Surgical Technology - Degree

Limited Entry, Associate of Applied Science Degree Programmhcc.edu/SurgicalTechnology

Surgery technologists

Prerequisite Advising

Academic Advising & Transfer Center: 503-491-7315 | Room AC2253 (Student Services) | Advising.Questions@mhcc.edu

Faculty Advisers

Amy Aldus: 503-491-7459 | Room AC2764 | Amy.Aldus@mhcc.edu
Angie Hansen: 503-491-7566 | Room AC2767 | Angie.Hansen@mhcc.edu

Surgical technologists (sometimes referred to as “Surg Techs”) prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries.

Before surgery, they:

  • Gather, count, and arrange the tools.
  • Ensure the needed tools and room are sterile.
  • Prepare the patient for surgery.

During surgery, they will:

  • Keep the operating room sterile.
  • Pass tools to the surgeon and surgeon’s assistant.
  • Assist in retracting tissues from the patient.

After surgery, they:

  • Count and collect all tools used.
  • Apply dressings to surgical sites.
  • Dispose of needles and gauze.
  • Maintain a sterile space until the patient is taken to the recovery room.

Those interested in this career must be detail-oriented because mistakes could be life threatening. Surg Techs must work well under pressure and have great communication skills.

Prior to the end of the program, students must sit for the national certification exam. Passing this exam is required in order to be hired as a Surg Tech in Oregon.

Accreditation

The Surgical Technology program at MHCC has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Education Programs (CAAHEP) since 1978. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) collaborate to develop standards of quality for surgical technology education programs. On the basis of compliance with the standards and recommendations of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), accreditation is granted by CAAHEP.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate acceptable knowledge-based competencies in accord with national standards for surgical technology
  • Demonstrate technical (psychomotor) competency in the scrub role in accord with national standards for surgical technology
  • Demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with national standards and employer expectations
  • Demonstrate compassion for the patient and maintain his or her confidentiality
  • Demonstrate safe health care practices consistent with employer expectations
  • Exhibit a strong sense of ethical behavior and surgical conscience
  • Exhibit self-direction and responsibility for actions
  • Become employed in an entry-level surgical technology position

Students will take the national certification exam for surgical technologists, provided by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), prior to graduation. Program graduates meet or exceed minimum surgical rotation case requirements determined by Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology. (Sixth Edition, published by the Association of Surgical Technologists).

Students applying to the Surgical Technology program must complete the College Placement Test (CPT) and/or pre-program courses, each with a grade of "C" or better. There are time limits to when prerequisite courses can be taken. Please review the Surgical Technology program details for further information.

Please note: Once accepted into the program, all core Surgical Technology ("ST") courses must be completed within 5 years of starting the program. In addition, a grade of “C” or better is required in all ST courses and in:

  • BI231 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Course offered online)
  • BI232 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (Course offered online)
  • BI233 Human Anatomy and Physiology III (Course offered online)
  • MO111 Medical Terminology (Course offered online)(Course offered online)
  • Computer skills requirement 

Prerequisite courses

WR115Introduction to College Writing (Course offered online) (or placement into WR121Z)4
or WR121Z Composition I (Course offered online)
MTH065Beginning Algebra II (Course offered online) (or higher)4
or MTH058 Quantitative Reasoning I
BI231Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Course offered online)4
BI234Microbiology4

Courses with "ST" prefix are offered only in the terms listed. Other courses may be taken during any term.

Plan of Study Grid
First Quarter
FallCredits
ST101 Surgical Technology Theory I 4
BI232 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (Course offered online) 4
MO111 Medical Terminology (Course offered online) 4
WR121Z Composition I (Course offered online) (if not already completed) 4
Health and Physical Education requirement 3
 Credits19
Second Quarter
Winter
ST102 Surgical Technology Theory II 4
ST103 Surgical Technology Theory III 4
ST111 Surgical Technology Lab I 2
BI233 Human Anatomy and Physiology III (Course offered online) 4
WR122Z
Composition II (Course offered online)
or Public Speaking (Course offered online)
or Introduction to Intercultural Communication (Course offered online) (Cultural Literacy course)
4
 Credits18
Third Quarter
Spring
ST104 Surgical Technology IV 4
ST112 Surgical Technology Lab II 2
Human Relations requirement 3
Computer skills requirement - select one of the following: 4
Computer Concepts I (Course offered online)
and Computer Concepts Lab I (Course offered online)
Introduction to Business Computing (Course offered online)
 Credits13
Fourth Quarter
Summer
ST155 Surgical Technology Lab for Clinical Readiness 0
 Credits0
Fifth Quarter
Fall
ST204 Surgical Technology - General and Pediatric Surgery 4
ST205 Surgical Technology - Obstetric, Gynecologic and Genitourinary Surgery 4
ST221 Surgical Tech Clinical Practicum 6
 Credits14
Sixth Quarter
Winter
ST206 Surgical Technology - Orthopedic Surgery 4
ST207 Surgical Technology - Otorhino- laryngologic, Oromaxillofacial, Plastic and Burn Surgery 4
ST222 Surgical Tech Clinical Practicum 6
 Credits14
Seventh Quarter
Spring
ST208 Surgical Technology - Ophthalmologic and Neurosurgery 4
ST209 Surgical Technology - Thoracic, Cardiovascular and Vascular Surgery 4
ST223 Surgical Tech Clinical Practicum 6
 Credits14
 Total Credits92
Surgery technologists

Exploring surgical technology as your major? Learn more with MHCC's Career Coach, which covers: skills needed for each career, wages, employment rates, and live job postings in the Greater Multnomah County Area.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must satisfactorily meet program admission criteria and the application deadline to be considered for program admission. Program information, information session dates and application information are available on our website at mhcc.edu/SurgicalTechnology. Once you have read the application materials and attended an information session, if you have questions about the admission process, you may email LRAdmissions@mhcc.edu. Students applying to the Surgical Technology program must complete pre-program courses, each with a grade of "C" or better. There are time limits to when prerequisite courses can be taken. Please review the Surgical Technology program details for further information.

Applicants to the Surgical Technology program must be physically and mentally able to cope with the rigors of the curriculum and the demanding nature of the field of surgical technology. Established academic and clinical requirements essential to the program of instruction apply to all students and cannot be waived. Attempts will be made to accommodate and retain qualified applicants with disabilities unless results of evaluations indicate that given reasonable accommodation an individual will still not be able to perform the essential functions required by the program.

All students must meet health and safety requirements as required by clinical affiliates, including a criminal background check and drug and alcohol testing, before entering the program. A list of requirements will be given to accepted students at the time of program acceptance.

The mathematics pre-program requirement, completion of MTH058 or MTH065 (or higher) satisfies the mathematics requirement for the AAS. A College Placement Test (CPT) score does not fulfill this requirement. Students must successfully complete a mathematics course to earn the AAS degree.

Prerequisite Advising

Academic Advising & Transfer Center: 503-491-7315 | Room AC2253 (Student Services) | Advising.Questions@mhcc.edu

ST101 Surgical Technology Theory I

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Surgical Technology program; health and safety requirements, including immunizations, must be met.

Students are introduced to the field of surgical technology. The course is designed to provide an orientation to healthcare facility organization and to the physical environment, with focus on surgical areas. Practice concepts and issues, including professional management, self-management and standards of conduct are introduced and explored. Ethical and legal issues relevant to the surgical technologist are identified and discussed. Additional content includes communication in the surgical environment, patient care concepts, patient confidentiality and privacy under HIPAA, infection control, principles of asepsis, environmental safety and introduction to surgical routines in the preoperative phase in preparation for surgical procedures.

ST102 Surgical Technology Theory II

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: ST101 with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent enrollment in ST103 and ST111; health and safety requirements must be met.

The focus of this course is on surgical instrumentation: manufacture, classification, identification, care and handling, processing, storage and distribution. Content includes sterilization and disinfection standards and techniques, sterilization monitoring, instrument cleaning, decontamination and inspection, sterile packaging standards and techniques, storage and distribution. Additional content includes central sterile processing and distribution department organization and routines, and environmental disinfection and sanitation standards and practices in the surgical setting.

ST103 Surgical Technology Theory III

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: ST101 with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent enrollment in ST102 and ST111; health and safety requirements must be met.

The focus of this course is on perioperative case management during the preoperative and intraoperative phases. Content includes preparation of the patient including patient positioning, transfer and surgical site prep; preparation of the sterile field; principles and techniques of hemostasis; specimen care; principles of wound healing, including selection and handling of suture, drains and dressings; prevention of retained surgical items and All - Hazards preparation.

ST104 Surgical Technology IV

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: ST102 and ST103 with a grade "C" or better. Concurrent enrollment in ST112; health and safety requirements must be met.

This course introduces students to technology and equipment in the surgical setting, including principles and applications for endoscopic, lasers, electrosurgery, ultrasonic, robotics and image guided surgery. Other specialty and accessory equipment is introduced and discussed. Selected general and gynecologic procedures are introduced. Additional content includes pharmacology and anesthesia for the surgical technologist, post-anesthesia care, emergency patient procedures and death and dying.

ST111 Surgical Technology Lab I

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: ST101 with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent enrollment in ST102 and ST103; health and safety requirements must be met.

This laboratory course is designed to correlate with ST102 and ST103. Students have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate cognitive, psychomotor and affective competencies relevant to the role of the surgical technologist in the surgical practice setting. Emphasis is placed on the principles of aseptic and sterile technique and their application for safe patient care practices. Professional behaviors are expected and evaluated.

Additional Course Fee: $175.00

ST112 Surgical Technology Lab II

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: ST102, ST103 and ST111, each with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent enrollment in ST104; health and safety requirements must be met.

This laboratory course is designed to correlate with ST104. Students have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate cognitive, psychomotor and affective competencies relevant to the role of the surgical technologist in the surgical practice setting. Emphasis is placed on the principles of aseptic and sterile technique and their application on safe patient care practices. Professional behaviors are expected and evaluated.

Additional Course Fee: $175.00

ST155 Surgical Technology Lab for Clinical Readiness

Credits 0Summer

Registration Requirement: ST111 and ST112

Each student will attend a six-hour lab session in preparation for surgical tech clinical practicum in 4th term. The lab will include practice of skill sets and mock surgery procedures. Students will be expected to review skill rubrics from ST111 and ST112 before coming to lab. Students will prepare a list of any specific skills or objectives they need to work on. Lab requirements including proper scrub attire and professional behaviors will apply (see ST111 and ST112).

Additional Course Fee: $175.00

ST204 Surgical Technology - General and Pediatric Surgery

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: A grade of "C" or better in all previous Surgical Technology program curriculum and BI231, BI232, BI233, AH110, CIS120 and CIS120L. Concurrent enrollment in ST221. Health and safety requirements must be met.

This course provides orientation to general surgery procedures for the adult and pediatric patient, with related surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and specialty instrumentation, equipment and technologies. Special considerations for care of the pediatric patient undergoing surgical procedures are discussed. Special populations and relevant ethical and legal issues are discussed. Roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist are emphasized.

ST205 Surgical Technology - Obstetric, Gynecologic and Genitourinary Surgery

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: A grade of "C" or better in all previous Surgical Technology program curriculum and BI231, BI232, BI233, AH110, CIS120 and CIS120L. Concurrent enrollment in ST221; health and safety requirements must be met.

This course provides orientation to gynecologic, obstetric and genitourinary surgery for the adult and pediatric patient, with related surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and specialty instrumentation, equipment and technologies. Special populations and relevant ethical and legal issues are discussed. Roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist are emphasized.

ST206 Surgical Technology - Orthopedic Surgery

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: A grade of "C" or better in all previous Surgical Technology program curriculum and BI231, BI232, BI233, AH110, CIS120 and CIS120L. Concurrent enrollment in ST222; health and safety requirements must be met.

This course provides orientation to orthopedic surgery for the adult and pediatric patient, with related surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and specialty instrumentation, equipment and technologies. Special populations and relevant ethical and legal issues are discussed. Roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist are emphasized.

ST207 Surgical Technology - Otorhino- laryngologic, Oromaxillofacial, Plastic and Burn Surgery

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: A grade of "C" or better in all previous Surgical Technology program curriculum and BI231, BI232, BI233, AH110, CIS120 and CIS120L.Concurrent enrollment in ST222 and health and safety requirements must be met.

This course provides orientation to otorhinolaryngologic, oromaxillofacial, plastic and burn surgery for the adult and pediatric patient, with related surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and specialty instrumentation, equipment and technologies. Special populations and relevant ethical and legal issues are discussed. Roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist are emphasized.

ST208 Surgical Technology - Ophthalmologic and Neurosurgery

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: A grade of "C" or better in all previous Surgical Technology program curriculum and BI231, BI232, BI233, AH110, CIS120 and CIS120L. Concurrent enrollment in ST223; health and safety requirements must be met.

This course provides orientation to ophthalmic and neurosurgery for the adult and pediatric patient, with related surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and specialty instrumentation, equipment and technologies. Special populations and relevant ethical and legal issues are discussed. Roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist are emphasized.

ST209 Surgical Technology - Thoracic, Cardiovascular and Vascular Surgery

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: A grade of "C" or better in all previous Surgical Technology program curriculum and BI231, BI232, BI233, AH110, CIS120 and CIS120L. Concurrent enrollment in ST223; health and safety requirements must be met.

This course provides orientation to thoracic, cardiovascular and vascular surgery for the adult and pediatric patient, with related surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and specialty instrumentation, equipment and technologies. Special populations and relevant ethical and legal issues are discussed. Roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist are emphasized.

ST221 Surgical Tech Clinical Practicum

Credits 6Fall

Registration Requirement: A grade of "C" or better in all previous Surgical Technology program core curriculum and BI231, BI232, BI233, AH110, CIS120 and CIS120L. Concurrent enrollment in ST204, ST205 and health and safety requirements must be met.

This course is designed to provide clinical experience concurrent with theory. Students will research assigned procedures and participate as a member of the surgical team during the perioperative care of adult and pediatric patients undergoing general, gynecologic and genitourinary surgical procedures. Emphasis is placed on safe patient care practices including principles of aseptic and sterile techniques and their application. Professional behaviors are expected and evaluated.

Additional Course Fee: $350.00

ST222 Surgical Tech Clinical Practicum

Credits 6Winter

Registration Requirement: A grade of "C" or better in all previous Surgical Technology program curriculum and BI231, BI232, BI233, AH110, CIS120 and CIS120L. Concurrent enrollment in ST206 and ST207; health and safety requirements must be met.

This course is designed to provide clinical experience concurrent with theory. Students will research assigned procedures and participate as a member of the surgical team during the perioperative care of adult and pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic, otorhinolaryngologic, oromaxillofacial, plastic and burn surgical procedures. Emphasis is placed on safe patient care practices including principles of aseptic and sterile techniques and their application. Professional behaviors are expected and evaluated. Additional content includes preparation for employment as a surgical technologist.

Additional Course Fee: $350.00

ST223 Surgical Tech Clinical Practicum

Credits 6Spring

Registration Requirement: A grade of "C" or better in all previous Surgical Technology program curriculum and BI231, BI232, BI233, AH110, CIS120 and CIS120L. Concurrent enrollment in ST208 and ST209; health and safety requirements must be met.

This course is designed to provide clinical experience concurrent with theory. Students research assigned procedures and participate as a member of the surgical team during the perioperative care of adult and pediatric patients undergoing thoracic, cardiovascular, vascular, ophthalmic and neurologic surgical procedures. Emphasis is placed on safe patient care practices including principles of aseptic and sterile techniques and their application. Professional behaviors are expected and evaluated. Students explore tools for making a successful transition from student to employee.

Additional Course Fee: $350.00