Surgical Technology - Associate of Applied Science

Program Handbook

Overview

This five-semester program includes general education and surgical technology courses and leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree.  In this program, students gain proficiency through class (theory), lab, and clinical experiences in a variety of settings assisting with a variety of surgical procedures. The number of students selected for admission each year is determined by the availability of space in the clinical facilities affiliated with the program.

Mission Statement

To prepare competent, entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Philosophy

The Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree Program is designed to prepare students to provide critical support services to surgeons, nurses, anesthesia providers, and other surgical team members.  Using a variety of learning resources, students will acquire the knowledge base of sterile technique, surgical instrumentation and equipment, surgical procedures, asepsis, and patient care skills.  During the clinical portion of the program, students will complete a minimum of 120 cases of various surgical specialties in the first and second scrub roles while supervised by a clinical preceptor.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program, graduates will be able to:

1. Assist with various surgical procedures under the supervision of the surgeon, registered nurse, or other surgical personnel.
2. Apply appropriate communication skills with members of the surgical team and the surgical patient.
3. Ensure sterile technique and the principles of asepsis are followed at all times.
4. Demonstrate personal accountability and professionalism.
5. Ensure the operating room/environment is safe for the surgical patient and personnel.
6. Ensure surgical equipment functions appropriately.
7. Demonstrate knowledge, behaviors, and technical skills necessary to gain employment as a surgical technologist.
8. Practice professional and ethical behaviors.
9. Integrate Mercy College Values into clinical practice.
10. Perform as a surgical technologist at entry-level expectations.

Admission Requirements for All Surgical Technology Program Applicants

In addition to meeting college admission requirements, the following Surgical Technology Program admission requirements must be met:

• Applicants must be high school graduates with a GPA of at least 2.3, GED recipients with a score of 530 (score of 53 prior to 2002), or transfer students with a cumulative GPA of a 2.3. Students whose GPA falls below a 2.3 but above a 2.0 will be considered on an individual basis.
• Applicants must have completed and passed these high school courses of their college equivalents with a grade of "C" or better within the past seven years:
  • Algebra - one year
  • Biology - one year
• Math placement test required with the following exceptions:
  • Meet or exceed ACT/SAT math score required for MTH 100 (within the past 5 years), OR
  • Successful completion of college-level math (grade of “C” or better), OR
  • Transfer credit (MTH 100 level or higher with a grade of “C” or better).

Requirements for Professional Practice Experience

Criminal background checks, drug screens, health records, and immunizations are required prior to the start of the clinical program. Program requirements and instructions are maintained on the College website at https://www.mercycollege.edu/background. The Policy can be found at https://mercycollege.edu/about/compliance-consumer-information.

Progression

For program progression refer to the Surgical Technology Program Handbook.