Surgical Technology

SURG 101: Principles of Surgical Technology

Units: 8
Prerequisites: NURS 151, NURS 155, and PHAR 100.
Corequisite: SURG 101L.
Lecture 8 hours. (1217.00)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the role of the surgical technologist in the health care environment. Topics covered include principles of aseptic technique; methods of sterilization, instrument identification and handling, surgical set-up; ethical and legal responsibilities; professional standards; and the role of the surgical technologist as a member of the operating room team. Students will develop fundamental team skills required to function as a technologist during the care of patients having surgery. Students will apply knowledge gained in NURS 151 to surgically treatable diseases and disorders. Course content focuses on the infectious process and surgical practice with basic principles of microbiology included. Topics address medications commonly used in the care of the surgical client, principles of anesthesia administration, basic principles of robotics, physics, electrical safety, and basic computer skills needed in the operating room. Concurrent laboratory experiences will introduce the student to the practice setting in the operating room as well as in the sterile processing area.

SURG 101L: Surgical Patient Care Concepts

Units: 5
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: SURG 101.
Laboratory 16 hours. (1217.00)

Laboratory accompanies SURG 101. This course provides direct hands-on practice of skills and theory taught in SURG 101. Topics include orientation to operating room environment, pre-operative patient care, post operative patient care, preparation of instruments and supplies, pharmacology, anesthesia concepts, safety considerations with environmental control, microbiology, immunology, infectious control, sterilization and disinfection, universal precautions, principles of asepsis, OR skin prep and draping, basic instrumentation, sutures and needles, surgical incisions and closure techniques, collecting mechanisms, wound healing and dressings, electrical safety, principles of surgical anesthesia, basic principles of physics, and robotics as it relates to the operating room. Offered pass/no pass only.

SURG 103: Clinical Practice for Surgical Technology

Units: 11
Prerequisites: SURG 101 and SURG 101L.
Laboratory 32 hours. (1217.00)

This course consists of clinical experience in the operating room and provides students will skills necessary to function as a beginning surgical technologist. Students will have exposure to the overall operation, policies, and procedures of practice. Under direct supervision and guidance of preceptors, students will gain proficiency in establishing and maintaining a sterile field; draping materials, use of needles, sutures and basic instrumentation; preparation and sterilization of supplies; and anticipation of the surgeon's needs. Application of knowledge gained in previous courses will provide an opportunity for skill acquisition, safe practice, and the development of professional behaviors. Offered pass/no pass only.

SURG 104: Surgical Specialties

Units: 4
Prerequisites: SURG 101 and SURG 101L.
Lecture 4 hours. (1217.00)

This course covers diagnostic and surgical interventions for patients undergoing surgeries related to specific body systems. It will address anatomical locations and specific physiology and pathophysiology related to the system. The pre-operative and intra-operative course for each surgery including appropriate client positioning, supplies, equipment and instrumentation needed for the procedure, procedural steps, and care of any specimens is discussed, as well as the post-operative considerations related to each procedure and body system.

SURG 104L: Surgical Procedures

Units: 1
Prerequisites: SURG 101 and SURG 101L.
Corequisite: SURG 103 and SURG 104.
Laboratory 2 hours. (1217.00)

This course covers practical applications of diagnostic and surgical interventions for patients undergoing surgeries related to specific body systems. Students will be required to plan, prepare, and anticipate the needs of the surgeon for any given surgical procedure. The pre-operative and intra-operative course for each surgery including appropriate client positioning, supplies, equipment, and instrumentation needed for the procedure, procedural steps, and care of any specimens is discussed and demonstrated in a mock lab setting. Offered pass/no pass only.

SURG 299: Cooperative Work Experience--Occupational

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Students must be employed in a position directly related to their declared major and must complete 75 hours of paid work or 60 hours of non-paid work per unit of credit.
(1217.00)

For students whose work is directly related to their major. To participate in occupational cooperative work experience education, students must be employed in a position directly related to their declared major and undertake new or expanded responsibilities at their work site. Students must develop one learning objective for each unit of credit in which they enroll and they must complete 75 hours of paid work or 60 hours of non-paid work per unit of credit. A maximum of four units of occupational work experience may be earned each semester and a combined maximum of 16 units of occupational and general work experience may be earned during community college attendance and applied as electives toward graduation. Students may receive G.I. Bill benefits for work experience only if required for their specific program. (May be repeated three times.)