The health care field of Surgical Technology is a dynamic and exciting allied health profession. The Surgical Technologist is a vital member of the allied health field of professionals who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other personnel delivering surgical patient care.

Columbus State Community College offers a four (4)-academic/laboratory/clinical quarter Certificate Surgical Technology program concurrent with a six- (6) academic/laboratory/clinical quarter Associate of Applied Science Degree program.

What you'll learn:

Upon completion of the Surgical Technology Certificate, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and practice of basic patient care concepts.
• Demonstrate the application of the principles of asepsis in a knowledgeable manner that provides for optimal patient care in the operating room.
• Demonstrate basic surgical case preparation skills in the sterile processing role (STSP) and transportation/communication role (STTC).
• Demonstrate the ability to perform the role of first scrub (STSR) and second scrub (STSR2) on basic surgical cases.
• Demonstrate responsible behavior as a health care professional.

Upon Completion of the Associate Degree in Surgical Technology, the graduate will be able to:

• Demonstrate all competencies required for the certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and practice of patient care techniques.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of sterile and surgical technique.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and practice in the role of the first scrub (STSR) and second scrub (STSR2).
• Demonstrate knowledge and practice of circulating skills and tasks (STAC).
• Demonstrate knowledge relating to operating room emergency situations.
• Demonstrate advanced organizational skills.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge in one or two surgical specialty areas.
• Demonstrate a professional attitude.

Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits the Certificate and Associate Degree programs. Graduates are eligible to obtain national certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) upon successful examination administered by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCC-ST).