Surgical Technology
The Surgical Technology curriculum prepares individuals to assist in the care of the surgical patient in the operating room and function as a surgical team member. Students apply theoretical knowledge to the care of patients undergoing surgery and develop skills necessary to prepare supplies, equipment and instruments; maintain aseptic conditions; prepare patients for surgery, and assist surgeons during operations. Students of this program take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBST/SA) Certification Examination for Surgical Technologists before graduation. Employment opportunities include labor/delivery/emergency departments, inpatient/outpatient surgery centers, dialysis units/facilities, endoscopy suites/centers, physician’s offices, and central supply processing units.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in surgical technology employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Surgical Technology (A45740)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology is awarded by the college upon graduation from the program.
Admissions
- Complete a CPCC application.
- Admission to the Surgical Technology program is competitive. Please note that, in addition to a general application to CPCC, students also must complete a separate application for the Surgical Technology program when they are ready to apply.
- See the Surgical Technology website.
- Students must be selected to enter the program. Upon acceptance and enrollment in the program, students must take all courses as scheduled and sequenced.
Program Accreditation
The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, caahep.org, upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).
CAAHEP
9355 113th St. N
#7709
Seminole, FL 33775
P:727-21-2350
F:727-210-2354
E: mail@caahep.org
CAAHEP Website
Notes
In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs of this program include the following: uniform scrubs, student ID badge, eye protection, a physical examination including a 13-panel drug screening test, immunizations such as tetanus toxoid, hepatitis B, influenza vaccinations, TB test, blood tests (VDRL, rubella titer, etc.), current CPR with AED certification and a criminal background check. The student also must provide a certificate of current health and accident insurance.
In order to progress in this program, students must earn a “C” or better in all curriculum courses and be successful in clinical skills assessments.
In order to participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students are required to submit results of a North Carolina state and national criminal background check and drug screen at their own expense. As a condition of this program admission, students are required to verify that they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States.
Contact Information
The Surgical Technology program is in the Therapy and Acute Care Division. For information, call 704.330.2722 ext. 3473 weekdays from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Division offices are located on the third floor in the Belk (BL) Wing of the Health Careers Building.
For an admission packet, frequently asked questions, and other information, visit the Surgical Technology website.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| ENG 114 | Professional Research & Reporting | 3.0 |
| Select 3.0 Credits from the following | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| SUR 110 | Intro to Surgical Technology | 3.0 |
| SUR 111 | Periop Patient Care | 7.0 |
| SUR 122 | Surgical Procedures I | 6.0 |
| SUR 123 | Sur Clinical Practice I | 7.0 |
| SUR 134 | Surgical Procedures II | 5.0 |
| SUR 135 | SUR Clinical Practice II | 4.0 |
| SUR 137 | Professional Success Preparation | 1.0 |
| SUR 210 | Advanced Sur Clinical Practice | 2.0 |
| SUR 211 | Advanced Theoretical Concepts | 2.0 |
| SUR 212 | Surgical Clinical Supplement | 4.0 |
| BIO 168 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BIO 169 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 71 | |
The following is the suggested sequence for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2022-2023 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order if you need to. This sequence is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with an advisor about the sequence and any questions. This program does not offer diplomas or certificates at this time; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
Courses
SUR 110. Intro to Surgical Technology. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides a comprehensive study of peri-operative care, patient care concepts, and professional practice concepts within the profession of surgical technology. Topics include: introductory concepts, organizational structure and relationships, legal, ethical and moral issues, medical terminology, pharmacology, anesthesia, wound healing management concepts, and the technological sciences. Upon completion, students should be able to apply theoretical knowledge of the course topics to the practice of surgical technology.
SUR 111. Periop Patient Care. 7.0 Credits. Class-5.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course provides the surgical technology student the theoretical knowledge required to function in the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative role. Topics include asepsis, disinfection and sterilization, physical environment, instrumentation, equipment, peri-operative patient care, and peri-operative case management. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the principles and practice of the peri-operative team member to the operative environment.
SUR 122AB. Surgical Procedures I. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.5. Clinical-0.0. Lab-1.5. Work-0.0
This course provides an introduction to selected basic and intermediate surgical specialties that students are exposed to the first clinical rotation. Emphasis is placed on related surgical anatomy, pathology, and procedures that enhance theoretical knowledge of patient care, instrumentation, supplies, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to correlate, integrate, and apply theoretical knowledge of the course topics to the clinical operative environment.
SUR 122. Surgical Procedures I. 6.0 Credits. Class-5.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an introduction to selected basic and intermediate surgical specialties that students are exposed to the first clinical rotation. Emphasis is placed on related surgical anatomy, pathology, and procedures that enhance theoretical knowledge of patient care, instrumentation, supplies, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to correlate, integrate, and apply theoretical knowledge of the course topics to the clinical operative environment.
SUR 122BB. Surgical Procedures I. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.5. Clinical-0.0. Lab-1.5. Work-0.0
This course provides an introduction to selected basic and intermediate surgical specialties that students are exposed to the first clinical rotation. Emphasis is placed on related surgical anatomy, pathology, and procedures that enhance theoretical knowledge of patient care, instrumentation, supplies, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to correlate, integrate, and apply theoretical knowledge of the course topics to the clinical operative environment.
SUR 123BB. Sur Clinical Practice I. 3.5 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-10.5. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides clinical experience with a variety of perioperative assignments to build upon skills learned in SUR 111. Emphasis is placed on the scrub and circulating roles of the surgical technologist including aseptic technique and basic case preparation for selected surgical procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare, assist with, and dismantle basic surgical cases in both the scrub and circulating roles.
SUR 123AB. Sur Clinical Practice I. 3.5 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-10.5. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides clinical experience with a variety of perioperative assignments to build upon skills learned in SUR 111. Emphasis is placed on the scrub and circulating roles of the surgical technologist including aseptic technique and basic case preparation for selected surgical procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare, assist with, and dismantle basic surgical cases in both the scrub and circulating roles.
SUR 123. Sur Clinical Practice I. 7.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-21.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides clinical experience with a variety of perioperative assignments to build upon skills learned in SUR 111. Emphasis is placed on the scrub and circulating roles of the surgical technologist including aseptic technique and basic case preparation for selected surgical procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare, assist with, and dismantle basic surgical cases in both the scrub and circulating roles.
SUR 134. Surgical Procedures II. 5.0 Credits. Class-5.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides a comprehensive study of intermediate and advanced surgical specialties that students are exposed to in the second clinical rotation. Emphasis is placed on related surgical anatomy, pathology, and procedures that enhance theoretical knowledge of patient care, instrumentation, supplies, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to correlate, integrate, and apply theoretical knowledge of the course topics to the clinical operative environment.
SUR 135. SUR Clinical Practice II. 4.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-12.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides clinical experience with a variety of perioperative assignments to build skills required for complex perioperative patient care. Emphasis is placed on greater technical skills, critical thinking, speed, efficiency, and autonomy in the operative setting. Upon completion, students should be able to function in the role of an entry-level surgical technologist.
SUR 137. Professional Success Preparation. 1.0 Credit. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides employability skills and an overview of theoretical knowledge in preparation for certification. Topics include test-taking strategies, resume preparation, interviewing strategies, communication skills, and teamwork concepts. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare a resume, demonstrate appropriate interview techniques, and identify strengths and weaknesses in preparation for certification.
SUR 210. Advanced Sur Clinical Practice. 2.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-6.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course is designed to provide individualized experience in advanced practice, education, circulating, and managerial skills. Emphasis is placed on developing and demonstrating proficiency in skills necessary for advanced practice. Upon completion, students should be able to assume leadership roles in a chosen specialty area.
SUR 211. Advanced Theoretical Concepts. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course covers theoretical knowledge required for extension of the surgical technologist role. Emphasis is placed on advanced practice in complex surgical specialties, educational methodologies, and managerial skills. Upon completion, students should be able to assume leadership roles in a chosen specialty area.
SUR 212. Surgical Clinical Supplement. 4.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-12.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides the opportunity to continue mastering the continuity of care in the peri-operative assignment. Emphasis is placed on maintaining and enhancing acquired clinical skills in the peri-operative setting. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate mastery of surgical techniques in the role of the entry level surgical technologist.