Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1)
Course Typically Offered:Focuses on preparing the patient and operating room for surgery. Principles of sterile technique are emphasized as the student moves into the scrub role. Lab practice is included. (Prerequisites: 10-806-189, Basic Anatomy; 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-512-143, ST: Infection Control; Corequisites: 10-512-125, Intro to Surgical Technology)
Course Typically Offered:Basic study of drug classifications, care, and handling of drugs and solutions, application of mathematical principles in dosage calculations, terminology related to pharmacology, anesthesia, and drugs used in surgery. (Prerequisites: 10-512-125, Intro to Surgical Technology; 10-512-126, Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1)
Course Typically Offered:Focuses on enhancing surgical technology skills while functioning as a sterile team member. Lab is included. (Prerequisites: 10-512-126, Surgical Technology Fundamentals 1; 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-512-125, Intro to Surgical Technology; 10-512-143, ST: Infection Control; Corequisite: 10-512-129, Surgical Pharmacology)
Course Typically Offered:Provides a transition from the academic to the clinical setting. Learners integrate the surgical technologist skills as they apply to various surgical procedures. (Prerequisites: 10-512-125, Intro to Surgical Technology; 10-512-126, Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1; Corequisites: 10-512-128, Surgical Tech Fundamentals 2; 10-512-129, Surgical Pharmacology)
Course Typically Offered:Basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringApply basic surgical theories, principles, and procedural techniques in the operating room. Students begin to function as team members under the guidance of the instructor and authorized clinical personnel. (Prerequisites: 10-512-128, Surgical Tech Fundamentals 2; 10-512-130, Surgical Skills Application)
Course Typically Offered:Explores a variety of issues related to surgical technology. Emphasis is placed is on becoming a professional member of the surgical team. (Prerequisites: 10-512-125, Intro to Surgical Technology; 10-512-126, Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1)
Course Typically Offered:Provides the foundational knowledge of surgical core and specialty procedures. Examines the pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions, health sciences, and surgical techniques for a variety of procedures. (Prerequisites: 10-512-128, Surgical Tech Fundamentals 2; 10-512-130, Surgical Skills Application)
Course Typically Offered:Further experience in a clinical setting allows the student to continue to improve technical skills while accepting more responsibilities during surgical procedures. (Prerequisite: 10-512-132, ST Clinical Practice 1; Corequisite: 10-512-131, Surgical Interventions 1)
Course Typically Offered:Expands knowledge of core and specialty surgical procedures by incorporating pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions, health sciences, and surgical techniques. (Prerequisites: 10-512-131, Surgical Interventions 1; 10-512-133, Surgical Technology Clinical 2)
Course Typically Offered:Further experience in a clinical setting allows the student to continue to improve technical skills while accepting more responsibilities during surgical procedures. (Prerequisites: 10-512-133, Surgical Technology Clinical 2; 10-512-131, Surgical Interventions 1)
Course Typically Offered:During this clinical course the student will function relatively independently. Serves as a transition from a student perspective to an employee by utilizing advanced skills for an entry level Surgical Technologist. (Prerequisites: 10-512-135, Surgical Technology Clinical 3; 10-512-142, Surgical Interventions 2)
Course Typically Offered:Learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall Spring