Surgical Technology Courses

SUR 101 Introduction to Surgical Technology (3 cr)

This course offers the foundational theories and techniques of surgery.  The focus is on orientation to surgical technology, standards of conduct, laws and ethics, hospital administration, communication, and teamwork, the physical environment and safety standards of the operating room, biomedical sciences, instrumentation, diagnostic procedures and optimal patient care and basic medical terminology with an emphasis on basic terminology used in a surgical setting.

COREQUISITES: SUR 109, SUR 112

SUR 109 Principles and Practice of Surgical Technology (7 cr)

This course introduces basic concepts so the student can function in the surgical setting. It offers instruction on disinfection, decontamination, sterilization, aseptic technique, scrubbing, gowning, and gloving, transporting, transferring and positioning the surgical patient, along with the surgical preparation and draping methods. Further emphasis is placed on sutures, wound healing.  The lab provides hands on learning in basic concepts of aseptic technique, scrubbing, gowning, gloving, and patient care. The student will learn how to create and maintain a sterile field as well as gain knowledge for providing optimal patient care in a surgical setting. The student will study basic instrumentation for each surgical specialty.

COREQUISITES: SUR 101, SUR 112

SUR 112 Clinical I (1 cr)

This course introduces the concept of a beginning surgical technologist. The student will observe cases in the surgical suites and learn the idea of team work in the surgical setting. One clinical day per week is spent in a surgical setting for 5 weeks.

COREQUISITES: SUR 101, SUR 109

SUR 131 Systems I: Surgical Techniques/Procedures (6 cr)

This course is designed to build on the knowledge of basic surgical techniques, professionalism, and ethics previously presented.  The role of the surgical technologist is developed and applied in basic surgical procedures. Surgical applications in OB/GYN, genitourinary, ENT, orthopaedic, plastic and reconstructive surgery, peripheral vascular, thoracic, and ophthalmic systems are presented.

PREREQUISITES: BIO 133, MED 101, SUR 101, SUR 109, SUR 112. COREQUISITE: SUR 132, SUR 140.

SUR 132 Clinical II (5 cr)

This course emphasizes application of basic concepts including general surgery, OB/GYN, genitourinary, ENT, orthopaedic, ophthalmic, neurologic, plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Two clinical days per week are spent in a surgical setting for 15 weeks.

PREREQUISITES: BIO 133, MED 101, SUR 101, SUR 109, SUR 112. COREQUISITE: SUR 131, SUR 140.

SUR 140 Pharmacology for Surgical Technologists (2 cr)

This course will enhance fundamental math skills and provide a summary of basic pharmacology, drug regulation and drug administration. Drugs frequently used in the surgical setting will be examined along with an overview of anesthesia administration and general practice.

PREREQUISITES: BIO 133, MED 101, SUR 101, SUR 109, SUR 112. COREQUISITE: SUR 131, SUR 132.

SUR 161 Systems II: Surgical Techniques/Procedures (4 cr)

This course completes the basic surgical procedure learning with applications in neurology, trauma, and organ donation. In addition, this course is designed to enhance and improve critical thinking, emergency awareness, and accountability skills. The course will build on the knowledge of surgical technology with emphasis on further development of surgical skills. Review of surgical practices and procedures previously presented are incorporated to prepare for the certifying examination in surgical technology and employment.

PREREQUISITES: BIO 132, SUR 131, SUR 132, SUR 140. COREQUISITE: SUR 162.

SUR 162 Clinical III (5 cr)

This course is designed to fulfill the student’s clinical requirements and to prepare them for employment. The student strives for total autonomy by spending three days in the clinical setting. This course introduces the student to complex procedures including cardiovascular and neurological procedures.

PREREQUISITES: BIO 132, SUR 131, SUR 132, SUR 140. COREQUISITE: SUR 161.

SUR 201 Perioperative Professional Issues (2 cr)

This course is designed for the student pursuing the associate of science in surgical technology degree. A seminar approach is used to explore ethical and professional issues impacting the surgical technologist in the care of the surgical patient.

PREREQUISITES: SUR 131, SUR 132, SUR 140