The mission of the Surgical Technology program (Surgical Technology A.A.S.) at Chesapeake College is to prepare the Surgical Technology students to be a vital part of the surgical team in the operating room. This program will set high standards for students to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills required to become an integral member of the surgical team. Students will function safely, effectively and efficiently in the Surgical Technologist role.
Students are educated through classroom instruction and clinical field work specifically to assist in surgical procedures. Students will learn surgical techniques and essential skills needed in the surgical environment. Students will also learn the preparation and use of the operating room equipment and surgical instrumentation. The surgical technologist, with the development of a surgical conscience, will provide the surgical patient with the highest standards of care during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of surgery.
Enrollment in this curriculum is limited by the availability of clinical facilities. In addition to the scholastic standards required of all students enrolled in the College, surgical technology students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in each required BIO and SGT course in order to continue in and graduate from the program.
Admissions Requirements
1. Apply to Chesapeake College by using the guidance provided at www.chesapeake.edu/admissions
2. Complete the application for admission to the program and send the Program Director two letters of recommendation (ex. Employer, Teacher, Doctor) and a letter of intent. The letter of intent should include a statement of career goals and explain why the applicant has chosen a career in surgical technology.
3. Complete pre-admission coursework as required for admission to the program.
4. Participate in a surgical technology orientation session: www.chesapeake.edu/surgical-techology-info-sessions
5. After being accepted into the Surgical Technology Program, all students will be required to have background checks and drug testing at the student’s expense.
6. Students will be required to purchase scrubs and other PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)
Curriculum
Please note: Pre-admission semester coursework may vary due to prior completed coursework, student course load ability and other factors. However, once coursework in the program begins, courses must be completed in the order listed and without interruption. The program is designed for students to progress in a continuous fashion as a cohort to completion.
| (Pre-Admission) Fall Semester I |
| ENG 101 |
Composition |
3 credits* |
| MAT 107 |
Foundations of Mathematics |
3 credits* |
| BIO 103 |
Preparatory Biology for Healthcare Students |
1 credit* |
| BIO 211 |
Anatomy and Physiology I |
4 credits* |
| MED 106 |
Medical Terminology |
1 credit |
| PSC 150 |
General Psychology |
3 credits |
| (Pre-Admission) Spring Semester I |
| BIO 212 |
Anatomy and Physiology II |
4 credits* |
| SOC 161 |
Sociology |
3 credits |
| BIO 202 |
Microbiology |
4 credits* |
| ART/HUM |
Arts/Humanities (GenEd) |
3 credits |
| Summer Semester I (Post-admission) |
| SGT 125 |
Intro to Healthcare and Surgical Services |
3 credits* |
| SGT 126 |
Surgical Techniques I |
3 credits* |
| SGT 128 |
Surgical Specialties I |
4 credits* |
| Fall Semester II (Post-admission) |
| SGT 127 |
Surgical Pharmacology |
2 credits* |
| SGT 228 |
Surgical Specialties II |
4 credits* |
| SGT 129 |
Surgical Practicum I |
5 credits* |
| Winterim (Post-admission) |
| SGT 225 |
Surgical Practicum II |
1 credit* |
| Spring Semester II (Post-admission) |
| SGT 229 |
Surgical Practicum III |
5 credits* |
| SGT 230 |
Strategies for Professional Advancement |
2 credits* |
| SGT 226 |
Surgical Techniques II |
3 credits |
Minimum Required Credits: 60
*Indicates that placement testing, prerequisite or co-requisite requirement must be met.
Find a detailed Program of Study here.
FAQs
What are the responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist?
During the preoperative phase of surgical care, surgical technologists prepare the operating room for the patient, assuring that all instrumentation and supplies are properly sterilized and that all equipment is available and functioning properly. They set up the sterile field, prepare for, and assist with draping as required. During the intraoperative phase, surgical technologists pass instrumentation and equipment to the surgeon and assist with other tasks as required, while maintaining sterility throughout the case. They are also responsible for keeping track of all supplies and instrumentation throughout the procedure. During the postoperative phase, surgical technologists ensure that all instrumentation, equipment and supplies are properly cared for, and they assist with preparing the room for the next procedure. Surgical technologists are usually the first team members to enter the operating room and the last to leave-they are involved in every aspect of surgical care.
What are the physical demands required for a Surgical Technologist?
Students must be able to lift 50 pounds. Instrument trays can be very heavy, and assisting with moving patients will be required. Students must be able to stand for long periods of time in awkward positions, and may go for long periods of time without nourishment or breaks. Students must have 20/30 or better vision, with or without corrective lenses. Students may be required to thread a needle using a thread that is smaller than a human hair, and may be required to assemble delicate equipment. Students must have hearing that falls within normal range, with or without corrective aids. ***These are examples only and do not encompass every possible situation that may be encountered.
What are some of the personal characteristics that successful surgical technologists possess?
A stable temperament and a strong sense of personal responsibility, as well as considerable patience are required. The ability to perform under pressure and in stressful and emergency situations as part of a team is also essential. Working quickly and accurately while being detail oriented is a basic part of day-to-day tasks as a surgical technologist. Of course, manual dexterity and physical stamina are also needed.
What are the responsibilities or demands surgeons place on surgical technologists?
Surgeons expect surgical technologists to know and carry out proper aseptic technique and have a broad based knowledge of instrumentation and suture. They also expect trained surgical technologists to be able to identify anatomical structures properly pass instruments and supplies, and be an asset to the surgical team during stressful situations.
Is clinical experience provided in the program?
Yes, students will participate in well over a hundred procedures during the course of the program.
Is there a lot of homework in the program?
YES! There are also projects and presentations. Lots of studying as well!
What is the job market for surgical technologists?
The job market has tremendous possibilities throughout the USA. You can find more information about this at: www.ast.org
Mail the completed application form to Chesapeake College, Attn: HEALTH PROFESSIONS, P.O. Box 8, Wye Mills, MD 21679. Or email the completed application to kjones@chesapeake.edu.
Chesapeake College Surgical Technology Students
NATIONAL EXAM PASS RATE OUTCOMES
CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of
Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting ARC/STSA
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
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