Course Descriptions 2023-2024 School Year SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY STS0120  Surgical Specialties 1  3.6   V This course is designed to prepare students for surgical procedures including review of anatomy and medical terminology. The perioperative care of the individual patient including diagnostic procedures, relevant equipment, supplies, instrumentation, and techniques is incorporated throughout the course. Surgical incisions and tissue layers are studied as well as the correct order of steps for surgical procedures in the following specialty areas: general, obstetrics and gynecologic, otorhinolaryngologic, oral and maxillofacial, plastic and reconstructive, peripheral vascular and neurosurgical surgery. Depth of coverage will be determined by the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologists published by the Association of Surgical Technologists.. Full Description STS0155C  Surgical Techniques and Procedures 1  7.1   V The surgical skills lab course provides the student with an introduction to operating room theory with a practical application of the skills to be performed in the scrub role. Principles and concepts of aseptic technique, sterilization and disinfection and their relationship to the surgical suite and all other techniques associated with the scrub role will be demonstrated. Students will learn, practice and demonstrate the skills and responsibilities of a surgical technologist.... Full Description STS0256L  Clinical Practicum 1  10.5   V This course is designed to prepare students to perform First and Second Scrub Roles and Assistant to the Circulator Role. Students will gain hands-on experience in the application of surgical techniques under the supervision of the preceptor and surgeon during actual surgical cases. Perioperative case management activities will be developed. Students will learn reporting and documentation of procedures. This course prepares students to meet the role performance objectives and minimum surgical case completion requirements determined by the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologists published by the Association of Surgical Technologists.... Full Description STS0804  Biomedical Sciences and Microbiology  1.2   V This course will study microbiology, the characteristics of micro-organisms, physics, electricity, and robotics. The physical environment, safety measures, biological and chemical hazards, and the safe use of OR equipment such as the electro-surgical unit and laser will be discussed. Elementary computer skills will be reviewed to prepare the student for resume writing and clinical assignments.... Full Description STS0004  Surgical Technology 2  1.4   V This course will study the bio-psychosocial needs of the patient, methods of decontamination, disinfection and sterilization, surgical equipment, electricity as it relates to patient safety, laser, minimally invasive endoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery will be discussed. Students will study legal responsibilities and legal issues in patient care, surgical consent, ethics, professional standards of conduct and risk management issues. The support roles of the surgical technologist in a disaster will be discussed. The characteristics and activities of micro-organisms will be studied. The course surveys the various microbial groups, especially the bacteria, viruses, and fungi, with emphasis on pathogenic forms. Theories and methods of destr Full Description STS0930  Surgical Specialties Topics/Portfolio  1.0   V This course will prepare the student for a position in the operating room including the application process, interview process, employability skills, portfolio preparation, and an analysis of current knowledge regarding surgical technology core content. The course will highlight the importance of professional organizations and the credentialing process. Strategies will include practice tests, practicum assignments, course review and individualized assignments based on the results of practice tests taken.... Full Description STS0121  Surgical Specialties 2  1.4   V This course is designed to prepare students for surgical procedures including review of anatomy and medical terminology. The perioperative care of the individual patient including diagnostic procedures, relevant equipment, supplies, instrumentation, and techniques is incorporated throughout the course. Surgical incisions and tissue layers are studied as well as the correct order of steps for surgical procedures in the following specialty areas: orthopedic, ophthalmic, genitourinary, and cardiothoracic surgery. Depth of coverage will be determined by the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologists published by the Association of Surgical Technologists.... Full Description STS0257L  Clinical Practicum 2  8.0   V Students will focus on mastery of skills associated with preoperative, intra-operative and post-operative procedures. This course prepares students to meet the role performance objectives and minimum surgical case completion requirements determined by the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technologists published by the Association of Surgical Technologists.... Full Description STS0803  Pharmacology and Anesthesia  1.2   V This course is designed to introduce students to most commonly used pharmacologic agents in surgery, pre-, intra- and post-operatively, stressing identification, handling and usage.... Full Description STS0003  Surgical Technology 1  1.8   V The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the healthcare delivery system, the health care team, the working environment, surgical attire, environmental hazards and safety standards. Biological and chemical hazards, sterile storage and distribution, and the duties of the scrub role, the management of the surgical wound, infection control practices, equipment, principles of hemostasis, wound healing, drains and dressings are discussed. This course also focuses on basic patient care concepts and the responsibilities of the surgical technologist in the circulating role. STS0155C is the co-requisite course in which students are required to successfully demonstrate skills based on acquired knowledge of surgical technology.... Full Description HSC0530  Medical Terminology  2.1   V A medical terminology course introduced in the context of the systemic organization of the body; includes a basic anatomical vocabulary as well as medical term abbreviations.... Full Description HSC0003  Introduction to Health Sciences  1.6   V Interpersonal skills, teamwork, and ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities are presented in this course, emphasizing patient safety and security. Infection control and the personal characteristics of the successful health care professional are included as well as the promotion of a wellness and stress control plan. Topics include patient and professional communication. Communication skills and ethical, legal, and moral responsibilities of the surgical technologist will be emphasized throughout the course. This course satisfies the minimum AIDS education requirement, including transmission, infection control, prevention, general treatment, legal aspects, confidentiality, testing, and attitudes. The course satisfies requirements for OSHA. Full Description BSC0070  Structure and Function of the Human Body and Medical Terminology  2.5   V This course will provide the student with an introduction to anatomy and basic physiology. This course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge of normal human body structure and function. The student will learn major systems, organs and terminology necessary for understanding the concepts of disease processes; providing a basis for beginning understanding to operative procedures related to anatomical landmarks.... Full Description STS0005  Pathophysiology for the Surgical Technologist  0.6   V This course provides an introduction to cell pathology and surgical pathologies of each body system as related to surgical procedures. Symptoms, laboratory results, patient assessment, surgical intervention diagnoses will be covered. Surgical cancer treatments as well as hemodynamic disorders, inflammation and the process of infection are discussed.... Full Description STS0255L  Introduction to Clinical Practicum  1.6   V This introduction to the clinical OR setting provides the student with an introduction to the operating room. Hospital orientations, HIPAA training, and required documentation will be completed before entry into clinical facilities. Emphasis is on gaining knowledge of basic skills of the surgical tech as well as the role of the OR staff in the surgical suite.... Full Description