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Surgical Technology

Associate of Science Degree

Overview

Surgical Technologists are health professionals who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel in delivering optimal patient care. As vital members of the surgical team, job duties include preparing the operating room, securing supplies, setting up equipment and instruments, and anticipating the surgeon’s needs during the surgical procedure. Surgical Technologists are responsible for maintaining the sterile field and being constantly vigilant that all members of the team adhere to aseptic technique.

The Quincy College Surgical Technology Program is a full-time course of study beginning in September each year. This program trains students to become entry-level Surgical Technologists and prepares them to sit for the certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Upon successful completion of this exam, individuals are board-certified and may use the credentials of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

The Quincy College Surgical Technology Program offers students three combined learning experiences: lecture, laboratory, and clinical. Lecture topics come to life in our laboratory. Laboratory skills transition the clinical setting during rotation at either a major Boston teaching facility or one of the leading community hospitals.

During this program, students are required to complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours and scrub on a minimum of 120 surgical procedures. Please note, acceptance to the Program does not guarantee a clinical placement. Clinical facilities require a satisfactory Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check on all students prior to commencement of the clinical experience. A positive CORI check may prevent a student from completing a clinical practice in any clinical facility. Should this occur, the student will not be able to complete the Surgical Technology Program.

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in conjunction with the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA). Program graduates are eligible to sit for the certification exam (CST) offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). For additional information please contact CAAHEP by mail: 25400 US Highway19 North,Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763; by telephone: 727-210-2350; or on the web www.CAAHEP.org.

The Quincy College Surgical Technology Program strives to provide the learner with the very best educational opportunity available to the future professional who has selected this very rewarding career pathway.

Scholarships

  • Scholarships are available for the Fall 2022 cohort.
    • All new Fall 2022 Surg Tech Students will be eligible for a $1000 First Year Scholarship

Information Sessions

Sign up for the upcoming Surgical Technology Information Session

Additional Program Information

  • The passing grade for all courses is “C” (73%). Students may not continue in the program if they earn less than a “C” in a course.
    Students may transfer courses up to 45 credits from accredited institutions. Science courses must have been completed within the past five (5) years at the college level.
  • Students must have a satisfactory health and immunization record.
    A satisfactory CORI check is required for clinical placement. Students must be certified in CPR for the Health Care Provider prior to entering the clinical setting.
  • Program graduates are eligible to sit for the certification exam (CST) offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
  • The surgical technology program has a maximum enrollment capacity of 18 students per cohort and admits only one cohort per academic year.
  •  Quincy College’s Surgical Technology program can only accept applicants who can meet onsite program requirements.

National Certified Surgical Technology Exam

Academic Year Retention Rate Graduate Placement Rate NBSTSA Certification Exam Pass Rate
2021-2022 83% 100% 73%
2020-2021 67% 92% 75%
2019-2020 83% 93% 87%

 

 

Apply to the Surgical Technology

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Academic Division of Natural & Health Sciences

Surgical Technology Courses
    •  
    • Code
    • Course
    • Credits
    • BIO 131
    • Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab
    • 4
    This course is an integrated study of the structure and function of the human body from the cellular level to the systemic level. Topics include: anatomical terminology, molecules, cells, basic histology, and organs. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems are also studied. Laboratory experience is correlated with classroom lecture; therefore, they are taken together as a single, 4-credit course. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised. Prerequisite: BIO 111 with “C” or better.
    • CSI 101
    • Introduction to Computers
    • 3
    This course introduces the student to the theory, structure, and application of computers. Topics include word processing, spread sheeting, presentation, and database management (software).
    • ENG 101
    • English Composition I
    • 3
    A required course for all students who have demonstrated acceptable writing proficiency as measured by a standard test or satisfactory completion of ENG 090. This course will emphasize developing the student’s ability to articulate his/her thoughts in writing a coherent, unified, and well- structured composition. The student will write a series of papers. The student will also learn the techniques needed to produce a library research paper. The required research paper is a major component of the course.
    • IDS 167
    • First Year Seminar
    • 3
    This experiential course welcomes students into the academic learning community of Quincy College. Centered around a yearly theme, the purpose of the course is to ensure that all new students connect to the Quincy College community. All sections provide students with college success strategies and each focuses on one of five different perspectives: 1) Humanities, 2) Social Sciences, 3) Civic Engagement, 4) Business, 5) Natural Sciences. The course is required for all new, degree-seeking students who have fewer than 12 college credits from another accredited institution. It is expected that students will take this course in their first semester at QC.
    • MAT 103
    • College Algebra
    • 3
    This college level algebra course expands upon a student’s knowledge by further developing algebraic concepts. Topics include graphing equations with an introduction to functions, factoring polynomials, operations on rational functions, simplifying rational exponents, and solving quadratic equations. Students will be required to complete homework assignments using a web-based computer program. Prerequisite: Appropriate score on the placement test or successful completion of MAT 097.
    • BIO 132
    • Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab
    • 4
    This course is an integrated study of the structure and function of the human body including the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory experience is correlated with classroom lecture; therefore, they are taken together as a single, 4-credit course. Prerequisite: BIO 131 with “C” or better.
    • ENG 102
    • English Composition II
    • 3
    A required course, which introduces the student to themes and techniques in the basic genres of literature: the short story, drama, and poetry. Expository papers may be written in response to ideas embodied in literature. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or permission of instructor.
    • PSY 101
    • General Psychology
    • 3
    This course is an introduction to the basic concepts, major theories, different theoretical perspectives and research methods in psychology. The focus is on theories of personality, motivation, learning, intelligence, emotions, developmental processes, physiological psychology, perception, and psychological assessment. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
    • SUR 102
    • Microbiology for the Surgical Technologist
    • 2
    This course is a general study of common and newly emerging microorganisms and their characteristics in relation to health and control of disease. Special emphasis is placed on the concept of asepsis and the surgical environment. Focus will be on the Surgical Technologist’s role in maintaining aseptic technique with emphasis placed on safety and infection control. Prerequisites: Admission into the Surgical Technology Program. Corequisites: HSC 149 (or equivalent transfer), and PNU 111 (or equivalent), SUR 111, SUR 121.
    • SUR 108
    • Surgical Pharmacology
    • 1
    This course is designed to promote an understanding of the
    effects of pre-and post-operative drugs on the body systems of
    the surgical patient. Focus is also directed to drugs,
    intravenous fluids, and blood replacements as they are used
    intra-operatively, as well as the effects of anesthetic
    agents. This course includes an overview of pharmacology's history,
    development, and standardization and
    introduces measurement systems, conversions, and
    medical abbreviations. Specific surgical drugs are
    categorized, and the rationale is given for their use. Explains
    and emphasizes the medical and legal responsibilities of the
    surgical technologist regarding pharmaceuticals in surgery.
    Prerequisites: Admission into the Surgical Technology
    Program, BIO 111, HSC 107, HSC 140.
    • SUR 111
    • Surgical Technology I
    • 5
    This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and practice of Surgical Technology. Topics include: hospital organization and physical environment of the operation room; ethical, moral and legal issues; patient care and safety; asepsis and sterile technique; surgical pharmacology and anesthesia; preparation, care and handling of instrumentation, equipment and supplies used in the operating room; closure of the surgical wound, wound healing and wound classifications; and the development of a surgical conscience. Students will be introduced to the basics of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative surgical case management. Prerequisites: Admission into the Surgical Technology Program. Co-requisites: HSC 149 and PNU 111 (or their equivalents), SUR 102, SUR 121.
    • SUR 121
    • Surgical Technology I Lab
    • 4
    This laboratory course is designed to complement and reinforce concepts covered in SUR 111 (lecture) by allowing the practice and return-demonstration of the principles and procedures related to the knowledge, skills, and techniques utilized during the surgical experience. Skills taught in this course include: preoperative patient care, principles of sterile technique, the surgical scrub, gowning and gloving (self & others), case set up, medication handling, counts, draping, proper instrument handling, and the establishment and monitoring of the sterile field. Students are also taught to work with sutures, instruments, and supplies in a non-patient contact environment. Successful completion of this course is required for clinical placement. Prerequisites: Admission into the Surgical Technology Program. Co-requisites: HSC 149, PNU 111 (or their equivalent), SUR 102, and SUR 111 (lecture).
    • SUR 142
    • Surgical Technology II
    • 16
    The study of Surgical Technology II is concentrated on providing the student with extensive practice in surgical procedures. During this course the correlation of theory with clinical practice begins, with lab reinforcement continuing as necessary. Classroom focus is on presentation of surgical procedures by specialty. In each specialty the following will be reinforced: relevant anatomy, pathological conditions, diagnostic procedures and tests, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative procedural sequence, special instrumentation, equipment, supplies and drugs, and patient preparation in the OR. Prerequisites: All first semester courses in the Surgical Technology Program.
    • SUR 143
    • Surgical Technology III
    • 8
    This course is designed to prepare the graduating surgical technology student for entrance into the workforce. Topics include: professionalism, resume preparation, interviewing techniques, basic computer skills and the biomedical sciences such as robotics, physics and electricity. Through lecture, discussion, guest speakers and mock interviews, students will learn how to conduct themselves during the interview process, what potential employers are looking for and how to best present themselves. This course will also serve as a preparation for students to sit for the National Certification Examination offered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) upon graduation. Test taking strategies, review of material and the application process will be covered in this section. Students will have an opportunity to take a certification exam practice test to determine their strengths. Clinical rotation continues during this course. Prerequisites: All first and second semester courses in the Surgical Technology Program.

Semester 1

CourseTitleCreditsPre-Requisites
BIO 131 Anatomy and Physiology 1 w/Lab4 credits
ENG 101 English Composition 13 credits
IDS 167 First Year Seminar3 credits
Total10 credits

Semester 2

CourseTitleCreditsPre-Requisites
BIO 131 Bio 132 Anatomy and Physiology II w/ Lab4 credits
ENG 102 English Composition II3 credits
PSY 101 General Psychology3 credits
History/Government3 credits
Total14 credits

Semester 3

CourseTitleCreditsPre-Requisites
SUR 102 Microbiology for the Surgical Technologist2 credits
SUR 108 Surgical Pharmacology1 credits
SUR 111 Surgical Technology I5 credits
SUR 121 Surgical Technology I Skills Lab4 credits
Total12 credits

Semester 4

CourseTitleCreditsPre-Requisites
SUR 142Surgical Technology II16 credits
Total16 credits

Semester 5

CourseTitleCreditsPre-Requisites
SUR 143 Surgical Technology III8 credits
Total8 credits

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