Surgical Technology

A.A.S. DEGREE

Description
The Surgical Technology program offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree. This program is designed to prepare Surgical Technologists who practice under medical supervision to facilitate safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. The individual works as a member of the surgical team under the supervision of the circulating nurse and surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Graduates of Surgical Technology programs are prepared to work in a variety of settings including inpatient hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, emergency rooms and central supply.

The curriculum leading to the A.A.S. degree is comprised of 64 credits. The program consists of liberal arts and sciences and surgical technology courses. As the student progresses through the curriculum, classroom theory is applied to clinical practice in the operating room setting. Completion of all listed course with a grade of C or higher each semester is required for advancement to the next semester. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical sites. Current CPR certification for the professional rescuer is required for courses with a clinical component (SGT 201 and SGT 202).

The program of study must be completed within five years of matriculation. Completion of all listed courses with a grade of C or higher each semester is required for advancement to the next semester. No student may progress to the next Surgical Technology course level without successful completion of all courses in the previous level. Students are permitted no more than one unsuccessful attempt in any Anatomy & Physiology coursework within the past seven years (BIO 144 and BIO 145 or equivalent courses). More than one unsuccessful attempt within seven years will result in a student being ineligible for MCC’s program. Unsuccessful attempts include withdrawals, grades of C- or below, or any other unsatisfactory completion. This policy includes attempts at other institutions. Unsuccessful attempts during 2020 (spring, summer, or fall) will NOT be counted due to the pandemic. A student who fails to achieve a grade of C or better in the final semester of Surgical Technology courses will be ineligible for graduation. Completion of Medical requirements, clearance of existing health problem(s) and ability to meet essential functions (physical & mental demands) of the program, vaccination against seasonal flu, Hepatitis B, and meningitis vaccination must be met for admission and continuation in the program. Medical requirements, including PPD (or negative x-ray), proof of immunity to varicella, and immunizations, must be met throughout the duration of the program in order for the student to attend clinical. Surgical Technology is a high demand, competitive program. Readmission to the program is not automatic and is dependent on several factors. Students seeking readmission to the program (or seeking admission after unsuccessful attempts in a program at another college) should contact the Surgical Technology Program Director for information. Readmission, if approved is always on a space available basis. Current CPR Certification for two-person professional rescuer, which includes infant, child, adult, and automated external defibrillator (AED) is required for all students. Only American Heart Association, BLS for Health Care Providers (CPR & AED) (2 year) or American Red Cross Professional Rescuer (CPR & AED) (1 year) Certification is acceptable. Proof of certification must be submitted to the department at least one month prior to starting the program. Current certification must be maintained throughout the duration of program. Students need to complete any TRS or ESL courses prior to enrollment in the program. All students are required to maintain health insurance for each semester that they are matriculated in the surgical technology program. Students must provide proof of insurance prior to the start of program.

Program Learning Outcomes
1.Apply appropriate medical knowledge and terminology in the perioperative setting.
2.Demonstrate proficiency in performing the typical duties of a surgical technologist in sterile and non-sterile roles.
3.Exhibit effective critical thinking skills to achieve established surgical technology educational goals.
4.Display accountable professional behavior within the roles and competencies of the surgical technologist position.
5.Correlate physical fitness principles and practice to create a personal health and wellness plan that supports the surgical technologist role.

Requirements for Program Entrance
High School Diploma or GED
Level 7 (or higher) placement, MTH 096 with B-, MTH 104 with C, MTH 160 with C, or MTH 165 (or higher) with C. (Recommended high school course Algebra II with Trigonometry with a grade of 75 or higher)
Required Courses: High School Biology with a grade of C or better, and High School Chemistry with a grade of C or better or the equivalent MCC courses (BIO 133/132, CHE 100)
BIO 144, BIO 145 and BIO 202 grades must be no more than seven years old with a grade of 'C' to be considered when the applicant is accepted for admission into the Surgical Technology program.


Distribution Requirements

Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER: (Fall)

BIO 144 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (grade of C or higher required)
4
MTH 160 Statistics I (grade of C or higher required)
3
HIM 104 Medical Terminology (grade of C or higher required)
3
SGT 100 Introduction to Surgical Technology (grade of C or higher required)
4
SGT 110 Foundations of Surgical Technology (grade of C or higher required)
1
Total
15
SECOND SEMESTER: (Spring)

BIO 145 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (grade of C or higher required)
4
ENG 101 College Composition (grade of C or higher required) OR
ENG 200 Advanced Composition (grade of C or higher required)
3
SOC 210 Introduction to Global Studies (grade of C or higher required) OR
PHL 210 Democracy and Human Rights (grade of C or higher required)
3
SGT 101 Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia (grade of C or higher required)
2
SGT 102 Principles and Practices in Surgical Technology (grade of C or higher required)
5
Total
17
THIRD SEMESTER – (Summer)

BIO 202 Microbiology (grade of C or higher required) 4
PHL 103 Introduction to Ethics (grade of C or higher required)
3
Total
7
FOURTH SEMESTER: (Fall)

BIO 235 Pathophysiology (grade of C or higher required)
3
SGT 201 Surgical Procedures (grade of C or higher required)
10
Total
13
FIFTH SEMESTER: (Spring)

SGT 202 Specialty Surgical Procedures (grade of C or higher required)
10
SGT 210 Professional Issues and Certification for Surgical Technology (grade of C or higher required)
2
Total 12
TOTAL CREDITS
64
ADVISEMENT NOTE: Completion of all listed courses with a grade of C or better each semester is required for advancement to the next semester.
Students must complete BIO and SGT courses following the semester sequence; BIO courses may be previously completed.
Revised 06/04/2024