Program Info
Program Description
Prepares individuals for employment as entry-level surgical technologists. In the first year of the program, students complete the basic technical and academic support courses. The second year focuses on advanced technical courses and the clinical component of the program. There are two major clinical courses in the second year of the program. Students spend approximately 600 hours in a variety of diverse, quality clinical settings. Core courses in the program are offered only in the semester as indicated in the course sequence. This program meets the standard program guidelines for clinical case requirements.
- Create a sterile environment and maintain sterile technique by strictly adhering to the AST Recommended Standards of Practice throughout the entire perioperative experience.
- Apply knowledge of surgical procedures to effectively utilize surgical equipment, supplies, instruments, sharps and medications used throughout the surgical procedure.
- Demonstrate competence counting all surgical supplies and instruments at each phase of the perioperative experience.
- Exhibit professional behavior and integrity by effectively communicating and collaborating with healthcare personnel, operating room team members, and patients.
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.
A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures and implementation tools, and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Surgical technologists work in operating and delivery rooms, emergency room facilities, and the ambulatory care areas of hospitals and other medical institutions. They may also work in clinics and physicians’ offices. Many surgical technologists are employed directly by surgeons and specialize in fields such as orthopedics, etc. A representative job profile for a surgical technologist can be obtained through the Health Careers Office.
Helpful qualities for surgical technologists include:
- A strong sense of responsibility
- An ability to work well with others
- Emotional stability
- An ability to respond quickly
- An ability to be orderly and work quickly
- An ability to work well under stress
Opportunities
Demand for surgical technologists should remain strong due to the rising population of older persons, the segment of the population with the greater frequency of health care needs. Information regarding career placement and job success is available through either the Health Careers Office or the HFC Career Services Office.
Applicants considering a career in Surgical Technology should be aware that during their course of study and in subsequent employment in the field, they are likely to work in situations where exposure to infectious disease is possible. This is an occupational risk for all health care workers. Persons should not become health care workers unless they recognize and accept this risk. Proper education and strict adherence to well established infection-control guidelines can reduce the risk to a minimum. Thorough education in infection control procedures is an important part of the Surgical Technology program of study.
Latex Allergies:
Early recognition of sensitization to natural rubber latex (NRL) is crucial to prevent the occurrence of life-threatening reactions in sensitized healthcare workers. The program faculty strongly advises that students sensitized or allergic to latex consult a physician for guidance on the merits of continuing in a health care career. NRL sensitized students who choose to continue in the Surgical Technology program must notify the program director
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting for the designation of Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Program Outcomes
- Program Retention Rate:
- 2021: 55%
- 2022: 73%
- CST Pass Rate:
- 2021: 81%
- 2022: 64%
- Employment Rate:
- 2021: 91%
- 2022: 91%
Program is twenty-one months in length. Students must complete all SRG courses within three years of beginning the formal program.
The College continuously attempts to improve each program and as a result, courses and/or requirements may be modified. Curriculum, course content, and admission criteria are subject to change by action of the College faculty and administration. Contact the Health Careers Office at (313) 845-9877 for any current program updates or visit HFC's homepage.
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (303) 694-9262.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355-113th St N. #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
Admission Requirements
Students who meet all admission requirements are considered qualified and are admitted to the program once per year in the fall semester on a "first qualified, first admitted" basis. Acceptance into the college does not constitute nor guarantee admission to the program. Final approval to enroll in the program comes from the Surgical Technology Program Director.
Program Admission Requirements
- College GPA of at least 2.50 or higher for a minimum of 12 academic credits, excluding lower than 100-level courses, HPE activity, studio and performance classes (if applicable).
- Accuplacer Next Gen (255+) Reading Score or completion of ENG 131 ENG 131 with C or higher.
- Accuplacer Next Gen ARITHNG (250) or QAS (239), or completion of MATH 100 MATH 100 or higher with a C or higher.
- Completion of BIO-233 with a C or higher.
- Complete one of the following:
BIO-135 with a C or higher.
BIO-251 with C or higher.
The Program Admission Process
Our Health Career programs are limited enrollment programs with specific admission requirements. In order to get on the qualified list, you must complete the Health Careers Surgical Technologist (SRG) application found at the Health Careers Admissions Process site and complete all the SRG admission requirements. It is recommended that students interested in a health career meet with the Health Careers Student Success Navigator located in the Welcome Center Advising area. Make an appointment with the Health Careers Student Success Navigator early in your planning process. This will allow you to discuss program options and create an academic plan to qualify for the selected program.
Due to the number of credit hours required for program completion and the intensity of the program, students are encouraged to complete as many of the Required Support Courses as possible prior to entering the program. The first courses that a student should complete are those required for program admission followed by the other Required Support Courses.
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Microbiology: Complete one |
4.00 |
| BIO-233: Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.00 |
Prior to staring the program
Qualified students are invited and must attend an informational meeting scheduled by the Program Director for Surgical Technology.
Program Deposit
At the time of formal admission to the program, each applicant is required to pay a $100 fee to secure a place in the program. This fee is refunded only if the student is still active in the program in late October of Fall Term I. Required core courses can be taken only after acceptance into the Surgical Technologist program through the School of Health and Human Services.
Health Appraisal
Students in the Surgical Technologist program must meet the same physical and mental health requirements as a surgical technologist. A representative Surgical Technologist job profile listing these requirements, as well as environmental conditions of this occupation, is available through the Health Careers Office. Students requiring accommodation should directly contact HFC's Assisted Learning Services.
Final acceptance and continuation in the Surgical Technologist program is contingent upon fulfilling and maintaining minimum program requirements and proof of the following by specified deadline dates:
- Physical examination (must meet job profile requirements as determined by a physician and validated on health form)
- Required titers from previous immunizations and needed immunizations from titer results, if necessary. Evidence of titers must be provided by submission of current lab copies
- Tuberculosis screening
- Vaccinations as required by health care community
- Health insurance coverage for the clinical aspects of the program
- Must pass drug screening on first test
- Criminal background check
Within two months of beginning second year clinical rotations, students must provide a current American Heart Association, Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification (AHA, BLS Healthcare Provider) valid through remainder of program. May be fulfilled by taking AH-105: Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen
Consistent with Section 20173 of the Michigan Public Health Code and the requirements of our clinical affiliates, a criminal background check and drug screen clearance (on the first test) are required for all students in the SRG program prior to beginning clinical assignments. The cost for test is in addition to the basic tuition and fee schedule.
Students who are not cleared for clinical through the health appraisal, criminal background check, and have not passed the drug screen on the first test will not be able to complete the SRG program.
Other Requirements Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites and any expenses incurred.
General Education
See General Education Requirements for details.
Program Requirements
All courses in the SRG program must be successfully completed within three consecutive calendar years. A minimum of a C grade (C-- is not acceptable) is required in all courses for successful completion of the SRG program.
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| AH-100: Medical Terminology | 4.00 |
| BIO-234: Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.00 |
| ENG-131: Introduction to College Writing | 3.00 |
| HCS-131: Computers in Health Care | 3.00 |
Social Science: Complete one |
3.00 |