Surgical Technology
Program Director: Jeff Bidwell
Clinical Coordinator: Kathy McClellan
Program Description
The Surgical Technologist is trained to perform specific functions in the operating room and is a vital member of the surgical team under the direct supervision of a doctor or registered nurse. Surgical Technologist prepares supplies, equipment and often assist in preparing patients for surgery. Their duties include preparing the operating room with instruments, equipment and all sterile supplies required for an operation. The Surgical Technologist is responsible for passing instruments during surgery, holding retractors, cutting sutures, and counting all instruments, needles and sponges used during an operation. They may also apply post operative dressings or assist with the application of casts. Surgical Technologist also learn how to sterilize instruments. They learn to handle special drugs, solutions, supplies and equipment used for specific procedures. In addition, they are responsible for helping to clean and maintain a safe operating room environment.
Classroom instruction in theory and basic surgical skills is provided on campus. Under the guidance of program faculty, students can gain valuable experience in the care of clients of all ages in a number of different hospitals.
Available Credentials
Associate in Applied Science
| Area | Hours to Complete | Curriculum Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist | 60-68 | Download (RTF) |
Diploma
| Area | Hours to Complete | Curriculum Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist | 45-56 | Download (RTF) |
Program Outcomes
The graduate of the MCC Surgical Technology Program:
- Assumes the roles of a competent, caring Surgical Technologist in a variety of health area settings under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or licensed physician
- Uses the human caring phenomena in helping to provide care
- Demonstrates self-direction and responsibility for maintaining surgical competency by pursuing personal and professional development
- Communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
- Demonstrates accountability of practice with adherence to ethical and legal standards of the profession
Licensure and Accreditation
A graduate of the program is qualified to sit for a national certifying examination conducted by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is recognized as competent in the field. The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the accredited through The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).
Employment Opportunities
Employment is available in hospital operating rooms, delivery rooms, physician's offices as a surgeon's assistant, or in free standing centers (outpatient or ambulatory surgery). The average wage in Kentucky is $20,800 to $31,200.
Admission Requirements:
The following should be submitted to the Office of Admissions for admission to this program:
- Application for admission
(154 K) - High School transcript or GED
- ACT, COMPASS, or ASSET scores
- Transcripts of all previous college work
- Age verification (must be 18 years of age)
The following must be completed before being accepted into the program:
- Schedule an appointment with an advisor
- Schedule classes and pay tuition during registration
- Any and all deficiencies identified from placement testing must be remediated prior to admission
- Submit a written request for admission to the program coordinator of the year of desired entry
- Professional CPR Training (must be maintained for the duration of the program)
Dress / Uniform Requirements
Students are required to purchase a white lab coat, 2 scrub suits, and leather athletic shoes for their clinical visits.
Projected Program Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| AST Membership | $45.00 |
| Background check/urine drug screen | $50.00 |
| Books | $400.00 |
| Cap, Gown, Diploma Cover for Graduation | $35.00 |
| CST Exam | $190.00 |
| Hepatitis Vaccine (Recommended) | $200.00 |
| ID Badge | $5.00 |
| Liability Insurance | $20.00 |
| PAE Exam | $30.00 |
| Physical | $100.00 |
| Scrub Suits (2) (Optional; can be used in lab) | $60.00 |
| Shoes (1 pair; white leather tennis shoes) | $70.00 |
| Tuition (50 hours for Diploma option) | $5,750.00 |
| Total for Diploma option | $6,955.00 |
| Tuition (19 additional hours for AAS option) | $2,185.00 |
| Total for AAS option | $9,216.00 |
Length of Program
Two semesters following completion of prerequisites
Classes Needed
Prerequisites
- CIS 100 Introduction to Computers
or - Demonstrate computer literacy
- BIO 135 Basic Anatomy and Physiology
or - BIO 137 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I *
and - BIO 139 Basic Anatomy and Physiology II *
- SUR 109 Intro to Surgical Technology
CPR Certification (Professional) must be obtained prior to entering the program and maintained for the duration of the program.
* For Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree candidates.
See KCTCS Catalog for list of recommended elective(s).
Program Classes
First Semester
- SUR 110 Surgical Technology Fundamentals / Theory
- SUR 101 Surgical Technology Fundamentals / Lab
- SUR 125 Surgical Technology Skills Practicum I
- SUR 126 Surgical Technology Introductions Skills/Practicum
- SUR 130 Principles of Surgical Pharmacology
Second Semester
- SUR 200 Surgical Technology Advanced Theory
- SUR 201 Surgical Technology Skills Practicum II
- SUR 202 Surgical Technology Clinical
For the Diploma option three credit hours from ONE of the following areas:
- Writing/Accessing information
or - Humanities
or - Heritage
Additional Courses Required For Associate of Applied Science Degree in General Occupational Technical Studies:
- ENG 101 Writing I
- MT 110 Applied Mathematics
or - MT 150 College Algebra and Functions
- Humanities - 3 hours
- Social interaction - 3 hours
- BIO 118 Microbes in Society
or - BIO 225 Medical Microbiology
This curriculum guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. Students should always choose classes in cooperation with the academic advisor to ensure that all degree requirements are being met.