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 gain employment as an entry-level surgical technologist and become a contributing member of the healthcare team. This will be accomplished by preparing competent graduates in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. The program prepares the student to work in a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, or outpatient medical facility.
The Surgical Technologist 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 in preparation and use of all supplies and equipment. This knowledge will be demonstrated by the ability to position patients and to prepare instrumentation, equipment, and supplies appropriate for surgical intervention. 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. The program is designed for the student with little or no prior experience in the field.
Course Outline
- Career Success Strategies
- Medical Terminology Essentials
- Anatomy & Physiology I
- Microsoft Word
- Human Growth and Development
- Introduction to Surgical Technology
- Anatomy & Physiology II
- Pathology for the Allied Health Professional
- Surgical Procedures I
- Surgical Procedures I Lab
- Math for Healthcare Professionals
- Pharmacology for Surgical Technology
- Surgical Procedures II
- Surgical Procedures II Lab
- Introduction to Central Processing
- Microbiology for Surgical Technologists
- Surgical Procedures III
- Surgical Procedures III Lab
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Business Communication
- Human Behavior for Healthcare Professionals
- CST Certification Review
- Career and Professional Development
- Surgical Technology Externship I
- Surgical Technology Externship II
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 not mandatory for graduation or employment in Pennsylvania.
Surgical Technologist Placement Sites
Below is a list of employers who recently hired graduates of the Surgical Technologist Program
- 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
- Euclid Hospital - The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Euclid OH
- 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
- Anderson Mercy Hospital, Cincinnati OH
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.
Bob Motherwell - Surgical Technologist
The education I received at Great Lakes Institute of Technology in the Surgical Technologist course was outstanding. I was prepared and able to walk into any operating room and perform the duties and functions in the Surgical Technologist role. My instructors were knowledgeable and helpful in preparing all the students to be successful in their chosen career. The entire staff at Great Lakes Institute of Technology was friendly, courteous and helpful in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a Surgical Technologist.
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!
Jaime Wilber, RN, BSN - Director of Nursing
Ashtabula Surgery Center
The grad was an extraordinary student. He was well prepared to come into a surgical setting and has become such an asset to our team.
Kathy Mercuri, RN, BSN, CNOR - Nurse Manager
Lake Health
I was spared the expense of orienting an employee which is quite costly in this economy. The graduate was ready for an assignment on day one of her hire!
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