SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

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Surgical Technology

Associate in Applied Science

The Surgical Technology Program’s goal is to prepare competent entry-level surgical technologist in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), an affective (behavior) learning domain.  The program is designed to prepare graduates with the basic knowledge, practical competency, and professional skills that are needed for employment as an entry level surgical technologist.  This is achieved through combining relevant academic studies in the classroom, hands-on learning, and clinical training in various surgical settings.  

Our AAS program prepares students to sit for the Surgical Technology Certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting which is recognized by the State of New Jersey.  Healthcare partners in the community provide the clinical practice experience required in the program. 

Certified Surgical Technologists assist surgical teams in hospitals and outpatient surgical centers. Graduates can pursue employment immediately after graduation and will be eligible for job titles such as surgical technologists/technicians, operating technicians, organ and tissue procurement technician, sterile processing, and surgical technology educator.

60

Total Credits

Competitive Salary

Rapidly Growing Career

Clinical Practice Experience

What Jobs Can I Get?

You can get some entry-level jobs right after graduation. Others will require additional training.

Median Salary in NJ
$60,030

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room,…

Median Salary in NJ
$59,770

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and…

Median Salary in NJ
$48,510

Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.

About the Curriculum

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to: 

  1. Identify the role of the entry level surgical technologist as a member of the surgical team.
  2. Integrate the knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and instrumentation in the preparation and participation in scheduled surgical procedures.
     
  3. Apply the concepts of sterile and aseptic techniques in the perioperative setting.
     
  4. Perform within the of scope of practice and legal responsibilities of the entry level surgical technologist.
     
  5. Demonstrate the skills required of the entry level surgical technologist to perform effectively in a variety of surgical procedures.

General Education

In addition to the program-specific outcomes listed above, students completing the Associate degree programs are required to demonstrate proficiency in the General Education learning outcomes. Specific outcomes may vary by program; please refer to the program requirements below.

Program Requirements

A.  Depending upon a student’s placement or for transfer purposes, this program may have pre-requisite(s). See a pathway coordinator or student development specialist for advisement.

B. It is recommended that students enroll in their first WI course upon completion of EN 101.

C. In order to be eligible for their certification exam, the students must complete and pass all didactic courses, along with 120 (scrubbed) surgical cases, between general surgery and multiple specialty surgery, during their clinical practicum within a hospital or surgical center setting.

D. The student must achieve a grade of “C” in all courses required for the program.

Practicum Requirements

  • Submit a complete health form, including evidence of immunity to communicable diseases, signed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
  • Provide evidence of current Professional Liability Insurance coverage for healthcare
  • Submit verification of current certification in American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR.
  • Submit evidence of health insurance coverage.
  • Complete a criminal background check. Only student with a CLEAR background report are eligible to participate in clinical. If the background check is NOT CLEAR, the student must withdraw from the program. Background checks are required annually while the student is in the program, and if the report is NOT CLEAR at any time during the student’s enrollment in the program, the student will not be permitted to continue in the program.
  • Complete drug test at designated laboratory facility. All drug testing reports must be NEGATIVE. Drug testing is required annually or more frequently as required by clinical agencies. A POSITIVE drug test report at any point during the program will result in dismissal from the program.

Questions? Contact Us:

Amanda Carrasco MS, CST
Coordinator of the Surgical Technology Program
(973) 341-1615
[email protected]


Recommended Course Sequence

Courses

General Education (20 Credits)

Communication (6 Credits)

3

Writing Intensive Course

Mathematics (3 Credits)

Choose one (1) from the following courses:

Science (8 Credits)

Humanities or Social Science (3 Credits)

College Requirement (2 Credits)

Major Requirements (38 Credits)

Total Credits 60

Clinical Requirements

Clinical Requirements

During the clinical portion of the program, students must complete a minimum of 120 cases.  The required clinical case requirements are defined by the Association of Surgical Technologists in the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology, 6th edition. The breakdown of cases and specialties is as follows:

Surgical SpecialtyTotal # of Cases RequiredMinimum # of First Scrub Cases RequiredAdditional First or Second Scrub Role Cases That Can Be Applied Toward 120 Cases
General Surgery 30 20 10
Surgical Specialties: 
Cardiothoracic
ENT
Eye
GU
Neuro 
ObGyn
Oral/Maxillofacial
Orthopedics
Peripheral Vascular
Plastics 
9060
minimum of 10 cases in four (4) different specialties must be performed in FS role.Additional 20 cases in the FS may be distributed amongst any one specialty or multiple specialites
30
Remaining cases may be performed in any surgical specialty in either FS or SS role. 
Diagnostic Endoscopy: 
Bronchoscopy
Colonoscopy
Cystoscopy
EGD 
ERCP
Esophagoscopy
Laryngoscopy
Panendoscopy  
Ureteroscopy 
10
diagnostic endoscopy cases may be applied only toward the Second Scrub Role cases.
Optional Labor and Delivery5
vaginal delivery cases may be applied only toward the SS role.
Totals:1208040

Definition of Scrub Roles

First Scrub Role (FS)
The student surgical technologist shall perform the following duties during any given surgical procedure with proficiency. The following list is provided to identify the items that must be completed in order to document a case in the first scrub role. A student not meeting the five criteria below cannot count the case in the first scrub role and the case must be documented in the second scrub role or observation role. 

  • Verify supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
  • Set up the sterile field with instruments, supplies, equipment, medication(s), and solutions needed for the procedure.
  • Perform counts with the circulator prior to the procedure and before the incision is closed.
  • Pass instruments and supplies to the sterile surgical team members during the procedure.
  • Maintain sterile technique as measured by recognized breaks in technique and demonstrate knowledge of how to correct with appropriate technique.

Second Scrub Role (SS)
The second scrub role is defined as the student who is at the sterile field who has not met all criteria for the first scrub role, but actively participates in the surgical procedure in its entirety by completing any of the following: 

  • Sponging
  • Suctioning
  • Cutting suture
  • Holding retractors
  • Manipulating endoscopic camera

Observation Role (O)
The observation role is defined as the student who is in the operating room performing roles that do not meet the criteria for the first scrub or second scrub role. These observation cases are not to be included in the required case count but must be documented by the program.


Technical Standards

Technical Standards

1. Able bend and stoop; able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time in one location with minimum/no breaks

2. Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds to assist moving patients

3. Able to refrain from nourishment or restroom breaks for periods up to 6 hours or more

4. Demonstrate sufficient visual ability enough to load a fine (10-0) suture onto needle holders with/without corrective lenses and while wearing safety glasses

5. Demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision to anticipate and function while in the sterile surgical environment

6. Hear and understand muffled communications without visualization of the communicator’s mouth/lips within 20 feet

7. Hear activation/warning signals on equipment

8. Able to detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs

9. Manipulate instruments, supplies and equipment with speed, dexterity and good eye-hand coordination

10. Ambulate/move around without assistive devices

11. Able to assist with and/or lift, move, position and manipulate the patient who is unconscious with or without assistive devices

Communication / Comprehension Standards

  • Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing, including health care information in order to communicate effectively with surgeons and staff to assure patient safety
  • Exhibit social skills necessary to interact effectively with surgeons, patients, families, Co-workers and supervisors of the same or different cultures such as respect, politeness, tact, collaboration, teamwork and discretion

Mental / Attitudinal Standards

  • Possess short and long term memory sufficient to perform tasks such as, but not limited to, mentally tracking surgical supplies and performing anticipation skills intraoperatively
  • Able to make appropriate judgment decisions
  • Demonstrate the use of positive coping skills under stress
  • Demonstrate calm, appropriate and effective responses, especially in emergency situations
  • Exhibit positive interaction skills during patient, staff and faculty interactions (note that STCC requires this in all interactions related to the program

Occupational Risks

The CDC recommends that universal precautions apply to blood and to body fluids containing visible blood, as well as semen and vaginal secretions, to tissues and to the following fluids: cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and amniotic.  Unversial Precautions do not apply to nasal secretions, sputum, saliva, sweat, tears, urine, feces, and vomit unless they contain visible blood.  However, current infection control practices already in existence include the use of gloves for digital examinations of mucous membranes and endotracheal suctioning, and hand washing after exposure to saliva.

Students may be exposed to a variety of other siutations and substances which could potentially affect students with medical conditions that include, but not limited to, asthma, allergies, and pregnancy.  Students will be exposed to healthcare situations where there is an increased risk of exposure to strenous activity, communicable diseases, radiation, and toxic substances.  If a student becomes pregnant during the practicum, these exposures can harm the student’s unborn baby.  If you are concerned, you should consult with your healthcare provider.  

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures Continue in Operating Room Settings | Blogs | CDC

Bloodborne Pathogens – Worker protections against occupational exposure to infectious diseases | Occupational Safety and Health Administration


Program Requirements

Health Policy

After admission to the Surgical Technology Program students are required to meet medical requirements of the clinical agencies used for the externship segment of the program. A complete physical examination as well as laboratory/screening tests are required, and additional updates may be required annually. Students must be able to participate fully in the clinical practice experience without limitations from medical or other reasons. Students who become ill or injured during their enrollment in the program, or those undergoing long-term or specialized treatment including medications must have their physician complete the program’s Medical Release form documenting that the student may participate in clinical practice without limitations. The following items are required of all students after admission to the Surgical Technology Program:

  1. Physical examination by a physician or nurse practitioner
  2. Urinalysis
  3. Complete Blood Count
  4. Initial Tuberculin Mantoux (PPD) Two-Step TB Test
  5. TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis) within 10 years
  6. Rubella (German Measles), Rubeola (Measles), Parotitis (Mumps) and Varicella (Chicken Pox) blood titers to determine immunity status
  7. Documentation of Hepatitis B immunization series or a Hepatitis B titer showing immune status. If found
    to be non-immune, the student must have the immunization series.
  8. Drug testing annually or more often as required by the clinical agency
    Once admitted to the Surgical Technology program, students will participate in an orientation and receive detailed instructions for completing the medical requirements

Criminal History Background Check

Only students with a completely clear background check and no “hits” of any type may register for the Surgical Technology program. Students who do not have clear background checks will not be admitted to the program. Clear background check need to be maintained throughout the program or student will be required to withdraw from the program.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), the primary accrediting body for our clinical agencies, has mandated criminal history background checks for all individuals involved in patient care. All Surgical Technology students must undergo criminal history background checks upon admission and annually there- after, or more frequently if required by the clinical agency. Clinical agencies require that the results of the background check are clear in order for a student to attend clinical practice.

These checks are conducted by an external vendor. The cost of this background check is the student’s responsibility. The information is sent to the college. Clinical agencies may require that a copy of the student’s background check report be sent to the agency

Basic Life Support Certification

All students are required to complete an American Heart Association Basic Life Support Health Care Provider Course prior to beginning the clinical courses. Certification must be kept current throughout the program.

Health Insurance

All students must show evidence of health insurance to participate in the Surgical Technology Internship. The college does NOT offer health insurance.

Malpractice Insurance

There are a number of insurance companies that provide malpractice insurance for a nominal yearly fee. This information can be provided to you or you can choose your own provider. Proof of insurance needs to be provided prior to the clinical internship

Document Management/Tracking

Documentation of completion of each of these requirements is submitted to a confidential database managed by Castlebranch. Students receive e-mail communication as items are completed/rejected/overdue based on program guidelines. Students are responsible for the $30.00 cost of this document tracking which covers all semesters of the program.

Internship Sites

The Surgical Technology Program has partnered with a variety of sites for the students to complete their internship requirement. These clinical opportunities will prepare the student to meet their clinical and administrative responsibilities upon graduation. Clinical experiences may take place outside of the county where the student is attending classes.