Surgical Technology
General Information Session will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 3:30 pm, in LH annex room 117
Welcome
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 Technology student receives didactic and laboratory experience as well as supervised clinical experience in preparation for an entry level position.
The McLennan Community College Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756; 727-210-2350; www.caahep.org. Once students are accepted into the MCC-ST program they have up to 3 years to complete the program requirements. Upon graduation and successfully passing the national certification examination, 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.
Qualification Requirements For a Surgical Technologist
Qualifications include but are not limited to:
- Honesty, integrity, self-esteem and dependability
- Responsibility and self-management of own actions
- Respond quickly to directions
- Collaboration and sociability with other health care team members
- Preparation and anticipation of surgeons needs
- Display professional and ethical conduct at all times
- Manual dexterity as well as visual dexterity
- Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
- Ability to stand for 4 to 8 hours with little or no breaks
- Maintain composure during stressful or emergent situations
- Maintain strict confidentiality of the patient
- Take "call" and be available to work overtime when needed.
- Work weekends and holidays when required.
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. The McLennan Community College Surgical Technology program is accredited through the Commission of Accreditation for the Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 1361 Park St., Clearwater, FL 33756; caahep.org; 727-210-2350.
Academic Coach Assessment
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the Academic Coach Assessment offered by McLennan Community College. The Academic Coach Assessment is a list of matching jobs with a percentage figure indicating how closely your results match the thinking style, occupational interests, and behavioral traits that have been determined as important for success in that job. The Academic Coach Report helps you narrow your search and identify careers that may suit you best. This test can be done upon admission to the college and before applying to the program.