Surgical Technology

Goal 1: Function as a competent entry-level surgical technologist in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Goal 2: Apply principles of liberal arts and sciences to the care of the perioperative client.

Goal 3: Prepare the intraoperative environment with attention to quality and cost effectiveness.

Goal 4: Respect the ethical, legal, moral and cultural issues that impact the care of the perioperative client.

Goal 5: Formulate a plan for personal and professional growth.

Goal 6: Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong knowledge and skill enhancement.

Goal 7: Utilize effective communication skills and interactions with patients, members of the surgical team and other health care practitioners.

Goal 8: Function as an integral member of the surgical team by performing perioperative technical skills in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.

A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. It is recommended that students get a C or better, according to the University grading scale, in all non-program specific courses.

A student must earn a C or better in any Mathematics or Natural Science courses that are required for the major.

A student must have a minimum earned cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to enter into the program specific courses. Any student with an earned cumulative GPA lower than 2.5 will be provided with Academic Advising relative to other majors/options.

To meet requirements for successful completion of the Surgical Technology program, students must complete all SUR prefix courses with a grade of C (74%) or higher.

Students must attempt the NBSTSA certification exam prior to graduation.

If a student earns less than the required grade in a program specific course, they are dismissed from the program, regardless of GPA.  Students receive one attempt at a program specific course.  An ‘attempt’ is defined as earning a grade in a course or withdrawing from the course.

​Students who wish to return to the University after a leave of absence or re-enroll after withdrawing from the program or University will follow the re-enrollment policies of the University.  This process requires the student to reapply for program admission.  Acceptance will be based on factors such as clinical space available and the student’s statement relative to changes in their current situation that will support their success.  Prior to a student re-entering the program of study, faculty reserve the right to assign placement in the curriculum and to require remedial activities.

All candidates for the Surgical Technology program must possess the physical and mental skills and abilities to successfully complete the program. The program requires students to possess minimal physical, mental, emotional, motor, and cognitive abilities. These technical standards are required for admission, promotion, and graduation. 

Although these technical standards identify the required physical and mental abilities of all candidates, the technical standards are not intended to deter any prospective student for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the prospective student to access the curriculum. 

Observation

• Observe materials presented in the learning environment including audiovisual presentations, experiments, and written documents. 
• Understand muffled communications without visualization of the communicator's mouth/lips within 20 feet. Observe activation/warning signals on equipment and devices. 
• Sufficient peripheral vision to anticipate and function while in a sterile surgical environment. 
• Detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs. 

Communication 

• Capacity to effectively converse and communicate with faculty members, fellow students, clinical staff and patients in order to receive information, respond to nonverbal communication, and describe changes in mood, activity, and posture. 
• Ability to alert others of emergency situations. 

Motor Function

Use gross and fine motor function, manual dexterity, and physical strength to: 

• Bend and stoop
• Stand and/or sit for long periods of time in one location
• Assist lifting and moving patients who may be unconscious
• Load a fine (10-0) suture onto needle holder
• Manipulate instruments, supplies and equipment
• Maneuver in small areas
• Refrain from nourishment or restroom breaks for periods of 6 hours or more. 

Cognitive 

• Apply knowledge and reasoning to solve problems as required by the curriculum. 
• Efficiently process verbal information, either in written or spoken form. 
• Attend and process information simultaneously and categorize this information effectively for recall. Sustain concentration to a task over an extended period of time. 

Behavioral and Social 

• Possess the emotional health to apply intellectual skill, exercise good judgment, and to complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients. 
• Demonstrate emotional stability to function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments.
• Develop a mature, sensitive and effective relationship with patients and colleagues. 
• Behave in an ethical manner consistent with professional values and standards. 
• Exhibit sufficient interpersonal skills, knowledge, and attitude to interact positively and sensitively with others. 

Cornerstone Core Curriculum Requirements

Consist of five core and one overlay requirements.  See below for additional detailed information for each of these requirements.

Major Requirements

Students already holding an associate or baccalaureate degree, or who will have met the baccalaureate degree requirements from their primary educational program upon completion of the certificate program, may apply for the 18-month academic certificate program on a space available basis.