A surgical technologist is an allied health professional who works as a sterile member of the surgical team to ensure the smooth and efficient running of an operating room under the guidance of the surgeon. Duties include preparing the operating room and equipment, assisting surgeons during operations by providing sterile instruments and supplies, and maintaining a sterile environment to prevent infection. To become a surgical technologist, you typically complete a formal education program and may seek national certification to improve career opportunities. Please note that states require certification for employment as a surgical technologist.

Duties

• Preparation: Prepare the operating room for surgery by checking equipment to ensure adequate supplies are available and setting up instruments using sterile techniques.
• Patient Care: Prepare patients for surgery by safely positioning them and disinfecting the incision sites.
• Intraoperative Assistance: Assist the surgeon, as a part of the sterile team, during the procedure by anticipating their needs and passing the correct instruments and other sterile supplies.
• Patient Safety: Maintain a sterile environment and count supplies, such as surgical instruments, to ensure nothing is left inside the patient.
• Post-operative Care: Help with post-operative cleanup and turnover of the operating room to prepare for the next surgical procedure

The Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program at South College is designed to be completed in six quarters, which is approximately 18 months for full-time students. The curriculum includes general education and specialized courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, as well as major courses in the discipline.

• Program Length: Six quarters (approximately 18 months) for full-time students.
• Degree: Associate of Science.
• Total Credits: 98.5 total quarter credit hours.
• Certification: Students will sit for the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national exam during the final quarter of the program.

Yes, surgical technology students at South College are required to wear scrubs, though the specific color may vary by campus. You will need to purchase the designated scrubs and a program patch.

Specifics for South College

• Mandatory Attire:

You will have to wear scrubs for classes and clinical rotations, as it is a standard requirement for professionalism and aseptic technique in the field.

Other important considerations

• Aseptic Technique:

Wearing scrubs, closed toed shoes, the removal of all jewelry, false eyelashes, acrylic nails and polish is essential for preventing infection and the spread of contaminants from the outside world into the operating room. These rules will apply to students while attending lab courses within the program.

• Professionalism:

Your dress code, behavior, and ability to work as a team are a reflection of your future profession, so it’s important to follow the specific rules for your program.

• Attendance:

Surgical technology is a hands-on, foundational skills-based profession that requires students to fully engage in lab and clinical experiences. Attendance is critical to success in the program.

• Best Practice:

It is advisable to check with your specific program advisor or instructor for the most current and detailed dress code information before purchasing scrubs or footwear and to ensure you meet the requirements for your cohort, lab expectations, and clinical sites.

No, a surgical tech is not a nurse.  A Surgical Technologist is an allied health professional with a more technical, procedure-focused role, while a nurse is a licensed medical professional with a broader scope of practice that includes direct patient care and a wider range of duties. The fundamental difference is that surgical technologists are trained extensively on aseptic technique required in the operating room, while nurses have a formal nursing education and licensure that allows them to perform tasks like administering medication, assessing patients, and developing care plans.

No, surgical technologists do not only work in hospitals; while hospitals employ the majority, they also work in outpatient surgery centers, physician’s offices, and even dental offices. These alternative settings allow for opportunities in more specialized areas, and they may offer more regular hours than in a hospital environment.

Alternative work environments for surgical techs:

• Outpatient Care Centers:

Also known as ambulatory surgery centers, these facilities perform procedures outside of a traditional hospital setting, often during regular business hours, with minimum call required of the surgical team.

• Physician’s and Dentist’s Offices:

Many offices, including specialists like plastic surgeons or oral surgeons, have their own surgical suites for in-office procedures.

• Private Surgical Practices:

Some surgeons hire their own surgical technologists within private practices, where surgical technologists can gain expertise in a specific area, such as flexible endoscopy.

• Organ and Tissue Donation Banks:

These are areas where surgical technologists may find employment.

• Sterile Processing Departments:

This department decontaminates and sterilizes surgical instrumentation and equipment for the operating room. Surgical technologists are often utilized in this department as employees.

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