Surgical Technologist

Overview

The Surgical Technologist Profession

Surgical technologists are members of the surgical team working under the supervision and authority of the surgeon within the scope of practice of state law and hospital policy. These surgical team members help prepare the operating room by setting up sterile surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, and medications. They check to ensure that all equipment is in the proper place and working properly. They also assist the surgeon in donning PPE as well as transporting the patient to the OR, positioning and draping the patient for the specific procedure, preparing the skin for the procedure, and assisting the surgeon as needed during the procedure. They must know medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology as well as the many different types of surgical instruments and equipment, proper infection control procedures, and effective communication strategies used with team members and the patient prior to and after the surgical procedure.

The Sterile Processing Technician Program

This course provides an introduction to the surgical technologist career, its role in the operating room, and foundational concepts. This comprehensive course will prepare students to enter the healthcare field and take the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) exam. Course content includes medical terminology and anatomy and physiology foundations, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining generic and brand names of drugs and much, much more! The program also includes a clinical externship at a local healthcare provider! This program will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to pursue certification including the American Allied Health (AAH) Surgical Technologist Certification national certification exam. This course covers the following key areas and topics:

• Operating room roles and responsibilities
• Medical terminology, human anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions.
• Proper infection control procedures and practices for patient care
• Sterile surgical environment
• Surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, materials, and medications for general and specialized surgical procedures.
• Preparing the patient for a surgical procedure
• Caring for the patient during a surgical procedure
• Caring for the patient after the surgical procedure.
• Preparing the surgical environment for specific procedures.
• Selected surgical procedures including the role of the surgical technologist.
• Medical laws and ethics related to surgical procedures
• Effective communication and patient care strategies

Surgical Technologist Detailed Course Information:

• Explain the role of the surgical technician in the operating room and as part of the surgical team.
• Use proper medical terminology based in human anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions.
• Explain proper infection control procedures and practices required in patient care and in the sterile surgical environment.
• Identify the surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, materials, and medications used in general and specialized surgical procedures.
• Explain the procedures performed in preparing the patient for a surgical procedure, caring for the patient during a surgical procedure, and caring for the patient after the surgical procedure.
• Explain how to prepare the surgical environment for specific surgical procedures.
• Explain selected surgical procedures including the role of the surgical technologist.
• Discuss the medical laws and ethics related to surgical procedures and the surgical technologist position.
• Explain effective communication and patient care strategies used for a variety of surgical patients including those with special needs.