Surgical Technology

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Description of a Surgical Technologist

A Surgical Technologist (ST) is a contributing member of patient care and the surgical team. The ST learns through strict aseptic technique guidelines to function as one of the sterile team members in the preparation, setup, and maintenance of the sterile field. The ST prepares the operating room by selecting and having readily available needed surgical supplies, instruments, and equipment. Using aseptic technique the ST opens the required supplies and instruments establishing the sterile field.

The ST enters the sterile field after scrubbing, gowning and gloving. During the surgical procedure the duties of the ST are to maintain the sterile field, be vigilant to possible contaminations, pass instrumentation, sponges, and suturing material to the surgeon and/or surgical assistant, request needed supplies from the circulator, account for all counted surgical supplies, sponges and instruments before, during and after the case, and be the patient’s advocate at all times. Other duties may include holding retractors or suctioning the surgical site under the direct supervision of the surgeon, helping the circulator or anesthesia in the non-sterile role, and accompanying specimens to the pathology department. After the procedure is over the ST breaks down the sterile field and disposes of all sharp and contaminated materials safely, carries non-disposable items to the decontamination room to be processed and begins preparing for the next case.

The ST shares responsibilities before, during and after the surgical procedure with other Surgical Technologists, the circulating Registered Nurse (RN), anesthesia personnel, and any ancillary personnel involved.

A proficient Surgical Technologist must display a caring attitude toward the patient and fellow team members. It is also necessary to understand normal anatomy and physiology, the pathological condition affecting the patient, the planned operative procedure, work under stressful situations and be able to critical think and problem solve.

Educational Process for a Surgical Technologist

The Surgical Technologist (ST) receives didactic as well as supervised clinical experience in preparation for an entry level position. After successful completion of the Surgical Technology program the ST will be eligible to take the national certification offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The McLennan Community College Surgical Technology (MCC-ST) program is a one (1) year level II certificate program with accreditation pending from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology programs (ARC-ST).

Once the student is accepted into the MCC-ST program they have up to 3 years to complete the program requirements. Upon graduation from a CAAHEP accredited program and successful passing of the national certification the Surgical Technologist will be professionally recognized as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Becoming a CST demonstrates through education, training, and performance a commitment of quality patient care to the health care community.

Qualification Requirements For a Surgical Technologist

Qualifications include but are not limited to:

  1. Honesty, integrity, self-esteem and dependability
  2. Responsibility and self-management of own actions
  3. Respond quickly to directions
  4. Collaboration and sociability with other health care team members
  5. Preparation and anticipation of surgeons needs
  6. Display professional and ethical conduct at all times
  7. Manual dexterity as well as visual dexterity
  8. Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
  9. Ability to stand for 4 to 8 hours with little or no breaks
  10. Maintain composure during stressful or emergent situations
  11. Maintain strict confidentiality of the patient
  12. Take "call" and be available to work overtime when needed.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Surgical Technology program is to provide students with the opportunity to obtain and apply knowledge and skills to be employed as an entry level Surgical Technologist and become contributing members of the health care team. Pending program accreditation through the Commission of Accreditation for the Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) the graduate will be eligible to take the national certification exam.

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