Surgical Technology, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science Degree: (SURT-AAS)

About the Program

The Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. The curriculum is designed to enable the student to perform a variety of duties, as well as provide technical support to the surgical team in the operating room before, during and after surgery. The surgical technologist is trained to maintain a sterile and safe surgical environment. Duties may include, but are not limited to, preparing sterile supplies; equipment, instruments, and drapes for surgical procedures, assisting the surgical team with gowning and gloving, and positioning patients for surgery, passing instruments, sponges, sutures and other supplies to the surgeon or the assistant, preparing specimens for laboratory analysis, sterilizing equipment, etc.

The Surgical Technology program offers:

1. Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree (SURT-AAS): 68-72 credit hours
2. Accelerated Alternative Delivery (AAD-CERT): 22 credit hours
3. Central Service Technician Certificate (SCERT SURT): 10 credit hours
4. First Assistant College Certificate (CERT-SFA): 36 credit hours

Program Goals

• To prepare students with the knowledge and technical skills to effectively perform as a team member of the surgical team unit under the direct supervision of a doctor or registered nurse
• To prepare students to proficiently exercise the duties and responsibilities including peri-operative preparation, equipment supply, sterilization and post-operative procedures
• To prepare students to successfully pass the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists

Program Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate and apply technical competency as it applies to the surgical technology profession
• Exhibit proficiency in successfully completing the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists with a 80% or better proficiency rate
• Demonstrate expertise in the application of sterile and aseptic technique
• Apply principles of pharmacology as related to the Surgical Technologist
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills during peri-operative procedural management according to the facility policies, procedures and surgeon preferences
• Perform competently in the Scrub and Circulator role in accordance with Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) standards
• Maximize patient safety by facilitating a safe surgical environment
• Demonstrate self-direction and responsibility for maintaining surgical competency
• Effective use of written, oral and interpersonal communication skills operating as a member of a diverse team of medical professionals
• Incorporate the safety principles, practices and standards regulations as governed by the profession

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the Surgical Technology program, students are required to complete the following:

• Fulfill all WCCCD admission requirements
• Be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED
• If required, fulfill course placement requirements based on the ACCUPLACER® scores
• Declare intent to enroll in the Surgical Technician program by submitting an Allied Health Department application to the program director
• Must complete criminal background check, physical exam (within one year of application submission), MMR, Hepatitis B (HBV) shots (series of three shots), TB, Varicella, Tetanus, Influenza vaccination (seasonal), as well as a 10 Panel Drug/Alcohol Urine Screen
• Complete all prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better. Students must complete all core classes with a “B” or better
• Possess current AHA Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR card
• Submit official transcripts from WCCCD, as well as previous institutions
• Submit three letters of recommendation: two professional and one personal
• Provide valid Government Issued Color Photo ID (Driver’s License/State ID and Passport Photo)
• Meet with the Program Director to review and complete paperwork
• Complete a WCCCD Program Application and submit to the Campus Academic Officer
• Students are allowed two attempts for successful program completion

Note: If ACCUPLACER® scores are lower in any area, provide a transcript of the recommended course(s) completed with a “B” or better. All program applications are reviewed by the Surgical Technology Department Admissions Committee. Students who have completed the Central Service Technician program prior to application to the Surgical Technology Program are given preference. Students must submit all paperwork by July 15th for the start of the Fall Semester. Students beginning the program in the Spring Semester should submit all paperwork by November 15th. The ACCUPLACER® minimum passing composite score is 60. The reading comprehension sections must be at least 50. Test scores are considered valid for two (2) years if scores meet current requirements. Check the appropriate campus location for adherence to the above submission dates.

Based upon Michigan Law

Students applying for admission to the Surgical Technology Program will be subject to a criminal background check, the results of which could preclude an applicant from admission to Wayne County Community College District’s Surgical Technology Program on the basis of any of the following:

• A felony conviction, or conviction for an attempt or conspiracy to commit a felony within the past 15 years
• Any misdemeanor conviction involving abuse, neglect, assault, battery or criminal sexual conduct within the past 10 years
• Any misdemeanor conviction involving fraud or theft

Degree Requirements

• Students must complete all core course work with a grade of “B” or better to meet graduation requirements