Surgical Technology, AAS

INACTIVE (This program is currently not admitting students.)

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology Program at South Louisiana Community College prepares students to become integral members of the surgical team who work closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel delivering patient care before, during, and after surgery. Their primary responsibility is maintaining the sterile field. The CST handles the instruments, supplies and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. CSTs have an understanding of the procedure being performed, anticipate the needs of the surgeon and have the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure. The student should recognize that the clinical rotation of the Surgical Technology program demands that attitude, work habits, communication skills and manual dexterity are developed and evaluated along with academic readiness. Some courses have prerequisites, which must be successfully completed before enrolling into upper level courses. Successful completion of the program makes the graduate eligible to take the National Certification Exam for Surgical Technologists and earn the credential Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). The Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). Although a terminal degree program, general education requirements as well as some of the technical courses may be transferable to a variety of baccalaureate programs.

Objectives

• To enable students to acquire the general education competencies expected of an associate of applied science degree graduate
• To teach basic scientific and clinical concepts which will prepare students for entry-level as Surgical Technologists
• To provide students with an opportunity to develop the psychomotor skills necessary to function effectively in the operating room and other surgical sites

Expected Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology will

• Assist in maintaining a safe operating room environment.
• Apply the principles of aseptic technique to establish a sterile field, perform specific surgical tasks, and disinfect and sterilize to provide safe surgical care.
• Provide for safe preoperative and perioperative care under the supervision of professional personnel.
• Perform the specific skills required for assisting with selected/assigned surgical procedures.
• Develop entry-level employment skills for the various roles of the surgical technologist.
• Meet the educational requirements necessary to take the certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• Meet the AAS educational requirements necessary for successful completion of transferable General Education courses