Surgical Technology, AAS

More information about this program can be found on the Surgical Technology department website.

Recommended basic skills courses are

• CCR 092  
• MAT 055  

The Surgical Technologist is an integral member of the surgical team including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurse to deliver patient care before, during and after surgery. Before an operation, surgical technologist helps prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. During the surgery, technologist pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and assistants.

This four semester program develops the knowledge and skills for an entry level job as a Surgical Technologist. Graduates of this program are prepared to take the national certification examination for surgical technology once accreditation approval from CAAHEP has been received. The curriculum is in alignment with the standards set forth by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) core curriculum guidelines.

The surgical technologist can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, surgery departments, obstetric departments, and ambulatory surgery centers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Surgical Technology program, students should be able to:

• Articulate the general characteristics of medical terminology and common use in the healthcare environment, and assign medical terminology as it relates to the whole body
• Identify types and functions of instruments and their uses
• Demonstrate the proper care and handling of surgical instruments
• Describe sterilization methods used in the operating room
• Articulate the concepts of the aseptic technique
• Apply the correct methods and steps in the aseptic process
• Demonstrate the principles of aseptic technique when opening sterile supplies
• Adapt to the various types of work environments for surgical technologists and maintain professional behavior and appearance in all aspects of the medical field
• Communicate effectively with patients and members of the healthcare team
• Perform all assigned independent duties competently and efficiently as allowed by the state and federal laws

Content criteria, competencies, and student learning outcomes associated with the general education courses required for this degree can be found on the Colorado Department of Higher Education website.