Program Length: 20 months
Available at the following locations:
Utah Locations: Layton, Ogden / West Haven
Days until classes:
Next classes start
Jun 17th
Degree Overview
Surgical Technology Degree
Job Outlook for Surgical Techs
The medical field is still one of the most secure employment industries in the nation. The demand for medical professionals continues to be great and those who retain advanced education and training in the medical sciences are highly coveted by various health care employers. Included in the secure medical field is the exciting and rewarding medical position of surgical technicians. The need for surgical techs in the medical world will ensure that those who receive quality training and experience in the surgical technologies will be able to find employment with relative ease.
Surgical Technology Degree
A surgical technology degree, such as the Associate of Occupational Studies in Surgical Technologist, can prepare you for entry-level positions as part of a surgical team in hospitals and surgical centers. This surgical technology degree program can give you the skills you need to work in operating rooms assisting with surgical procedures. Surgical technologists or technicians assist in the operating room by providing the medical team with the instruments they need to operate. This surgical technology degree program also gives you the opportunity to gain valuable experience through externships in the field with potential employers.
Student Information
Our Associate of Occupational Studies in Surgical Technologist program prepares graduates for employment in occupations such as Health Specialties Teachers, Post-secondary (25-1071.00) or Surgical Technologists (29-2055.00). The total tuition and fees for this program is $ 41,395, including books. Stevens-Henager College does not provide housing, so no room and board fees apply. Graduates of our Associate of Occupational Studies in Surgical Technologist program have an on-time completion rate of 78% and a job placement rate of 72%. The median Title IV debt for this program is $ 19,704, the median non-Title IV debt is $ 10,278, and the median loan debt is $ 28,050. Our Net Price Calculator can help you see how you can afford college.
Course Descriptions
CourseCourse NameCredits
Course Description
Click a course to the left to see the course description here.
Tip: Reading course descriptions is a great way to help you decide if a degree is right for you.
Writing
Presents the fundamental principles of written communications, specifically, common business correspondence, reports, presentations, and minutes. Specific to this course is review of the steps necessary to produce effective written communication.
Credits: 4.0
Communication Arts
This course focuses on developing critical thinking and communication skills in both verbal and nonverbal areas. Emphasis is placed on debate, panel discussions, committee work, conflict resolution, interviews, and editorial writing.
Credits: 4.0
Introduction to Logic
This course focuses on the techniques for determining the validity of arguments and analyzing problems in the world. Topics include a discussion of informal fallacies, Aristotelian logic, and symbolic logic.
Credits: 4.0
Psychology of Motivation
Students review skills necessary to be successful in college, including: note-taking, study skills, writing, finding and using information on the Internet, and reading/understanding college-level text. Students are exposed to basic motivation theories, values clarification, and philosophic principles.
Credits: 4.0
Personal and Professional Relations
Covers factors that may affect the student's personal lifestyle, stress management, methods of coping, as well as accountability for personal actions and obligations. In addition, the impact of professional organizations and various health agencies and their effect on health delivery will be covered. Job seeking, employment retention, and CPR certification are also discussed.
Credits: 4.0
Psychology
Explores the aims and methods of psychology. Concepts covered in the course include human behavior, learning theories, memory, and human development.
Credits: 4.0
Anatomy, Phisiology, and Terminology
Intermediate-level, surgically detailed study of anatomy and physiology. Body planes and regions, organization, and terminology complete this course.
Credits: 4.0
Surgical Technology/Patient Care Concepts
Covers surgical technologist's job description and the surgical team member's role in the hospital or surgical center. Surgical environmental hazards and personnel safety practices, using OSHA regulations and AORN recommended practices. Interpret ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities, assess patient needs, and learn pre- and postoperative routines. Identify and demonstrate proper handling, labeling, preserving, and storing of different types of specimens. Thermoregulatory devices, methods of hemostasis and blood replacement, principles of urinary catheterization, surgical use of laser technology, and management of emergency procedures. (Prerequisite: SUR101, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 3.0
Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
Intermediate-level, surgically detailed continuing study of the anatomy and physiology of systems of the body. (Prerequisite: SUR101, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 4.0
Microbiology and Infection Control
Covers various theories, fields of study, and the historical development of the field of microbiology as well as introduction to the CDC Universal Precautions recommendations and OSHA's Blood borne Pathogens standard. Use of the microscope as well as the structure, characteristics, and the life and death of different microorganisms. Host invasion, immune and general defense mechanisms. Physical and chemical methods used to protect patients and workers from invasion by pathogenic microbes, as well as how tissues react and are restored to normal function following trauma.
Credits: 3.0
General and Minimal Surgical Procedures
Surgical procedures performed in general surgery and in minimal access surgery. Instruments that are used interchangeably in different surgical procedures. Use of a laparoscope. Introduction to general surgical instrumentation of exposure of the anatomy, hemostatis, dissection, removal of tissue, and suturing. (Prerequisite: SUR102, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 3.0
Surgical Pharmacology
Conversion from the metric system to the apothecaries' system and performance of basic mathematical calculations. Mixing, identifying, and measuring drugs for patient use through the guidance of the registered nurse, possible anesthetic complications, emergency procedures and the surgical technologist's responsibility in an emergency situation. Proper handling of drugs, administration of anesthesia, and the surgical technologist's limits and responsibilities in the area of medication administration. Clinical manifestations and emergency procedures.
Credits: 3.0
Asepsis and the Surgical Environment
Concepts of asepsis, sources of contamination, and the principles of antisepsis and their application. Surgical conscience and principles of antisepsis and disinfection. Principles of the practice of aseptic technique, using AORN recommended practices. Operation of sterilizers, soaking instruments or scopes, and disinfecting the surgical suite. Surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving techniques. (Prerequisite: SUR203, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 3.0
Surgical Instrumentation and Supplies
Identification of basic instruments by type, function, and name, and demonstration of care, handling, and techniques of assembly. Proper preparation and handling of suture materials, stapling devices, and surgical equipment. Setting up the back table, circulating, and counting procedures. (Prerequisite: SUR102, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 3.0
Systematic Surgical Procedures I
Instruments and supplies used to perform various procedures of surgery dealing with gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedics. Surgical procedures associated with each system. Trays and instrumentation needed to perform individual procedures. Various positions and forms of draping to accomplish these surgical procedures. (Prerequisite: SUR207, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 3.0
Systematic Surgical Procedures II
Instruments and supplies used to perform procedures of surgery, dealing with neurology, cardiology, and urology. Surgical procedures associated with each system. Trays and instrumentation needed to perform individual procedures, and various positions and forms of draping to accomplish these surgical procedures. (Prerequisite: SUR207, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 3.0
Sensory and Plastic Surgical Procedures
Sensory (ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology), nervous, vascular, and plastic surgical systems. Relevant anatomy, indications for surgery, patient preparation, special equipment and supplies, purpose and expected outcome, and possible complications for the procedures specific to the body systems being taught. Patient preparation, draping, preparation of trays and instruments, and setting up equipment. (Prerequisite: SUR207, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 3.0
Clinical Externship and Practicum
Provides 460 hours of clinical externship working in the operating room suite of a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, or private physician's office or clinic. Students are supervised very closely during this course by licensed professionals and preceptors and by the college's clinical instructors. Students convene weekly for discussion, problem solving, and review of any areas of difficulty. Students receive regular evaluations of skills acquisition by the preceptors and college clinical instructors. Upon successful completion of the externship and practicum, students are eligible to take the Association of Surgical Technologists national certification examination. (Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all core courses and PSY203, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 15.0
Surgical Suite Operations
From an operations management view, the workings of the surgical suite are explored. From ordering of instruments and supplies to scheduling and staffing, the student becomes responsible for the efficiency of the surgical suite. Circulation duties during surgical procedures are also covered.
Credits: 3.0
Surgical Robotics, Physics, and Electronics
Robotics and electronics applications in the operating room. Application of physics and geometry to robotics and electronics is studied.
Credits: 3.0
Medical Surgical Nursing
Surgical modalities such as endoscopy, video technology, and insufflation. Energies used in surgery such as laser, electrosurgery, ultra-sonic device surgery, hydrodissection and irrigation, and cryosurgery. Ambulatory surgery facilities, anesthesia considerations, and future trends.
Credits: 3.0
Surgical Interventions
Perioperative nursing considerations of various surgical interventions are studied. Assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation for specialty interventions.
Credits: 4.0
Surgical Seminar
Comprehensive review of surgical modalities and procedures. (Prerequisites: SUR208, SUR209, SUR210, or with consent of the dean)
Credits: 3.0
Total Courses: 23Total Credits: 90
Admissions Information
College Admissions Requirements
Applicants for admission to the College must have graduated from an accredited high school, private secondary school, or have completed the equivalent (GED). All students who graduate after January 2006 must provide a high school transcript to check eligibility for the new Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG).
Program Specific Admissions Requirements
Students who wish to enroll in the Surgical Technologist program must obtain a score of 21 or better on the SLE examination and 70% or better on the surgical entrance examination and must provide proof of a satisfactory physical exam within 30 days of entrance into the program. The Surgical Test is waived for the following students:
- Graduates of an accredited nursing program; and
- Hospital-trained Surgical Technologists who can verify proof of employment as a Surgical Technologist for at least one year.
Additional Admissions Information
Getting started is as simple as making a phone call-we're happy to answer any questions you may have and can get you on your way to enrollment as soon as you're ready. Click here for more information about the admissions process.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Some people have the idea that they cannot afford college. You may even be one of them. The truth is, once you know the facts, college may be much more affordable than you think. Financial aid is available if you qualify. In fact, many students are amazed at the financial aid they're eligible to receive. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid section for more information.
