Program Structure

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Graduation Requirements

Surgical Technologists are highly skilled professionals qualified by education to be a key member of the surgical team. The program takes seriously its role in safeguarding the community by graduating only competent surgical techs. For the safety and well being of all patients and the community, all graduates entering to profession  will have met the rigorous requirements for graduation, and be prepared to be to pass the certifying exam when eligible.  To successfully complete the program, the following requirements must be met.

1. Competent Practice

  1. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to competently anticipate surgical needs and maintain patient safety.

     

  2. Apply surgical values in which one uses clinical judgment, teamwork and accountability to be a competent Surgical Technologist.

     

  3. Evaluate and anticipate the needs of the procedure to setup and assist during surgery.

     

  4. Apply problem solving and critical thinking skills in the academic and clinical settings.

     

2. Safety

  1. Use of precautions to ensure safety of self and others against bloodborne pathogens as standard practice of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).
  2. Apply principles of infection control and maintain sterility of the surgical field for the protection of patients, self and others.
  3. Apply principles of surgical technology to maintain a safe environment for oneself, surgical team members and the foremost the patient. 

3. Patient Care

  1. Provide basic patient care and comfort to patients across the age continuum.

  2. Recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate life-saving first-aid and basic life-support procedures.

4. Professional Practice

  1. Recognize when surgical equipment and instrumentation is not operating properly and report equipment malfunctions to the proper authority.

  2. Demonstrate understanding of the role quality assurance and continual quality improvement play in surgery.

  3. Demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal and written medical communication in providing patient care and maintaining professional relationships with other members of the health care team.

  4. Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of surgical procedures.

  5. Comply with the profession's Code of Ethics and Practice Standards and perform clinically within the industry’s standard of care. 

  6. Develop professionally beyond the program’s clinical and academic performance expectations (see Professional Development policy).

  7. Demonstrate professionalism and reliability.

6. Qualifications

1. Demonstrate NBSTSA examination readiness when eligible.

2. Completion of all general education requirements as stipulated on the curriculum guide.