Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an important part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient well-being. Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine the knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of surgeries. Graduates of Elgin Community College’s Surgical Technology Program are eligible for certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), an administratively independent body from the Association of Surgical Technologists. Students who pass the NBSTSA exam earn the title of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

Accreditation

Accreditation through ARC/STSA ensures students receive an education in surgical technology adhering to strict standards established by the profession. In addition, Elgin Community College is regionally accredited through North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Email: mail@caahep.org 

Upon the recommendation of:

The Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)

19751 East Mainstreet, Suite #339
Parker, CO 80138
Phone: (303) 694-9262
Email: info@arcstsa.org

Entrance Requirements

• Grade of C or higher in BIO 110 Principles of Biology or BIO 113 Molecular & Cellular Biology or equivalent within the last 10 years.
• Grade of C or higher in HPE 112 Into to Medical Terminology or equivalent within the last 5 years
• Grade of C or higher in BIO 240 Human Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent within the last 5 years

Note: Students who have earned a grade of C or higher in BIO 240 Human Anatomy and Physiology, or BIO 245 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO 246 Human Anatomy and Physiology II, or equivalent are not required to complete BIO 110 Principles of Biology or BIO 113 Molecular & Cellular Biology.

Admission to the program is selective. All applicants will be ranked based on these requirements and the most-qualified individuals will be selected for admission to the Surgical Technology Program. Refer to the Surgical Technology Program Admissions | Elgin Community College (ECC) web page for a description of the applicant screening process and ranking criteria.

Admission Procedures

For more information, please see Surgical Technology Program Admissions | Elgin Community College (ECC)

Program Requirements

Students must purchase their own ECC program scrubs and provide their own transportation to the clinical agencies. Students must complete all required courses with grades of C or higher to be eligible for graduation and to be eligible to take the National Surgical Technologist Certification exam offered by:

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
3 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
Phone: (800) 707-0057
Fax: (303) 325-2536
Email: mail@nbstsa.org

Students will be assisted with the exam application process during the final semester of the program.

Policies and Procedures

Students applying to health professions programs must provide a valid Social Security number in order to be screened for a criminal background check. Any student who demonstrates an unclear background check will be denied admission to any health professions program. A valid Social Security number is also needed to apply for licensing/certification exams, and employment in surgical technology after graduation.

Prior to the first day of class, students must have the following documentation on file with Castle Branch: negative 12-panel drug test results (including THC), clear background check results, completed and signed medical form, proof of immunizations/titer results, proof of health insurance coverage, and proof of American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider CPR certification.

Health professions students will be required to update their 12-panel drug test, TB test/TB survey, and flu vaccine information on an annual basis during the program.  Any student demonstrating a positive drug test (including THC) will be dismissed from the Health Professions Division.

The standards, policies, and procedures of the Surgical Technology Program are published in the surgical technology student handbook. Copies of the student handbook may be obtained online at Surgical Technology Program Student Handbook

Surgical Technology

• Incorporate critical thinking and use of problem-solving techniques.
• Act responsibly.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
• Interpret and communicate information.
• Recognize patient rights, needs, and values.
• Incorporate basic patient-care concepts.
• Integrate the principles of asepsis in practice to provide optimum patient care.
• Incorporate basic surgical case preparation skills.
• Facilitate the creation and maintenance of the sterile field.
• Incorporate the role of first scrub on all basic surgical cases.
• Integrate responsible behavior as a healthcare professional.

Surgical Technology-Associate of Applied Science

Plan of Study Grid

First Semester		Credit Hours
SGT 100	Sterile Processing and Distribution	5
ENG 101	English Composition I	3
CMS 215	Intercultural Communication	3
BIO 246	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
	Total	15
Second Semester
SGT 102	Intro to Surgical Technology	7
ENG 102	English Composition II	3
BIO 265	Microbiology	4
	Total	14
Third Semester
SGT 111	Surgical Technology II	13
PSY 100	Intro to Psychology	3
	Total	16
Fourth Semester
SGT 120	Surgical Technology III	12
HUM 216	Ethics	3
	Total	15
	Program Total	60

Surgical Technology Courses

All SGT courses numbered 100 and above may be applied to the major field and elective requirement for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.