Surgical Technology Course Descriptions

SUR 101. INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING ROOM TECHNOLOGY. 3 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to the program. It is required that students complete all required remedial classes (English, reading and/or math) before taking this course. This course introduces the student to the surgical environment. Emphasis is placed on principles of microbiology, identification of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies, proper patient positioning for surgical procedures, and professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities of the surgical team. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to name and select basic surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment, describe methods to maintain a sterile environment, and recognize members of the operating room team according to their roles.

SUR 102. APPLIED SURGICAL TECHNIQUES. 4 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to the program. It is required that students complete all required remedial classes (English, reading and/or math) before taking this course.
This course is the application of principles of asepsis and the role of the surgical operating room technician. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a sterile environment, proper positioning of patients, passing instruments, and handling supplies such as sutures and specimens, gowning and gloving self and others, and setting up a back table and mayo stand. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to participate in mock surgical procedures.

SUR 103. SURGICAL PROCEDURES. 5 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to the program; SUR 101, SUR 102, and ENG 101.
This course is a study of surgical procedures as they relate to anatomy, pathology, specialty equipment, and team responsibility. Patient safety is emphasized and medications used in surgery are discussed. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to participate in surgical procedures in the operating room.

SUR 105. SURGICAL PRACTIUM II. 5 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to the program and/or as required by the Department.
This course experience allows the student to practice in the health care environment using entry level skills attained in previous classroom laboratory and clinical instruction. In addition to clinical skills, emphasis is placed on specialty surgical procedures, the study of trends, professional and interpersonal skills in the health care setting, and case review. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to apply concepts of surgical technology to student levels.

SUR 106. ROLE TRANSITION IN SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY. 1 hr.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to the program and/or as required by the Department.
This course is designed to provide specialized instruction for the student preparing to transition into the field of Surgical Technology. Emphasis is on review of content specific to the practice of surgical technology and preparation for the NBSTSA certification examination. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate readiness to take the certification examination.

SUR 107. SURGICAL ANATOMY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY. 4 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to the program and/or as required by the Department.
This course is an overview of surgical anatomy and pathophysiology. Emphasis is placed on the organizational structure of the body, organ systems, relevant surgical pathophysiology, and related medical technology. Upon completion, the student should be able to apply knowledge of anatomy in the clinical environment.

SUR 108. PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST. 2 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to the program and/or as required by the Department.
A study of basic pharmacology as it relates to the practice of the surgical technologist. Topics covered include basic conversions, calculations, classifications, desired effects and side effects, terminology, care and safe handling of medications, as well as a comprehensive review of surgical medications. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to recognize and properly manage pharmacologic agents commonly used in the surgical environment.
 

OPTIONAL COURSES

SUR 204. SURGICAL PRACTICUM III. 4 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to the program; SUR 103.
This course is the continuation of the study and application of preoperative principles in the preoperative setting. Emphasis is placed on application of the surgical operating room technician role. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to function as a surgical technologist in the operating room.

SUR 205. SURGICAL PRACTICUM IV. 5 hrs.
PREREQUISITE: Admission to the program; SUR 103.
This is a continuation of the clinical experience practice in the health care environment using skills attained in previous classroom laboratory and clinical instruction. The course includes a detailed study on clinical techniques and emphasis is placed on selected specialty surgical procedures, the study of trends, professional and interpersonal skills in the health care setting, and case review. Upon completion of this course, the student should have acquired necessary skills for transition from student to skilled practitioner.