Surgical Technology - Simi Institute for Careers & Education
Organization
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
400 hours (10 weeks) - repeated for credit.
September 2000 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to practice and maintain aseptic technique at all times; demonstrate knowledge of basic instrumentation and proper use; demonstrate knowledge of surgical anatomy; demonstrate correct usage and passing of instrumentation; demonstrate correct usage of suture material; recognize and correct breaks in aseptic technique; demonstrate professionalism and the ability to follow directives; demonstrate knowledge of draping; recognize indications for procedures; demonstrate adaptability to change; demonstrate the ability to count sponges/instruments according to the hospital policy and procedures; demonstrate knowledge of utilizing the doctor’s preference cards; demonstrate knowledge of scrubbing, gowning, and gloving according to hospital policy; efficiently anticipate the surgeon’s needs; identify and handle specimens according to hospital policy; observe strict adherence to “Universal Precautions” according to hospital policy; and maintain an acceptable record of attendance and evaluations.
The course covers knowledge and skills required for hands-on surgical technology scrub role and circulator role experience in an operating room setting, under the direct supervision of a hospital preceptor and clinical instructor. Prerequisites: Medical Terminology RC 100/ST 100; Microbiology and Infection Control RC 101/ST 101; Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare Professionals RC 102/ST 102; Math and Science for Healthcare Professionals RC 103/ST 103; Introduction to Surgical Technology ST 200; Principles and Practices of Surgical Technology ST 201; Pharmacology ST 202; Surgical Procedures ST 203; Surgical Technologist Career Preparation ST 204. NOTE: this course includes three different rotations.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in Surgical Technology (4/22).
140 hours (10 weeks).
September 2000 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to demonstrate the principles of communication in the surgical setting; trace the historical development of surgical technology; recognize members of the surgical team and their roles; describe the surgical technology professional organizations: AST, ARC/STSA, and NBSTSA; compare and contrast the various roles of the surgical technologist; interpret the components of a job description for the surgical technologist; analyze the components of effective teamwork and communication; discuss the meaning of surgical conscience and its application to surgical technology; summarize the different types of health care facilities; analyze a typical hospital organizational structure; classify hospital departments and their relationship to surgical services; analyze the legal concepts that pertain to surgical technology; interpret the legal responsibilities of the certified surgical technologist and other surgical team members; compare and contrast criminal and civil liabilities and the consequences of these acts; analyze the American Hospital Association’s Patient Care Partnership; describe the need for professional liability insurance policies; analyze the key elements related to the development of a surgical conscience; assess the resources available to the certified surgical technologist to interpret and follow professional standards of conduct; develop an increased sensitivity to the influence of ethics in professional practice; analyze the role that morality plays during ethical decision making; cite examples of ethical situations and problems in the health professions; analyze scope of practice issues as they relate to surgical technology; interpret prevention, correction, and documentation techniques that may positively affect risk management issues; analyze the recommended practices and legal elements of proper documentation; apply principles of problem solving to ethical decision making; assess the errors that may occur in the operating room and devise a plan for investigation, correction, and notification; assess the patient’s response to illness and hospitalization; demonstrate awareness that all surgical patients have the right to the highest standards and practices in asepsis; distinguish and assess the physical, spiritual, and psychological needs of a patient; distinguish and assess cultural and religious influences of the surgical patient; compare and contrast the patient’s responses to the process of death; discuss the procedure for a patient death in the operating room; compare and contrast the surgical care considerations for pediatric patients and patients who are obese, diabetic, pregnant, immunocompromised, disabled, or geriatric, as well as trauma patients; evaluate the unique physical and psychological needs of each special population; compare and contrast the intraoperative considerations for pediatric patients, trauma patients, and patients who are obese, diabetic, immunocompromised, or geriatric that relate to postoperative wound healing; evaluate the role of the CST for the surgical care of each special population; assess the ethical commitment that is required of CSTs as it relates to special populations care; determine the general needs associated with special populations of surgical patients; recognize the hazards to the patient in the operative environment; distinguish among the support services that work with the operating room team in the care of the patient; review the type of air-handling system required in the operating room and the temperature and humidity required to maintain a sterile field; indicate cleaning procedures, traffic patterns, and routines required in the operative environment; analyze the role of the surgical technologist in the protection of self, patients, and others from hazards in the operative environment; recognize the design types of the operating room; classify hospital departments that relate to surgical services; recognize the working environment of the operating room; determine the physical components of the operating room; explain the relationship between instrumentation, equipment, and supplies and quality patient care in the operating room; explain the relationship between instruments, equipment, and supplies and the operating room environment with safety concepts; indicate items that require sterilization prior to use in the sterile field; recognize basic instruments by type, function, and name; demonstrate proper care, handling, and assembly of instruments; differentiate the types of special equipment utilized in operating room practice and demonstrate proper care, handling techniques, and safety precautions; cite the names and functions of accessory equipment and demonstrate proper care, handling, and assembly; collect and prepare supplies used in the operating room; analyze the role of the surgical technologist in caring for the surgical patient; verify the preoperative routines that must be completed; demonstrate the transportation of the surgical patient; apply the principles of surgical positioning; demonstrate techniques of opening and preparing supplies and instruments needed for any operative procedure with the maintenance of sterile techniques at all times; summarize the methods of preparation of the operative site for surgery; demonstrate the application of thermoregulatory devices; interpret the principles and demonstrate the taking and recording of vital signs; interpret the principles of urinary catheterization and demonstrate the procedure; analyze how the principles of operative site preparation and urinary catheterization are related both to patient care and to the principles of asepsis; demonstrate the proper techniques for the surgical hand scrub, gowning, gloving, and assisting team members; demonstrate the proper technique for preparing supplies and instruments on a sterile field; demonstrate and explain in detail the procedure for counting instruments, sponges, needles, and other items on the sterile field; demonstrate the initial steps for starting a procedure; demonstrate intraoperative handling of sterile equipment and supplies; and summarize and demonstrate postoperative routines.
This course covers biomedical science and minimally invasive surgery, information technology, electricity and surgical applications of energy modalities, surgical robots, the hybrid operating room, wound healing and wound closure, blood loss and replacement, sutures and needles, and suturing techniques. Prerequisite: Math and Science for Healthcare Professionals RC 103/ST 103.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in Surgical Technology (4/22).
70 hours (10 weeks).
September 2000 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to calculate equivalent conversions from one system to another; define general terminology associated with drugs; classify various drugs according to type; identify compressed gases by standard tank colors; delineate principles of drug use in surgical patient care; recognize a drug by its generic name, trade name, and chemical names; identify application, action, and effect; identify effect associated with common drug classes and their representative prototypes; describe differences between side effects, synergistic reactions, and idiosyncratic reactions; explain the principles of anesthesia; describe common surgical medications and solutions, anesthesia and adjunct medications, pre-medications, induction agents, muscle relaxants, narcotics, antibiotics, and inhalation agents; differentiate between intra-muscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous methods of drug administrations; differentiate between drug forms: elixir, tinctures, emulsion, aerosol, and liniment; describe the use of hypothermia and muscle relaxants as an adjunct to anesthesia; explain characteristics and use of contrast media and dyes in the operating room; identify, mix, measure, and pour medications for use on the sterile field; and characterize the role of the surgical technologist in safe handling of drugs according to operating room policies and procedures.
This course covers calculations, science, development, regulations, antibiotics, hormones, diagnostic agents, ophthalmic agents, cardiac drugs, pre-op medications, antiemetics, patient monitoring, local and regional anesthesia, surgical pharmacology, general anesthesia, and emergency situations. Prerequisites: Medical Terminology RC 100/ST 100; Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare Professionals RC 102/ST 102; Introduction to Surgical Technology ST 200; Math and Science for Healthcare Professionals RC 103/ST 103.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in Surgical Technology (4/22).
140 hours (10 weeks).
September 2000 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to identify basic components of a computer system; discuss basic word processing, Internet, and email functions; describe the role of computers in patient care; apply electrical safety precautions; cite the basic principles of electricity and their application in the operating room; compare and contrast the various surgical lasers and their clinical applications; describe the benefit of a hybrid operating room for reduction of healthcare acquired infection (HAI); describe the role of the certified surgical technologist in robotic procedures; discuss the potential risks for patients and surgical team members from use of lasers, electrosurgery, and diagnostic radiation; compare and contrast methods of hemostasis and blood replacement; demonstrate the preparation and use of appropriate hemostatic agents or devices; indicate terms relevant to wound healing; summarize the possible complications of wound healing; recognize the classifications of surgical wounds; indicate types of traumatic wounds and give examples of each; analyze the factors that influence healing and how they affect the healing process; recognize the characteristics of inflammation; cite and interpret common suture terms; classify and differentiate the usage of suture materials and stapling devices; recognize the types, characteristics, and uses of suture materials; demonstrate application of recommended preparation and handling techniques for suturing and stapling devices; cite and interpret common suture techniques; summarize the basic uses and advantages of stapling instruments; demonstrate proper handling of the various types of surgical needles; assess the types of injuries that cause damage to tissues; recognize the characteristics of the types of healing; recognize the stages/phases of wound healing; apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to determine which diagnostic examinations will be useful; indicate the sources of patient data; compare and contrast intraoperative techniques used to establish the diagnosis; determine which diagnostic procedures are invasive and require sterile technique; and recognize the major indications for surgical intervention.
This course covers biomedical science and minimally invasive surgery, information technology, electricity and surgical applications of energy modalities, surgical robots, the hybrid operating room, wound healing and wound closure, blood loss and replacement, sutures and needles, and suturing techniques. Prerequisites: Medical Terminology RC 100/ST 100; Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare Professionals RC 102/ST 102; Math and Science for Healthcare Professionals RC 103/ST 103; Introduction to Surgical Technology ST 200.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in Surgical Technology (4/22).
180 hours (10 weeks).
September 2000 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to explain the importance of surgical asepsis, scrubbing, gowning and gloving, prepping and draping the surgical patient; recognize the relevant anatomy and terminology as related to the surgical procedure; indicate the pathology related to general surgery procedures; recall the names and uses of general surgery instruments, supplies, and specialty equipment; determine the intraoperative preparations of the patient specific to the illustrative procedures; summarize the surgical steps of illustrative general surgery procedures in this chapter; identify the purpose and expected outcomes of the illustrative procedures; determine the immediate postoperative care of the patient and possible complications of the illustrative procedures determine any specific variations related to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the general surgery patient; recognize the relevant anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system; summarize the pathology of the female reproductive system that prompts surgical intervention and the related terminology; determine any special preoperative obstetric and gynecologic diagnostic procedures/tests; determine any special preoperative preparation procedures related to obstetric/gynecologic procedures; indicate the names and uses of obstetric and gynecologic instruments, supplies, and drugs; indicate the names and uses of special equipment related to obstetric/gynecologic surgery; determine the intraoperative preparations of the patient undergoing an obstetric or gynecologic procedure; summarize the surgical steps of obstetric/gynecologic procedure; interpret the purpose and expected outcomes of the obstetric/ gynecologic procedure; recognize the immediate postoperative care and possible complications of the obstetric/ gynecologic procedure; assess any specific variations related to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the obstetric/gynecologic patient; recognize the anatomy of the eye; summarize the pathology that prompts surgical intervention of the eye and related terminology; determine any special preoperative preparation procedures; indicate the names and uses of ophthalmic instruments, supplies, and drugs; indicate the names and uses of special equipment; determine the intraoperative preparation of the patient undergoing an ophthalmic procedure; summarize the surgical steps of ophthalmic procedures; interpret the purpose and expected outcomes of the ophthalmic procedure; recognize the immediate postoperative care and possible complications of the ophthalmic procedures; assess any specific variations related to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the ophthalmic patient; recognize the relevant anatomy of the ear, nose, and upper aero-digestive tract; summarize the pathology that prompts otorhinolaryngologic surgical intervention and the related terminology. determine any special preoperative otorhinolaryngologic preparation and diagnostic procedures/tests; indicate the names and uses of otorhinolaryngologic instruments, supplies, and specialty equipment; determine the intraoperative preparations of the patient undergoing otorhinolaryngologic procedures; summarize the surgical steps of the otorhinolaryngologic procedures; interpret the purpose and expected outcomes of the otorhinolaryngologic procedures; recognize the immediate postoperative care and possible complications of the otorhinolaryngologic procedures; assess any specific variations related to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the otorhinolaryngologic patient; recognize the anatomy relevant to specific procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery; summarize the pathology that prompts oral and maxillofacial surgery and the related terminology; determine special preoperative diagnostic procedures/tests pertaining to oral and maxillofacial surgery; determine special preoperative preparation procedures related to oral and maxillofacial surgery; indicate the names and uses of oral and maxillofacial instruments, supplies, and drugs; indicate the names and uses of special equipment used for oral and maxillofacial surgery; determine the intraoperative preparation of the patient undergoing an oral or maxillofacial procedure; summarize the surgical steps of oral or maxillofacial procedures; assess any specific variations related to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the surgical patient; recognize the relevant anatomy and physiology of the skin and its underlying tissues; summarize the pathology that prompts plastic/reconstructive surgical intervention and the related terminology; determine any special preoperative plastic/reconstructive preparation and diagnostic procedures/tests; indicate the names and uses of plastic/reconstructive instruments, supplies, and specialty equipment; determine the intraoperative preparation of the patient undergoing a plastic/ reconstructive procedure; summarize the surgical steps of the plastic/reconstructive procedures; interpret the purpose and expected outcomes of the plastic/ reconstructive procedures; recognize the immediate postoperative care and possible complications of the plastic/ reconstructive procedures; assess any specific variations related to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the plastic/reconstructive patient; recognize the relevant anatomy of the genitourinary system; recognize the pathology that prompts genitourinary system surgical intervention and the related terminology; assess any special preoperative genitourinary diagnostic procedures/tests; assess any special preoperative genitourinary preparation procedures; indicate the names and uses of genitourinary instruments, supplies, and specialty equipment; determine the intraoperative preparation of the patient undergoing a genitourinary procedure; summarize the steps of the genitourinary procedures; determine the purpose and expected outcomes of the genitourinary procedures; assess the immediate postoperative care and possible complications of the genitourinary procedures; recognize any specific variations related to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the genitourinary patient; recognize the relevant anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system; summarize the pathology of the musculoskeletal system that prompts surgical intervention and the related terminology; determine any preoperative orthopedic diagnostic procedures/tests; determine any special preoperative preparation related to orthopedic procedures; indicate the names and uses of orthopedic instruments, equipment, and supplies; determine the intraoperative preparation of the patient undergoing an orthopedic procedure; summarize the surgical steps of the orthopedic procedures; interpret the purpose and expected outcomes of the orthopedic procedures; recognize the immediate postoperative care and possible complications of the orthopedic procedures; recognize the relevant anatomy of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems; summarize the pathology that prompts cardiac or thoracic surgical intervention and the related terminology; determine any special preoperative diagnostic procedures/tests for the patient undergoing cardiac or thoracic surgery; determine any preoperative preparation procedures; indicate the names and uses of cardiovascular and thoracic equipment, instruments, and supplies; summarize the surgical steps of the cardiac and thoracic procedures; interpret the purpose and expected outcomes of the cardiac and thoracic procedures; recognize the immediate postoperative care and possible complications of the cardiac and thoracic procedures; assess any specific variations related to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the patient undergoing a cardiac or thoracic procedure; recognize the relevant anatomy of the peripheral vascular system; summarize the pathology that prompts surgical intervention of the peripheral vascular system and the related terminology; determine any special preoperative peripheral vascular preparation and diagnostic procedures; indicate the names and uses of peripheral vascular equipment, instruments, and supplies; determine the intraoperative preparations of the patient undergoing peripheral vascular procedures; summarize the surgical steps of peripheral vascular procedures; interpret the purpose and expected outcomes of peripheral vascular procedures; recognize the immediate postoperative care and possible complications of peripheral vascular procedures; assess any specific variations related to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the patient undergoing peripheral vascular surgery; recognize the relevant anatomy and physiology of the neurological system; summarize the pathology that prompts surgical intervention of the neurological system and the related terminology; determine any special preoperative neurological diagnostic procedures/tests; indicate the names and uses of neurosurgical instruments, supplies, and drugs; indicate the names and uses of special equipment related to neurosurgery; determine the intraoperative preparation of the patient undergoing a neurosurgical procedure; summarize the surgical steps of the neurosurgical procedures; interpret the purpose and expected outcomes of the neurosurgical procedures; recognize the immediate postoperative care and possible complications of the neurosurgical procedures; and assess any specific variations related to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of the neurosurgical patient.
This course covers general, OB/GYN, ophthalmic, otorhinolaryngologic, oral and maxillofacial, plastic and reconstructive, genitourinary, orthopedic, cardiothoracic, peripheral vascular, and neurosurgery, in accordance with content studied in a sterile field under the supervision of the instructor. Prerequisites: Medical Terminology RC 100/ST 100; Microbiology and Infection Control RC 101/ST 101; Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare Professionals RC 102/ST 102; Math and Science for Healthcare Professionals RC 103/ST 103; Introduction to Surgical Technology ST 200; Principles and Practices of Surgical Technology ST 201; Pharmacology ST 202.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in Surgical Technology (4/22).
180 hours (10 weeks).
September 2000 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to obtain certifications in BLS and Fire Safety; understand the role they play in the operating room and how it relates to other team members; complete the onboarding process at a hospital site; be able to successfully submit a current resume for a potential job; write an effective cover letter; implement a focused job search plan; and have the knowledge and understanding of how to successfully interview for a surgical technologist position.
This course covers basic life support training, fire card training, N95 mask fitting, the roles and responsibilities of the surgical team, and learning the specific requirements of the onboarding process at hospital sites. Prerequisites: Medical Terminology RC 100/ST 100; Microbiology and Infection Control RC 101/ST 101; Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare Professionals RC 102/ST 102; Math and Science for Healthcare Professionals RC 103/ST 103; Introduction to Surgical Technology ST 200; Principles and Practices of Surgical Technology ST 201; Pharmacology ST 202.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in Surgical Technology (4/22).
50 hours (2 weeks).
September 2000 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to explain the purpose of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting’s Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam; identify the main topics tested on the CST exam; demonstrate knowledge of perioperative care including preoperative preparation, intraoperative procedures, and postoperative procedures; explain the ancillary duties of a surgical technologist as they relate to administrative and personnel; identify proper equipment sterilization and maintenance procedures; recognize appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations; demonstrate knowledge of human physiology as it relates to surgical procedures; identify surgical pathologies; and apply the principals of surgical pharmacology to operative practice.
This course covers knowledge and skills required of competent entry-level technologists, including specific techniques in perioperative care, intraoperative and post-operative procedures, and basic science. Prerequisites: Medical Terminology RC 100/ST 100; Microbiology and Infection Control RC 101/ST 101; Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare Professionals RC 102/ST 102; Math and Science for Healthcare Professionals RC 103/ST 103; Introduction to Surgical Technology ST 200; Principles and Practices of Surgical Technology ST 201; Pharmacology ST 202; Surgical Procedures ST 203; Surgical Technologist Career Preparation ST 204; Clinical Practice in Surgical Technology ST 205A.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in Surgical Technology (4/22).
