Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists are members of the surgical team working under the supervision and authority of the surgeon within the scope of practice of state law and hospital policy. These surgical team members help prepare the operating room by setting up sterile surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, and medications. They also assist the surgeon in donning PPE as well as transport the patient to the OR, position and drape the patient for the specific procedure, prepare the skin for the procedure, and assist the surgeon as needed during the procedure. This course provides an introduction to the surgical technologist career, role in the operating room, and foundational concepts.

Program Objectives

• Explain the role of the surgical technician in the operating room and as part of the surgical team.
• Use proper medical terminology based in human anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions.
• Explain proper infection control procedures and practices required in patient care and in the sterile surgical environment.
• Identify the surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, materials, and medications used in general and specialized surgical procedures.
• Explain the procedures performed in preparing the patient for a surgical procedure, caring for the patient during a surgical procedure, and caring for the patient after the surgical procedure.
• Explain how to prepare the surgical environment for specific surgical procedures.
• Explain selected surgical procedures including the role of the surgical technologist.
• Discuss the medical laws and ethics related to surgical procedures and the surgical technologist position.
• Explain effective communication and patient care strategies used for a variety of surgical patients including those with special needs.

Certification Opportunities

Students who successfully complete this Columbia College Surgical Technologist Certificate Program may be eligible to sit for the American Allied Health (AAH), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), and the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) national certification exams provided they meet certain requirements which may include hands on scrubs and/or practical experience through either a Clinical Externship and/or Employment Experience. In addition to successfully completing the certification exam, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to maintain certification.

	American Allied Health (AAH) Surgical Technologist Certification
	Tech in Surgery TS-C (NCCT) Certification
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) Certification Requirements: Any student who successfully completed this program either live on-campus or online and are interested in pursuing the NCCT (TS-C) national certification exam must meet the following criteria to achieve certification: Successfully meet all the requirements of the program and be issued a Surgical Technology certificate of completion from Columbia College. Complete a mandatory externship where you are required to complete 125 surgical cases, as verified by the clinical site using NCCT’s Tech in Surgery-Certified Critical Skill Competency/Qualification by Experience Documentation.    Please review the following resources found on the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) website. The Qualification by Experience and Critical Skill Form (TS-C (NCCT) Critical Skill Comp.pdf) outlines the verification of critical skill competency requirements, and the Tech in Surgery Eligibility Criteria Document (TS-C Route.pdf) details the approved pathways to sit for the TS-C exam. When registering for the NCCT TS-C exam, students who successfully complete this program will qualify under the “Graduate Pathway” as described in the Tech in Surgery Eligibility Criteria Document.

Prospective students are advised that Columbia College cannot guarantee that any particular employer will require or accept any certification for employment purposes. Prior to enrolling, students should determine whether certification is needed or sufficient for the type of employment they are seeking.

Ready to Work (RTW) Job and Externship Placement Services

If you enroll and successfully complete this program you will have guaranteed access to our Ready to Work (RTW) Job and Externship Placement Services at no additional cost. Ready to Work (RTW) provides comprehensive career support services including: resume building, employer outreach, and individualized placement guidance.

Our RTW Job Placement Recruiters actively work with employers to place students in local employment opportunities on a daily basis.

However, if you choose the RTW Externship Placement (as opposed to Job Placement), please note the following requirements: *Please Note: You do not have to participate in the Ready to Work (RTW) Job or Externship Placement process to pursue national certifications that may be available once you successfully complete your program.