Surgical Technology, A.S. Degree

Program Design

The Surgical Technology associate degree program provides education and training in surgical technology, a health care specialty whose practitioners are members of a surgical team, trained to work primarily in the operating room in cooperation with surgeons and nurses. Surgical technologists prepare the OR for use, maintain a sterile environment, hand instruments to the surgeon, maintain records and assist with patient care.

The program begins each September and continues through 21 months, including a required summer session. Surgical Technology (SUR*) classes and clinical rotations are scheduled only during the day. Pre-clinical and general education courses are campus-based. Summer session and clinical courses are scheduled at area hospitals including Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford Hospital, Hospital of Central Connecticut, Manchester Memorial Hospital, University of Connecticut Medical Center and Bay State Health System. Due to standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), students are advised that the health care facilities to which they are assigned for clinical rotations may require that they submit to a criminal background check before beginning their clinical experiences. Manchester Community College cannot be responsible for finding an alternate clinical placement for a student who fails to pass the background check. A student who is unable to complete the required clinical experience will be unable to complete the requirements for the associate degree in Surgical Technology but may be able to apply some or all of the credits completed to an associate degree in General Studies. Students are advised to meet with an MCC Counselor to discuss degree completion requirements. Graduates are prepared, eligible and encouraged to take an examination administered by the Association of Surgical Technologists to achieve the status of Certified Surgical Technologist.

Special expenses such as parking and uniforms may be required in this program.

Scholastic Preparation and Admission Process^

Students seeking admission to the Surgical Technology program should have completed one biology laboratory course at the college level within five years and a basic college algebra course, or be exempted by placement test results. The biology course must be a prerequisite for BIO* 211. Students must be eligible for ENG* 101. Medical-related experience either through employment or volunteering is strongly recommended. Students will need to demonstrate the skills necessary to become a surgical technologist. Admission to the Surgical Technology program requires a separate application that should be filed during the academic year prior to desired admission. Students are admitted on an on-going basis until the class is filled, so early application is recommended. A packet that contains further information and the application forms is available from the Admissions office or by calling the Mathematics, Science and Health Careers Division at 860-512-2703.

Students who do not meet the program entrance requirements should select appropriate courses from the Pre-Allied Health program, an access program that provides courses and guidance to prepare the student for a career in the health field.

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Curriculum

The following course sequence is recommended for students without prior college experience. The SUR* course sequence begins in the Fall and must be followed as described below. Anatomy and Physiology must be successfully completed before the student begins the second -year clinical course (SUR* 222). Students must pass a practice Certification Examination to complete SUR* 224 and be eligible for graduation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Surgical Technology degree program requirements, graduates will

1. Serve as a member of a surgical team in providing high quality care in the operating room or other surgical environment.
2. Perform highly-specialized skills by integrating basic knowledge of surgical techniques and application of problem-solving procedures.
3. Demonstrate interpersonal skills and communicate effectively with patients and other health-care professionals.
4. Demonstrate ability to protect patients' rights and privacy by displaying good judgment, integrity, and a professional manner.
5. Prepare for and successfully complete the examination for certification as a surgical technologist (CST).

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Component.

Source: 2008-2009 Course Catalog