Surgical Technology, Associate in Applied Science

Overview

This is an Associate of Applied Science Degree program that provides the student with the knowledge and skills required to enter the field of Surgical Technology in accordance with the American Medical Association and the Association of Surgical Technologists guidelines. During the pre-clinical phase of the program, emphasis is placed on classroom and laboratory instruction as preparation for participation in the clinical phase. Classroom instruction conducted at Northern Essex Community College, Lawrence Campus includes but is not limited to anatomy and physiology, microbiology for the surgical technologist, surgical pharmacology, patient care in surgery, sterile technique, surgical techniques, instrumentation, and surgical procedures. Students complete clinical experiences at various clinical affiliate sites within our community and are designed to support student participation in apprenticeships. Students participating in the registered apprenticeship option will complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training. The students function under the supervision of the instructor, staff Surgical Technologists and/or registered nurses performing as a member of the operating room team. The clinical phase includes additional, scheduled classroom instruction to support the primary emphasis on clinical experience in actual surgical procedures. Students are required to meet the minimum 65 credit requirement to successfully complete the program.

Students will take the National Certification exam on campus after the successful completion of program requirements.

Surgical Technology

Course NumberTitleCreditsCore Academic Skill(s) Intensive Designation(s)
BIO121Anatomy & Physiology I

4

Quantitative Reason Intensive

Science Technology Intensive

BIO122Anatomy & Physiology II

4

Quantitative Reason Intensive

Science Technology Intensive

ENG101English Composition I

3

ENG102English Composition II

3

HES102Learning Strategies for Success in Healthcare Careers

3

HES115Medical Terminology

3

HIS121World Civilization I

3

Global Awareness Intensive

Information Literacy Intensive

PSY101Introduction to Psychology

3

SUR102Microbiology for the Surgical Technologist

2

SUR103Surgical Pharmacology

1

SUR104Surgical Technology I

5

SUR105Surgical Technology I Lab

4

SUR106Surgical Technology II Theory

8

SUR107Surgical Technology III

8

SUR116Surgical Technology II Clinical

6

SUR117CST Review

2

Math ElectiveSee Elective Advice

3-4

Math Elective: MAT114 or higher

Recommended Course Sequence/Pathway

Course NumberTitleCreditsCore Academic Skill(s) Intensive Designation(s)

Year 1 Fall

Course NumberTitleCreditsCore Academic Skill(s) Intensive Designation(s)
BIO121Anatomy & Physiology I

4

Quantitative Reason Intensive

Science Technology Intensive

ENG101English Composition I

3

Math ElectiveSee Elective Advice

3-4

HES102Learning Strategies for Success in Healthcare Careers

3

HES115Medical Terminology

3

Math Elective: MAT114 or higher

Year 1 Spring

Course NumberTitleCreditsCore Academic Skill(s) Intensive Designation(s)
BIO122Anatomy & Physiology II

4

Quantitative Reason Intensive

Science Technology Intensive

ENG102English Composition II

3

PSY101Introduction to Psychology

3

HIS121World Civilization I

3

Global Awareness Intensive

Information Literacy Intensive

Year 2 Fall

Course NumberTitleCreditsCore Academic Skill(s) Intensive Designation(s)
SUR102Microbiology for the Surgical Technologist

2

SUR103Surgical Pharmacology

1

SUR104Surgical Technology I

5

SUR105Surgical Technology I Lab

4

Year 2 Spring

Course NumberTitleCreditsCore Academic Skill(s) Intensive Designation(s)
SUR106Surgical Technology II Theory

8

SUR116Surgical Technology II Clinical

6

Year 2 Summer

Course NumberTitleCreditsCore Academic Skill(s) Intensive Designation(s)
SUR107Surgical Technology III

8

SUR117CST Review

2

Total Credit Hours: 65