Surgical Technology

This course provides students with actual on-the-job learning opportunities. It is conducted in a surgical facility and provides students a clinical experience with a variety of preoperative and postoperative assignments. Emphasis is placed on the scrub and circulating roles of the surgical technologist including aseptic technique and basic surgical procedures while working as a member of the surgical team. Students do not receive pay for hours worked.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all core classes, with the exception of the Surgical Technology Externship, and approval by the Program Coordinator (or Dean). To be taken during the final quarter of instruction.

This course provides students with the essential math processes required in the allied health field, from basic applications to comprehensive math problems involving medication dosages. It also includes basic bookkeeping functions utilized in health care practices.
Prerequisite: Passing score on entrance assessment or MAT095.

This course introduces building and utilizing a medical vocabulary through the use of prefixes, suffixes, word roots, and combining forms/vowels. Emphasis is placed on correct spelling, pronunciation, and knowing the correct definitions of many medical terms.

This course examines the various types of drugs and familiarizes the student with the forms by which medications are administered, utilization of proper injection techniques, and preparation of parenteral and oral medications. The student is instructed in the proper use of the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) and will work with it in classroom assignments.
Prerequisites: MAT1100, PHY1020, PHY1030.

This course is a study of several systems of the human body. Cells and tissues, integumentary system, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, senses, urinary system, and fluid and electrolyte balance will be covered. The course is designed to enable students to understand the health problems of patients as they relate to the various systems.

This course covers several human body systems, including circulatory, respiratory, blood, acid-based balance, endocrine, immunity, and digestion, as well as principles of nutrition and metabolism, reproduction, and growth and development. The course is designed to enable students to understand the health problems of patients as they relate to the various systems.

This course prepares students to apply knowledge of microorganisms as they relate to the surgical technologist’s role in patient care. This includes the causes of disease and pathological conditions and the body’s response mechanisms to diseases and wound healing, both adequate and inadequate.
Prerequisites: MED1010, PHY1020.

This course prepares students to apply knowledge of the surgical technologist roles and responsibilities, professional relationships, and the psychological needs of the surgical patient. Emphasis is placed on the operating environment. This course also prepares students to apply knowledge of safety in the workplace and basic safety techniques. Emphasis is placed on how to create and maintain a safe working environment.
Prerequisites: MED1010, PHY1020, PHY1030.

This course provides students with knowledge and skill in basic principles and practices of surgical technology. It teaches aseptic procedures with emphasis placed on safety and division of duties when establishing a sterile field.
Prerequisite: SUR1500.

This course prepares students to apply knowledge of surgical instruments, sutures, needles, sponges, and dressings. It also prepares students to apply knowledge of drainage systems and tubing, syringes and hypodermic needles, sponges and instrument counts. This course prepares students to apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology, surgical instruments, drugs used during surgery, scrubbing and donning of surgical attire, as well as gowning and gloving of team members.
Prerequisite: SUR2000, SUR2100.

This course is designed to provide the surgical technology student with an overview of different departments of the hospital as they relate to the operating room by observing the daily functions of that department. The student will be given an introduction to the operating room adjacent areas. Opportunities will be provided to observe both minor and major operations and apply observations to enhance surgery set up skills.
Prerequisite: SUR2000, SUR2100.

This course prepares students to think about procedures in a style similar to that of the surgeon. It is constructed in such a way as to teach basic surgical anatomy, instrumentation, and procedural steps. The course introduces students to diagnostic procedures, general surgeries, obstetric and gynecologic surgeries, ophthalmic surgeries, otorhinolaryngologic surgeries, and oral and maxillofacial surgeries.
Prerequisite: SUR1500.

This course prepares students to think about procedures in a style similar to that of the surgeon. It is constructed in such a way as to teach basic surgical anatomy, instrumentation, and procedural steps. The course also introduces students to general surgical techniques involved during plastic and reconstructive surgeries, genitourinary surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, cardiothoracic surgeries, peripheral vascular surgeries, and neurosurgeries.
Prerequisites: SUR2000, SUR2100.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive review and knowledge assessment in preparation for taking a national credentialing exam. The course will also include an opportunity for the evaluation of skills, professional development, and critical thinking skills through case studies reflecting experiences often encountered during externship and in the surgical technology workplace.
Prerequisites: SUR2010, SUR2120.

This course focuses on helping students develop writing, researching, and critical thinking skills through writing paragraphs and essays using different rhetorical styles. Students also gain experience with peer reviewing. Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher to satisfy the requirements of this course.
Prerequisite: Passing score on entrance assessment or COM0900.

This course provides students with a basic understanding of what psychology is, its relationship to the life sciences, and how behaviors affect our everyday lives. Emphasis is placed on developmental psychology and the problems that face us in regard to the relationships and mental and physical dilemmas they may pose. Topics such as stress, altered states of consciousness, aging, conflict, and types of therapies will be presented.

This course provides students with the basic skills necessary to organize their thoughts and communicate effectively through public speaking. Students learn to research, organize, and properly convey oral messages. Through practical classroom application, students gain sound experience in the art of oral presentation. Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher to satisfy the requirements of this course. Students earning a grade of C- or below will be required to repeat the course.

This course provides information and resources important for anyone’s career development. It uses guest presenters and mock interviews, in addition to individual consultations, to provide career guidance. The class starts by having the students perform a self-assessment of their interests and values while at the same time, focusing on their professional goals. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how to create a successful resume no matter where a person is in their career path. In addition, it highlights how to apply a variety of other job search documents and execute follow-up. Instructors illustrate traditional and nontraditional methods of job searching to include some of the latest online resources. A significant element of this course is training students to have great interviewing skills. Additional time is spent researching employers, exploring employment opportunities available in the area, and setting up interviews with prospective employers. Toward the end of this course, students also learn value of teamwork and being successful in their career. By applying these techniques and suggestions in this course, students are able to approach their career exploration and job search with a more confident and winning attitude. This course is scheduled during the final or next to last quarter of the program.

This course provides students with a basic understanding of computing fundamentals including hardware, software, Internet concepts, and file management. This course also provides hands-on experience with basic word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications. This course provides students with the necessary foundation for further study in desktop applications, and to apply these skills in advanced courses requiring electronic processing.
Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: KEY1010.

This course teaches students the fundamentals of keyboarding, including correct finger positions, machine operation, and correct posture. An introduction is made to the word processing program.

This course is a study of how normal physiology processes are altered by disease. This course includes causes of disease, neoplasms, congenital diseases, urinary system diseases, reproductive system diseases, digestive system diseases, respiratory system diseases, circulatory system diseases, nervous system diseases, endocrine system diseases, musculoskeletal disease, skin, eye, ear, childhood diseases, pain management, and holistic health.
Prerequisites: PHY1020 and PHY1030; or PHY1060.

This course is designed to enhance the college learning experience and prepare students for personal and professional success. Concepts presented include managing change, setting and achieving goals, and thinking in ways to create success. This course also incorporates assessments that will increase one’s self-awareness, and improve the student’s interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.