Surgical Technology Overview
Inside an operating room, there is little margin for error. Everything must be precise and well-planned. It’s the job of the Surgical Technologist to make sure all equipment and instruments are right where they should be and readily available.
Known as scrubs or surgical operating technicians, Surgical Technologists work under the direction of doctors and nurses in a team environment.
They’re responsibilities include:
- Setting up surgical instruments, sterile drapes, equipment and solutions
- Assembling and checking equipment
- Positioning and draping patients on the operating table
- Operating lights, suction machines, and diagnostic equipment used during procedures
- Holding and passing instruments and sterile supplies to surgeons
- Holding retractors, cutting sutures, counting sponges, needles and supplies
If this sounds like the career for you, consider ECPI University’s College of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute (MCI). Through MCI’s year-round schedule, you could earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Science – Surgical Technology in as little as 16 months.
Learn more about the opportunities for your education and possible career growth as a surgical technician at ECPI University's Emerywood (Richmond West Location), here.
Surgical Technology Possible Career Track
Graduates with Surgical Technology degrees are eligible to work in a variety of healthcare settings including:
- Hospital operating and delivery rooms
- Ambulatory surgical centers
- Dentists and doctors’ offices
- Outpatient care centers
Surgical Technology Outcomes
Students who graduate from the Surgical Technology program will be equipped with the knowledge and skill to assist with basic and advanced surgical procedures.
This knowledge will prepare students to perform in the major operating rooms, minor surgery, surgi-centers, and surgeon‘s offices. Specific program objectives are designed to enable graduates to:
- Possess entry level knowledge of surgical technology and its place in the modern healthcare delivery system
- Understand basic surgical anatomy and physiology in the operating room
- Know the names and uses of all basic and advanced surgical instrumentation.
- Understand and utilize aseptic technique and sterile barriers.
- Discuss and know the flow of a surgical procedure from start to finish.
- Assure that there are accurate counts of all materials and instruments used in any surgical procedure
- Demonstrate ―surgical consciousness.
Surgical Technology Curriculum
Program Requirements
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MED104 | MED104 Medical Terminology | 3.00 |
| SUR101 | SUR101 Surgical Theory I | 3.00 |
| SUR102 | SUR102 Surgical Theory II | 3.00 |
| SUR120 | SUR120 Surgical Procedures I | 4.00 |
| SUR121 | SUR121 Surgical Procedures II | 4.00 |
| SUR122 | SUR122 Surgical Procedures III | 4.00 |
| SUR123 | SUR123 Surgical Procedures IV | 4.00 |
| SUR270 | SUR270 Surgical Technology Practicum I | 3.00 |
| SUR270S | SUR270S Practicum Seminar | 1.00 |
| SUR271 | SUR271 Surgical Technology Practicum II | 3.00 |
| SUR271S | SUR271S Practicum Seminar | 1.00 |
| SUR272 | SUR272 Surgical Technology Practicum III | 4.00 |
| SUR272S | SUR272S Practicum Seminar | 1.00 |
| SUR285 | SUR285 National Certifying Examination Prep | 4.00 |
| Credit Hour(s) total | 42.00 | |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO101 | BIO101 Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3.00 |
| BIO104 | BIO104 Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3.00 |
| ENG110 | ENG110 College Composition | 3.00 |
| HUM205 | HUM205 Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities | 3.00 |
| MTH120 | MTH120 College Mathematics | 3.00 |
| PSY105 | PSY105 Introduction to Psychology | 3.00 |
| Credit Hour(s) total | 18.00 | |
Visit the ECPI University Catalog for the most current program information.
*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.