Surgical Technology Program Description
Industry Description
Working as a surgical technologist, you will function mainly as a scrub person in a hospital operating room. The Technologist sets up the instruments, drapes, sutures, and supplies for surgical procedures, assists the surgeon and other operating team members with gowning and gloving for surgery, hands instruments, sutures, and supplies to the surgeon throughout the operative procedure. As a student, you will study surgical procedures, asepsis (sterile technique), preparation of the patient for surgery, surgical instruments and equipment, and the physical conditions that make it necessary for a person to have surgery. Surgical Technologists work closely with surgeons and registered nurses, are able to anticipate the needs of the physician during surgery, and assist in the care of the patient during surgical procedures.
The ability to perform under pressure in stressful and emergency situations is a quality essential to surgical technologists. A stable temperament, a strong sense of responsibility, considerable patience, and concern for order are required. Manual dexterity and physical stamina are vital. They must be able to work quickly, but accurately, and must be oriented to detail, yet able to integrate a number of activities according to priority. They must be keenly sensitive to the needs of the patient, as well as to the needs of other members of the surgical team. Individuals who practice this profession have a strong desire to help others and make a valuable contribution to society.
Minnesota Law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a health care facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health have a background study conducted by the state. An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study, and whose disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health, will not be permitted to participate in a clinical placement in a Minnesota licensed health care facility. The College will withdraw any student from the program who is disqualified by the Minnesota Department of Health. The student is responsible for requesting the Commissioner to reconsider the disqualification.
Careers
The graduate of this program is qualified to work in hospital operating rooms, day surgery units, OB labor and delivery, cardiovascular labs and research labs.
Wages/Outlook/Advancement Opportunities
Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Program Description
The Surgical Technology program is designed to develop skills in all phases of operating room procedures and techniques, including clinical experience in the operating room. The general education requirements contribute to the academic success of the surgical technologist, with composition, general psychology, interpersonal communication, and computers.
In addition to operating room techniques and surgical procedures, the student will study surgical microbiology, surgical pharmacology, medical terminology, and anatomy and physiology. Clinical hospitals are located in the Twin Cities area. Students must provide their own transportation to and from these assigned clinical sites and pay for any parking fees.
A background in general math, anatomy/physiology, biology, health and life sciences, medical terminology, and nursing assistant skills can be helpful. Prospective students should have the ability to work under stress, the stamina to stand for many hours without relief, and the ability to lift and move heavy operating room equipment and anesthetized patients. A medical doctor's physical examination to verify good physical and emotional health with positive Rubella Titer or evidence of immunization is mandatory. Students are strongly encouraged to take the Hepatitis B vaccine.
The Surgical Technology Program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Graduates are eligible to write the National Certification Examination for Surgical Technologists.
Restriction
Courses with the SURG prefix are restricted to students admitted to the Surgical Technology program.
IMPORTANT Anoka Technical College requires all students seeking diploma or A.A.S. awards to meet the following requirement, new student assessment scores exempting students from taking Basic Math, Basic Reading and Basic English, or the Completion of Basic Math, Basic Reading and/or Basic English courses with a "C" grade or better.
Program Essentials
A Medical Exam is REQUIRED.
Length of Program
Diploma 53 credits
Associate of Applied Science 60 credits
Start Dates
Fall Semester August
Spring Semester January
Program Contact
Rita Schutz
Phone (763) 576-4974
E-mail rschutz@anokatech.edu
For information on how to apply or to schedule a campus tour, contact the Admissions Office
Phone (763) 576-4850
E-mail info@anokatech.edu
