What is Surgical Technology?
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 such as medical offices, out-patient clinics, and the operating room. 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 techniques 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.
This program provides clinical experience built upon classroom instruction in the basic sciences, patient care, aseptic techniques and surgical procedures. Students enrolled in the Surgical Technology Program are required to achieve a minimum grade of “C” in each Surgical Technology course. Surgical Technology students are required to meet the 120 case Standard as described in the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology 6th edition.
What are my career choices?
Employment is available in hospital operating rooms, delivery rooms, physician’s offices as a surgeon’s assistant, or in free standing centers (outpatient or ambulatory surgery). The average wage in Kentucky is $30,000 to $40,000.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Surgical Technologist - AAS (62-66 credit hours)
- Please contact Aaron Morris (aaron.morris@kctcs.edu) or Amber Campbell (amber.campbell@kctcs.edu) for current course requirements.
Admission Requirements
Surgical Technology is a selective admission program. In addition to MCC's general admission requirements, candidates to the program must complete the following:
- Any and all deficiencies identified from placement testing must be remediated prior to admission.
- Students interested in entering the August class must have SUR 109 Intro to Surgical Technology (offered over the summer), BIO 135 OR Bio 137 and 139 completed before starting the program in August. Students may interview without having SUR 109, BIO 135 OR Bio 137 and Bio 139 completed, but would need to take SUR 109 and BIO 135 OR 137 and 139 over the summer before starting the Surgical Technology program in August.
- Professional CPR Training (must be maintained for the duration of the program).
Technical Standards
Surgical Technology involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of surgical technology technical functions. Therefore, all applicants should possess sufficient:
- visual acuity, such as is needed in the surgical environment and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and care;
- auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices (e.g., cardiac monitors, biomedical equipment, fire alarms, etc.);
- gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning and lifting patients required in meeting health needs related to surgical technology;
- verbal and non-verbal communication skills (speech, reading, and writing), such as are needed in classroom and clinical settings to interact with patients and professional personnel; and
- intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.
Length of Program
Summer session plus Two Semesters:
SUR 109 Intro to Surgical Technology 3 credits (SUR 109 must be completed prior to entering the Surgical Technology program in August; however, applicants may apply to the program in April/May without having completed SUR 109. If selected into the program the applicant could take SUR 109 over the summer in order to start the Surgical Technology program in August)
CPR Certification (Professional) must be obtained prior to entering the program and maintained for the duration of the program.
Accreditation
A graduate of the program is qualified to sit for a national certifying examination conducted by the Association of Surgical Technologists. A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is recognized as competent in the field. The Surgical Technology Program is accredited through CAAHEP and the Madisonville Community College is accredited through SACS.
The Surgical Technology program is accredited through The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, (727) 210-2350, mail@caahep.org, https://www.caahep.org/About-CAAHEP.aspx.
Madisonville Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Madisonville Community College.
Program Outcomes
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2021-2022 Surgical Technology outcomes: Retention: 100%, CST exam results: 77%.
