Cassi Walberg - Surgical Technologist
UPMC Hamot Womens Hospital
I liked the experience I gained through my clinical portion of the Surgical Technologist program. The teachers were very knowledgeable and always willing to help those if needed.
Surgical Technologist
21 Months - Associate of Specialized Technology Degree
Program Overview
The Surgical Technologist program is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to begin a career as a surgical technologist and become a vital member of the healthcare team. The program prepares the student to work in a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, or outpatient medical facility.
The Surgical Technologist training program will provide the student with an understanding of various surgical procedures necessary to anticipate the needs of the operating room team members. Students will learn to apply the principles of sterilization, disinfection, and aseptic and sterile techniques while using supplies and equipment to prepare for surgery. This knowledge will be demonstrated by the ability to position patients and to prepare instrumentation, equipment, and supplies appropriate for surgeries.
The program concludes with an externship to a hospital or ambulatory center to provide hands-on working experience. The curriculum exceeds the criteria set forth in the current CAAHEP Standards and guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Surgical Technology.
Course Outline
- Medical Term and Anatomy I
- Human Growth and Development
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Business Communications
- Medical Term and Anatomy II
- English Composition
- Math for Healthcare
- Human Behavior
- Surgical Procedures I Lab
- Surgical Procedures I
- Pharmacology for Surgical Techs
- Surgical Procedures II
- Surgical Procedures II Lab
- Career Development
- Surgical Procedures III
- Surgical Procedures III Lab
- Microbiology
- Surgical Procedures IV Lab
- Surgical Procedures IV
- CST Review
- Surgical Technologist Externship
Certification Opportunities
The Surgical Technologist program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158, Clearwater FL 33763, (727) 210-2350, www.caahep.org, upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), 6 W. Dry Creek Circle, Suite #210, Littleton, CO 80120, (303) 694-9262, www.arcst.org. The program is currently in good standing. All students must sit for the Certified Surgical Technician (CST) exam prior to graduation. Obtaining CST certification is mandatory for employment in Pennsylvania.
Surgical Technologist Placement Sites
Below is a list of employers who recently hired graduates of the Surgical Technologist Program
- Allegheny Health Network
- UPMC Hamot, Erie PA
- Grove City Medical Center, Grove City PA
- Millcreek Community Hospital, Erie PA
- Meadville Medical Center, Meadville PA
- Saint Vincent Surgery Center, Erie PA
- Sentara Healthcare, Norfolk VA
- UPMC Mercy, Pittsburgh PA
- Bradford Regional Medical Center, Bradford PA
- Olean General Hospital, Olean NY
- Pine Grove Ambulatory Surgery Center, Russell PA
- VCU Health Systems, Inc., Richmond, VA
- Brooks-TLC Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk NY
What Surgical Technologists Do
Testimonials
Bonnie Kowalski - Surgical Technologist
Lake Health System
I liked the small classroom sizes. Receiving vital one-on-one training and having the support of my fellow classmates and instructors. If I didn't have that, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Greg Doty - Surgical Technologist
University Hospitals
I liked Great Lakes because it was a great student to teacher ratio and the hands on learning environment. The Surgical Tech program prepared me for my eventual job at the Cleveland Clinic. GLIT gave me the tools to succeed and start my life comfortably!
Danielle Weirich - Clinician Fellow, Operating Room Education, General & ENT Surgery
UPMC Hamot
We have been hiring Great Lakes Surgical Technology graduates for more than 10 years. We will continue to do so because they consistently graduate with a deep understanding of the surgical technologist role and have in-depth knowledge of multiple surgical service lines. Great Lakes provides us with the best of the best.
Cody Zimmer - Certified Surgical Technologist
AHN Saint Vincent Hospital
The education I received at Great Lakes prepared me for a career at one of Erie’s leading hospitals as a Certified Surgical Technologist by providing hands-on training in real-world scenarios. The benefit to the program is that it allowed me to obtain my degree in under two years and to start working in my field before I even graduated.
Kenia Murillo-Becerra - Certified Surgical Technologist
UPMC Hamot
I recently graduated from Great Lakes Institute of Technology. I enrolled in the Surgical Technologist program and I enjoyed it very much. The teachers I had at Great Lakes were super helpful and listen to your concerns. The environment was welcoming and friendly, I’ve met amazing teachers and made new friends while being there. I’m happy I chose to attend Great Lakes Institute of Technology.
Amanda Caraballo - Certified Surgical Technologist
AHN Saint Vincent Hospital
Attending Great Lakes Institute of Technology definitely helped prepare me for my career in the O.R. I am a hands-on learner, so it was a great experience to be able to take in the information from the textbook and lectures, then apply that right after during lab. The skills I learned during my time at Great Lakes led me to become a better surgical technologist and I was hired during externship because of those skills
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