Overview
Program Handbook
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.
Accreditation
The Surgical Technology program at Mercy College has a site visit scheduled for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
Program Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program, graduates will be able to:
- Assist with various surgical procedures under the supervision of the surgeon, registered nurse, or other surgical personnel.
- Apply appropriate communication skills with members of the surgical team and the surgical patient.
- Ensure sterile technique and the principles of asepsis are followed at all times.
- Demonstrate personal accountability and professionalism.
- Ensure the operating room/environment is safe for the surgical patient and personnel.
- Ensure surgical equipment functions appropriately.
- Demonstrate knowledge, behaviors, and technical skills necessary to gain employment as a surgical technologist.
- Practice professional and ethical behaviors.
- Integrate Mercy College Values into clinical practice.
- Perform as a surgical technologist at entry-level expectations.
Admission Requirements
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
- Chemistry- one year
- Completion of the Math Placement Assessment program (ALEKS) 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 Clinicals or Professional Practice Experience
Criminal background checks, drug screens, health records, and titers/immunizations are required prior to the start of the clinical program. Program requirements and instructions are maintained on the College website at https://mercycollege.edu/background. The Policy can be found at https://mercycollege.edu/about/compliance-consumer-information.
Degree Requirements
To earn the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology students must complete all college requirements for an Associate of Applied Science Degree with a grade of "C" or better including:
General Education Requirements
Complete All of the Following Courses:
Oral and Written Communication (GCOM) - 6 minimum
Math, Statistics, and Logic (GMSL) - 3 minimum
| MTH 104 | Mathematical Formulas, Models, and Probability | 3 |
Arts, Humanities, Culture, and Diversity (including Religious Studies) (GAHD/GAHR) - 3 minimum
Natural Sciences, Technology, and Innovation - 6 minimum
Additional hours from one or more of the above categories; Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSBS); Arts, Humanities, Culture, and Diversity, and/or Applied General Education (GAPL) courses - 12 minimum
| BIO 210 | Microbiology | 4 |
| HIT 105 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Required Surgical Technology Program Course Requirements
Complete All of the Following Program Courses:
| SUR 105 | Intro to Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SUR 110 | Principles and Practice of Surgical Technology | 4 |
| SUR 115 | Surgical Procedures I | 4 |
| SUR 120 | Pharmacology for Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SUR 135 | Surgical Technology Directed Practice I | 2 |
| SUR 215 | Surgical Procedures II | 4 |
| SUR 235 | Surgical Technology Directed Practice II | 8 |
| SUR 245 | Surgical Technology Directed Practice III | 8 |
| SUR 250 | Surgical Technology Capstone | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 35 |
Credit Hour Requirements
| Total Required Associate of Applied Science General Education Credit Hours |
30 |
| Total Required Surgical Technology Program/Major Credit Hours |
35 |
| Total Credit Hours for Graduation |
65 |
Students may be required to take additional free elective credits to reach the 60 credit hours required for graduation. Free elective credit may be satisfied through prior coursework and transfer credit. See academic advisor for more details.
Sample Program of Study
Semester I
Semester II
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| MTH 104 | Mathematical Formulas, Models, and Probability | 3 |
| SUR 110 | Principles and Practice of Surgical Technology | 4 |
| SUR 120 | Pharmacology for Surgical Technology | 2 |
Semester III
| BIO 220 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SUR 115 | Surgical Procedures I | 4 |
| SUR 135 | Surgical Technology Directed Practice I | 2 |
Semester IV
| BIO 221 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| SUR 215 | Surgical Procedures II | 4 |
| SUR 235 | Surgical Technology Directed Practice II | 8 |
Semester V
| REL 290 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| SUR 245 | Surgical Technology Directed Practice III | 8 |
| SUR 250 | Surgical Technology Capstone | 1 |
For program progression refer to the Surgical Technology Program Handbook.