Catalog Menu

Associate of Occupational Science in Surgical Technology

Locations: Los Angeles, Orange County, Ontario

Overview

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 51.0909 (Surgical Technology/Technologist)

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-2055.00 (Surgical Technologists)

Quarter Credits: 102.0

Clock Hours: 1600

Method of Delivery: Blended

Number of Weeks: 80*

*Weeks May Be Extended Depending On Holiday Schedules

Career Training Objective

The goal of the Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Surgical Technology program is the preparation of competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains needed to assist with surgical patient care.

The program achieves the primary educational objectives through lectures combined with text, visual aids, and personal experiences of the faculty. The syllabi are such that they allow both depth and scope and adequate time to fully cover each subject. Objectives are reviewed regularly and consistently to make certain they are met.

Select core courses in the Surgical Technology program will be in a blended delivery format. Blended courses combine traditional or face-to-face classroom instruction with an online learning environment to optimize the learning experience of the user. Blended courses are indicated by an asterisk (*) in the course listings below.

“Cognitive Domain.” The student will: 1) understand the fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Infectious Process and relate these to safe patient care practices; 2) understand the principles of safe patient care in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings; and 3) recognize the Surgical Technologist’s independent role with the other team members and ancillary service providers.

“Psychomotor Domain.” The student will: 1) develop and apply fundamental surgical-assisting skills through practice and evaluation in clinical settings; 2) effectively and accurately apply the principles of asepsis across the range of common surgical experiences; and 3) apply standard precautions and other recognized safe practice guidelines in all surgical settings.

“Affective Domain.” The student will: 1) appreciate the variety of patients’ needs and the impact of their personal, physical, emotional, and cultural experiences in providing patient care; 2) demonstrate professional responsibility in performance, attitude, and personal conduct; and 3) provide optimal patient care within the confines of the health care community.

The Surgical Technologist functions in association with nurses and surgeons as part of the operating room team to provide care to the patient during the crucial periods of surgery. The Surgical Technologist must create and maintain a safe operating room environment through aseptic surgical techniques. The Surgical Technologist must know the fundamental steps and routine procedures needed to assist the surgeon in the use of surgical instrumentation. Maintaining the equipment and sterile supplies needed to successfully complete each operation is essential to perform efficiently as a member of the surgical team.

The training program is divided into eight 10-week quarters. Clinical experience in hospital settings and surgery centers is required for successful completion of the program, and these clinical rotations total 540 hours (270 hours in quarter VII and 270 hours in quarter VIII). Each quarter is comprised of prescribed subjects or studies that build upon each other.

To complete the program, students must sit for the certification examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Graduates will qualify for employment as entry-level Surgical Technologists with hospitals and surgery centers.

Completion of the program is acknowledged by the awarding of an Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Learn more about ACC's Surgical Technology Program