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Surgical Technology (SG)
Academic School: Health Sciences
(Effective Fall 2008)

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

Surgical Technology is an occupation that demands attention to detail and procedures. Surgical technologists provide care to surgical patients before, during and after surgery, and act as an integral part of the surgical team during surgery. Penn College's Surgical Technology major prepares the graduate to take the national certification exam in surgical technology, to enter the workforce, and to continue education.

Career Opportunities:  While demand for surgical technologists varies among communities, the forecast for employment in the surgical technology area is one of rapid growth. Surgical technologists routinely find employment in hospitals, clinics, surgical centers, and physician offices where surgery is performed; this can include dental/oral surgery. A majority of surgical technologists work primarily in surgical suites and physician offices. Evening, night, weekend, holidays, and on-call rotations can be expected in some settings; otherwise the surgical technologist follows a standard hospital workday. Most often, the surgical technologist functions as a member of the sterile surgical team and is qualified to work in central processing and/or in a supporting roles within the operating room. In some settings, a surgical technologist can be expected to help see to the needs of the patient pre- and post-operatively.

Recommended High School Subjects:  While still in high school, students planning to enter the Surgical Technology major should prepare extensively in oral and written communication skills, take math and science courses every year (including at least Algebra II and one year of both biology and chemistry, with labs preferred), and take Anatomy and Physiology, if available. It is also recommended that the student "job shadow" in the operating room prior to enrollment if possible.

Students who do not follow this plan can work with advisers at the College to develop an appropriate approach to study of the area. However, it is possible that more courses at the college level will need to be taken to help prepare the student for success as a SG student.

Special Admissions Requirements:  Core surgical courses begin in the spring; fall enrollees will take other required courses for the first semester. Academic performance in the previous semesters will determine final acceptance into the Surgical Technology major. Minimum academic requirements include a 2.0 math/science GPA, 2.0 graduation GPA, and a 2.0 GPA in those courses required by the Surgical Technology major. The math/science GPA is calculated using the following courses: MTH 124, MTH 125, MTH 151, MTH 153, MTH 160, BIO 115, BIO 125, and BIO 201. If applicable, corresponding transfer courses will be applied toward the math/science and graduation GPA calculations. In December, qualified students will be ranked for possible selection into the major according to their math/science and graduation GPAs. The College reserves the right to change the requirements and procedures related to this ranking system at any time during the student's term of enrollment.

Remediation Strategies:  All developmental needs will be remediated prior to entering the Surgical Technology major.

Transfer Procedures:  Graduates of the SG major will be eligible to transfer into the College's Applied Health Studies B.S. (BAH) or the Technology Management B.S. (BTM) degree major. In-program students can enter the BAH with permission of the Program Director and Assistant to the Dean before graduation.

Program Goals:  The following goals operate within the parameters of the requirements of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology, and the College core.

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• integrate the Surgical Technology knowledge base in cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains; demonstrate skills following established criteria, protocols and objectives in the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains.
• discuss, demonstrate and apply appropriate Surgical Technology procedures and protocols in various health care settings and situations; react appropriately and with professional demeanor while in various health care settings and situations.
• contrast, compare, discuss, demonstrate and apply knowledge of interpersonal skills and communications relative to procedures and protocols from the Surgical Technologist perspective when working with patients, patients' significant others, colleagues, other members of the health care team, and members of the community.
• operate all equipment safely, effectively and efficiently while using appropriate protocols.
• function safely, effectively and efficiently in the Surgical Technologist role.
• discuss, contrast, compare, demonstrate and apply critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, ethical behavior and knowledge of Surgical Technologists capabilities, roles, responsibilities, ethical guidelines, scope of practice and skills in a variety of settings and with a variety of procedures.
• contrast, compare, discuss, and demonstrate skills related to information literacy; access, gather, interpret, and analyze information, and accurately report it, especially as it pertains to Surgical Technology.
• contrast, compare, discuss and integrate an understanding and valuing of their place in the health care system, as well as for other health care professionals.

Performance Standards:  Students must maintain a "C" or greater in all major courses. These courses include all SGT courses, Pathology and Disease I/II (HTH 115/HTH 125), Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 115 & BIO 125) and Microbiology (BIO 201). If a "D" or lower is earned, the course must be repeated.

Notice of Conviction:  Child abuse clearance, drug tests and criminal background checks are required by agencies involved in clinical rotations and internships. Agencies can and will bar students from their sites for infractions. By virtue of contract for Penn College students to be at clinical sites, drug testing is required for admission and students will be subject to drug testing during the program. Inability to gain clinical or intern education experiences results in inability to meet program objectives and outcomes. Inability to meet program objectives and outcomes will result in not being able to graduate. For additional clarification, students should speak to the program director or the dean of health sciences.

Accreditation:  The Penn College Surgical Technology major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology (www.arcst.org); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970, Chicago, IL 60601-2208, (312) 553-9355

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