Surgical instruments are specially designed stainless steel tools that assist. Sharp edges or tips to cut through skin, tissue and suture material. Study the book's pictures and descriptions as you would any textbook. Study the tools themselves. There is no substitute for learning by actually handling the surgical instruments. Through your school, request access to where surgical instruments are stored to quiz yourself on their names (keep your catalog or textbook handy for reference).
Program Overview
The Surgical Technologist functions as a sterile team member whose primary focus is anticipating and assisting the surgeon in every surgical procedure with a goal of enabling patients to return to their best possible state of health. Surgical Technologists's are knowledgeable in aseptic techniques and the use of various surgical instruments, supplies and equipment.
Surgical Technologist's typically perform the following duties:
Surgical Technologist's typically perform the following duties:
- Prepare operating rooms for surgery
- Maintain a sterile environment during surgery
- Use Universal Precautions at all times while in the surgery suite
- Assist surgeons during surgery by passing and/or retracting instruments and other sterile supplies
- Adhere to hospital policy and procedure as it relates to sterilization and decontamination.
The Surgical Technology Program is a 14 month full-time commitment of combined clinical and didactic education. Through a selective admission process, classes are admitted each year in January and August. Upon completion of the program, the student will be qualified to sit for the national certification examination administered by theNational Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Accreditation
The Surgical Technology Certificate program is accredited by:
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Fax: (727) 210-2354
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Fax: (727) 210-2354
This accreditation allows program graduates to apply for the certification examination administered by the National Board on Surgical Technology/Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Program Mission
The mission of the Surgical Technology Program is to provide a learning centered environment and comprehensive education to students from diverse backgrounds to attain their educational career and personal goals, to think critically, to demonstrate leadership, and to be productive and responsible citizens in the allied health/medical community.
Employment Opportunities
Employment may be obtained in hospitals, surgery centers, physician offices, sterile processing and surgical sales.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition.
Program Effectiveness Data (2017-2019)
Year | Pass Rate for National CST Exam | Graduation Rate | Employment Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | 100% | 61% | 100% |
2018 | 96% | 82% | 95% |
2017 | 97% | 83% | 100% |
Learning the different surgical instruments is one of the most important yet challenging areas of study for students. Surgical technicians, also called operating room technicians, must be able to identify all instruments that may be required during a procedure.
Because surgical techs work as part of a surgery team, they must be able to think clearly in emergency situations as well as know how to handle hundreds of different instruments properly and quickly. Therefore, knowing each instrument and anticipating what it is the doctor performing the surgery will need next helps streamline the surgical procedure.
Thankfully there are few helpful apps to help prospective surgical technicians learn the equipment necessary to successfully assist nurses and surgeons during an actual surgery.
- Touch Surgery: This app is an interactive mobile surgical simulator that guides you step-by-step through every part of an operation. Although primarily designed for surgeons, this app can help surgical techs learn how to assist surgeons in the operating room.
- Surgical Instrument: This app features a search area for the most commonly used instruments in surgery with an added game format to identify instruments.
- General Surgery Matching Trivia App: The objective of this app is to correctly match the items on the screen in a limited amount of time within several surgical categories.
- Human Anatomy!: The Human Anatomy application is a quick reference app that contains the information of nineteen different biological systems.
- Medical Terminology and Abbreviations: This app has over 1,000 terms and abbreviations available and makes it easy to quickly learn and understand complex medical terminology.
- Medscape: Physicians, medical students, nurses, and other healthcare professionals should download this app to find accurate clinical answers.
- MedicalRadio: This app delivers world class medical education and information to help healthcare professionals learn about developments in clinical research, treatment advances, expert opinions, and patient care strategies.
This list is just a sample of the many useful apps available to medical professionals. For prospective surgical technicians or practicing surgical technicians, learning as much as possible about the craft will keep you focused towards your goals and increase your job success.