Surgical Technology and Surgical Technology First Assistant Certificate (ST & STFAC)
Surgical Technology (ST)
The Surgical Technology associate's degree program focuses on the scrub role during general and specialty surgical procedures. The surgical technologist provides patient care before, during, and after surgery.
Responsibilities of the surgical technologist include preparing operative equipment and supplies, providing instrumentation during operative procedures, and other intra-operative patient care activities. Surgical technologists also share circulating tasks (responsibilities that may require patient interaction) with nurses.
Students develop skills through integrated theory and practice in the classroom and simulated laboratory practice, and through clinical experiences in hospital and/or ambulatory surgery operating rooms.
The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 110, Littleton, CO, 80120-8031. Websites: www.caahep.org | www.arcstsa.org.
For more information, please contact the Health and Public Safety Division at (513) 569-1670.
To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.
Surgical Technology First Assistant Certificate (STFAC)
First assistants and surgical assistants provide aid to help surgeons conduct a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intra-operative duties, surgical assistants perform pre-operative and post-operative duties to facilitate proper patient care.
The Surgical Technology First Assistant certificate encompasses the basic elements of first assisting. Most of the courses are delivered online. However, some courses include simulated laboratory experiences on campus.
To be admitted to the certificate program, students must have a minimum of an associate’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with completion of basic college-level science courses within the past seven years. In addition, prospective students must be certified as a Surgical Technologist (CST); must have three years full-time scrub and/or assisting experience within the last seven years; and must provide proof of current CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers, liability insurance, and updated immunizations.
For more information, please contact the Health and Public Safety Division at (513) 569-1670.
To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.
Surgical Technology (ST)
Program prerequisites: Students seeking admission to the Surgical Technology program must complete specific requirements. After completing Semester 1 of Year 1, students should apply for selective enrollment into the Surgical Technology program. Year 2 courses will begin in Fall Semester. Students should meet with their academic advisor to discuss eligibility and deadlines for selective enrollment.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
| BIO 151 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 ( B) | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| MAT 105 | Quantitative Reasoning ( G) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| ST 100 | Introduction to Surgical Technology ( T) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B) | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| After completing Year 1, Semester 1 courses, apply for Selective Enrollment into the ST program. | ||||
| Second Year | ||||
| Semester 1 | ||||
| BIO 152 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 ( B) | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| BIO 220 | Microbiology ( G) | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| ST 101 | Surgical Foundations and Procedures 1 ( T) | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| ST 111 | Surgical Principles and Practice 1 ( B) | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| PST 135 | Disaster Preparedness for Healthcare Workers ( B) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ST 102 | Surgical Foundations and Procedures 2 ( T) | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| ST 112 | Surgical Principles and Practice 2 ( B) | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| ST 181 | Surgical Technology Clinical Skills Application 1 ( T) | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| COMM 105 | Interpersonal Communication ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ST 201 | Advanced Surgical Procedures 1 ( T) | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ST 182 | Surgical Technology Clinical Skills Application 2 ( T) | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Third Year | ||||
| Semester 1 | ||||
| ENG 105 | English Composition 2: Business Communication ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ST 202 | Advanced Surgical Procedures 2 ( T) | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| ST 281 | Surgical Technology Clinical Directed Practice 1 ( T) | 1 | 24 | 5 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| ST 282 | Surgical Technology Clinical Directed Practice 2 ( T) | 1 | 24 | 5 |
| Total Credits: | 48 | 72 | 65 | |
Electives
| First Year Experience Elective | ||
| FYE 100 | College Survival Skills | 1 |
| FYE 105 | College Success Strategies | 2 |
| FYE 110 | Community College Experience | 3 |
The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum.
G = General Education course in this curriculum
B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum
T = Technical course in this curriculum
Surgical Technology First Assistant Certificate (STFA)
Program Prerequisites: Associate’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; certified as a Surgical Technologist, with three years full-time scrub and/or assisting experience within the last five years; CPR/BLS certified; and courses BIO 220 Microbiology, BIO 240 Pathophysiology, IM 100 Computer Literacy, and MCH 101 Medical Terminology 1.
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PST 135 | Disaster Preparedness for Healthcare Workers | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| STFA 150 | Perioperative Bioscience | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| STFA 155 | Principles of First Assisting | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| STFA 161 | Surgical Specialties 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| STFA 181 | First Assisting Clinical 1 | 1 | 12 | 2 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| STFA 162 | Surgical Specialties 2 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| STFA 182 | First Assisting Clinical 2 | 1 | 12 | 2 |
| Total Credits: | 23 | 27 | 26 | |
Surgical Technology (ST)
- Demonstrate basic skills and knowledge essential for the various roles of a Surgical Technologist.
- Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities associated with the care of the surgical patient.
- Establish and maintain a safe surgical environment by correctly applying principles of asepsis.
- Perform the scrub role for basic surgical procedures.
- Prepare to advance into more complex specialty surgical procedures by reinforcement of scrub skills.
- Demonstrate professionalism, communication, and social skills consistent with their role as Surgical Technologists.
- Graduates will be prepared for employment as a Surgical Technologist.
- Graduates will demonstrate readiness to complete the National Certification Examination and obtain the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) designation.
STFA Courses
STFA 150 Perioperative Bioscience
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on concepts of perioperative bioscience. Topics include: advanced microbiology and pathology, surgical pharmacology, and anesthesia management.
Prerequisites: Admitted to the STFA Certificate Program
Instructor Consent Required
STFA 155 Principles of First Assisting
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.
A course on the history and role of the first assistant. Topics include: performing perioperative functions; moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities; surgical interventions for specific patient groups; complications and surgical emergencies; and career options.
Prerequisites: Admitted to STFA Certificate Program
Instructor Consent Required
STFA 161 Surgical Specialties 1
7 Credits. 7 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on the first assistant's role in a variety of surgical procedures. Topics include: general surgery; endoscopic procedures; and gynecological, obstetrical, genitourinary, plastic/reconstructive, otorhinolaryngologic, and pediatric procedures.
Prerequisites: STFA 150, STFA 155 (minimum grade C for both)
STFA 162 Surgical Specialties 2
7 Credits. 7 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A continuation of STFA 161. Topics include: orthopedic, ophthalmic, neurosurgical, perivascular, thoracic, cardiac, and pediatric surgical procedures.
Prerequisites: STFA 161 (minimum grade C)
STFA 181 First Assisting Clinical 1
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 12 Lab Hours.
Students complete an individualized clinical practicum to demonstrate manual and behavioral skills under the preceptorship of a surgeon at a facility of student's choice. Skills application includes: general surgery; and endoscopic, gynecological, obstetrical, genitourinary, plastic/reconstructive, otorhinolaryngologic, and pediatric procedures.
Prerequisites: STFA 150, STFA 155 (minimum grade C for both)
STFA 182 First Assisting Clinical 2
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 12 Lab Hours.
A continuation of STFA 181. Students must complete the required number of procedures, under the supervised preceptorship of a surgeon, in any combination of the following surgical specialties: pediatric, orthopedic, ophthalmic, neurosurgical, perivascular, thoracic, and cardiac surgical procedures.
Prerequisites: STFA 181
STFA 198 First Year Special Topics in Surgical Technology First Assisting
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on selected topics related to Surgical Technology First Assisting, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: None
STFA 199 First Year Independent Project in Surgical Technology First Assisting
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A project related to Surgical Technology First Assisting that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Surgical Technology First Assisting faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section
STFA 298 Second Year Special Topcs in Surgical Technology First Assisting
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on selected topics related to Surgical Technology First Assisting, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: None
STFA 299 Second Year Independent Project in Surgical Technology First Assisting
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A project related to Surgical Technology First Assisting that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Surgical Technology First Assisting faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section
ST Courses
ST 100 Introduction to Surgical Technology
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on the history and development of surgical technology. Topics include: the perioperative environment, surgical instrumentation, the surgical technologist's role and attributes for success, professional organizations, and legal terms related to the profession.
Prerequisites: None
ST 101 Surgical Foundations and Procedures 1
6 Credits. 6 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on concepts and skills for surgical technology. Topics include: professional and workplace management; medical terminology; informatics; patient care; surgical asepsis and infection control; decontamination, disinfection, and reprocessing methods; instrumentation; sterile storage and distribution; basic pharmacology; anesthesia; specimen care; and surgical supplies and equipment.
Prerequisites: Admitted to the ST program through the selective enrollment process, and ST 100 and BIO 151 and MAT 105, and one FYE course (minimum grade C for all), and instructor consent
Instructor Consent Required
ST 102 Surgical Foundations and Procedures 2
6 Credits. 6 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A continuation of ST 101. Topics include: wound classifications; wound healing; tissue approximation; sutures; abdominal incisions; and procedural steps for abdominal wall hernia repairs, and gastrointestinal and accessory organs, breast, gynecological, obstetrical, and plastic/reconstructive surgery.
Prerequisites: BIO 152 and BIO 220 and ST 101 (minimum grade C for all), and ST 111
ST 111 Surgical Principles and Practice 1
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
A course that prepares students to perform assistant circulating skills through activities conducted in a simulated operating room setting on campus.
Prerequisites: Admitted to the ST program through the selective enrollment process, and ST 100 (minimum grade of C), and instructor consent
Instructor Consent Required
ST 112 Surgical Principles and Practice 2
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
A course that prepares students to perform first scrub role skills through activities conducted in a simulated operating room setting on campus.
Prerequisites: ST 101 (minimum grade C), and ST 111
ST 181 Surgical Technology Clinical Skills Application 1
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
Students participate in uncompensated clinical experiences performing beginning-level assistant circulating skills in the operating room of an affiliate hospital, and attend a weekly seminar.
Prerequisites: ST 101 (minimum grade C), and ST 111
ST 182 Surgical Technology Clinical Skills Application 2
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.
A continuation of ST 181. Students perform uncompensated beginning-level scrub skills during assigned operative procedures at an affiliate hospital. Students' skills are evaluated in relation to future employment.
Prerequisites: ST 102 (minimum grade C), and ST 112 and ST 181
ST 198 First Year Special Topics in Surgical Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on selected topics related to Surgical Technology, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: None
ST 199 First Year Independent Project in Surgical Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A project related to Surgical Technology that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Surgical Technology faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section
ST 201 Advanced Surgical Procedures 1
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on specialized surgical procedures. Topics include: otorhinolaryngology procedures including head/neck and oral maxillary surgery; and ophthalmic, genitourinary, and orthopedic surgery.
Prerequisites: ST 102 (minimum grade C), and ST 112 and ST 181
ST 202 Advanced Surgical Procedures 2
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A continuation of ST 201. Topics include: perivascular, thoracic, cardiac, neurology, and transplant surgery, and pediatric procedures.
Prerequisites: ST 201 (minimum grade C), and ST 182
ST 281 Surgical Technology Clinical Directed Practice 1
5 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 24 Lab Hours.
Students demonstrate competency in scrub skills related to general and specialty operative procedures at an assigned affiliate hospital, and attend a weekly seminar on campus.
Prerequisites: ST 201 (minimum grade C), and ST 182
ST 282 Surgical Technology Clinical Directed Practice 2
5 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 24 Lab Hours.
A continuation of ST 281. Students demonstrate competency in scrub skills while performing assigned procedures at an affiliate hospital, and attend a weekly seminar on campus. Students must complete the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification examination as a course requirement.
Prerequisites: ST 202 (minimum grade C), and ST 281
ST 298 Second Year Special Topics in Surgical Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on selected topics related to Surgical Technology, which gives students opportunities to study information not currently covered in other courses. Grades issued are A, B, C, D, or F.
Prerequisites: None
ST 299 Second Year Independent Project in Surgical Technology
1-9 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.
A project related to Surgical Technology that is completed by one or more students to meet specific educational goals. Projects must have prior approval and supervision by Surgical Technology faculty. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Vary by section
Faculty
Program Chair
LaVon Moore, BES, AAS, CST
lavon.moore@cincinnatistate.edu
Advisor
Athealia Bell, EdD
athealia.bell@cincinnatistate.edu