CLUSTERHealth Science Education
CONCENTRATIONSurgical Technologist
WEVIS CODEHE0782
National Consortium for Health Science EducationHealth Care Standards
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management
Sample of reported job titles upon completion of the Surgical Technologist Specialization:
Central Supply Technician, Central Services Technician, Surgical Technician, Surgical Technologist
Sample of reported job titles upon completion of additional education:First Assist in OR, Endoscopic Technologist
INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS
Certified Central Supply Technician, Certified Surgical Technician, Certified Surgical Technologist, Central Services Technician (Sterile Processing and Materials Management), CPR/AED Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens Training: Preventing Disease Transmission
RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITE
0714Introduction to Health Care
REQUIRED COURSES
Note: A minimum course completion score of 80% is required for progression to next course.
WVEIS CodeCourse
0651 Core Requirements for the Surgical Technologist
0652 Concepts and the Surgical Technologist
0653 Patient Care Concepts and Surgical Technology Clinical
0654 Operating Room Policy and Surgical Procedures
0655 Operating Room Policy and Surgical Procedures Clinical
0656 Introduction to Central Supply and Employability Skills
ELECTIVE COURSE
1060Essentials of Addiction and Prevention
SKILL SETS
Career Preparation Skills
Safety Practices
Leadership Development
Patient/Client Customer Service
Literacy and Numeracy
Academic Foundation
Technical Skills
Skill sets for Career Preparation Skills, Safety, Leadership Development and Patient/Client Customer Service should be integrated throughout the concentration as remaining skill sets are delivered.
Skill Set / Career Preparation SkillsKnowledge Objectives
HE.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- career paths.
- goal development and achievement.
- attitudes and work habits that support career retention and advancement.
- personal qualities and abilities needed to be effective with children.
- communication in varied contexts.
Performance Objectives
HE.2
HE.3
HE.4
HE.5
HE.6
HE.7
HE.8
HE.9
HE.10 / Students will
- relate skills and abilities to possible career pathways.
- explain methods of goal development.
- discuss methods of time management and task coordination.
- practice professionalism in punctuality, appropriate dress, task completion, etc.
- investigate methods of supervision such as giving and receiving feedback and instruction.
- develop and present a statement of their personal work ethic beliefs.
- prepare an application, cover letter, resume and thank you letter.
- create a personal portfolio for use when applying for employment.
- practice simulated job interviews.
Skill Set / Safety Practices
Knowledge Objectives
HE.11 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- infection control.
- controlling the growth and spread of microorganisms.
Performance Objectives
HE.12
HE.13
HE.14 / Students will
- explain principles of infection control.
- perform hand washing according to Centers for Disease Control regulations.
- don and remove non-sterile gloves.
Skill Set / Leadership Development
Knowledge Objectives
HE.15 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- public speaking.
- parliamentary law.
- leadership concepts.
- characteristics of effective teams and organizations.
Performance Objectives / Students will
HE.16
HE.17
HE.18
HE.19
HE.20 /
- develop and deliver speeches.
- participate in meetings using parliamentary procedure.
- attend leadership conferences and training (local, state and/or national).
- volunteer in community service opportunities.
- participate in career development events.
Skill Set / Patient/Client Customer Service
Knowledge Objectives
HE.21 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- customer service.
- patient/client satisfaction.
- patient/client needs assessment.
- quality for services.
Performance Objectives
HE.22
HE.23
HE.24
HE.25
HE.26
HE.27
HE.28
HE.29
HE.30
HE.31
HE.32
HE.33 / Students will
- demonstrate respectful and empathetic treatment of all patients/clients.
- hearand work to resolve complaints from patients/clients or the public.
- check completed work for spelling, punctuation and format.
- greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
- answer inquiries pertaining to patient/client care policies and services and work to resolve patient/client complaints.
- measure and assess patient/client and employee satisfaction.
- confer with patients/clients by telephone or in person to provide information about health care or services, take orders from superiors, obtain details of complaints and forward to instructor/supervisor.
- keep records of patient/client interactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints or comments, as well as actions taken per health care institution guidelines.
- check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to work toward resolvingpatient/client problems.
- describe points of patient/client safety and respond to questions.
- investigateand work to resolve complaints regarding food quality, service or patient/client care within your scope of practice.
- identify the characteristics of each health care industry’s target market.
Skill Set / Literacy and Numeracy
Knowledge objectives
HE.34 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- literacy and numeracy skills required to solve complex
- real-world problems associated with their career/technical content area
- improve their thinking and reasoning skills.
Performance Objectives
HE.35
HE.36
HE.37
HE.38 / Students will
- utilize a variety of technical sources (e.g., Internet, manuals, journals, directions, reports, etc.) to complete career/technical assignments and projects
- demonstrate writing skills required to complete career/technical assignments and projects
- demonstrate accuracy in calculating and measuring graphical work required to complete career/technical assignments and projects
- analyze tables, charts, graphs and multiple data sources to complete career/technical assignments and projects
Core Requirements for the Surgical TechnologistWVEIS 0651
Skill Set / Academic FoundationKnowledge Objectives
0651.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- anatomy and physiology.
- medical terminology.
Performance Objectives
0651.2
0651.3
0651.4
0651.5
0651.6
0651.7
0651.8
0651.9
0651.10
0651.11
0651.12
0651.13
0651.14
0651.15
0651.16
0651.17
0651.18 / Students will
- describe the organization of the body.
- describe the chemical basis for life.
- describe cells and tissues.
- describeand structure and function of each of the following body systems.
- integumentary system
- skeletal system
- muscular system
- nervous system
- endocrine system
- cardiovascular system
- respiratory system
- lymphatic system
- immune system
- digestive system
- metabolism
- urinary system
- reproductive system
- male
- female
- special senses
- eyes
- ears
- analyze blood as a system of the body.
- identify and apply terms associated with the systems of the human body.
- utilize medical terminology related to surgery.
- apply medical terms in relation to the human body in health and disease.
- apply medical terminology related to commondiagnostic procedures and pharmacology.
- recognize, define and pronounce the terms associated with basic examination procedures.
- identify and describe the basic examination positions.
- describe the four vital signs recorded for most patients.
- recognize, define and pronounce terms associated with frequently performed blood and urinalysis laboratory tests.
- recognize, define and pronounce terms associated with radiography and other techniques.
- differentiate between projection and position in relation to radiography.
- describe basic radiographic projections.
- analyze unfamiliar medical terms using your knowledge of word parts.
Skill Set / Leadership Development
Knowledge Objectives
0651.19 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- surgical technologyprogram requirements.
Performance Objectives
0651.20
0651.21
0651.22
0651.23
0651.24
0651.25
0651.26
0651.27
0651.28
0651.29
0651.30
0651.31
0651.32
0651.33
0651.34
0651.35
0651.36
0651.37
0651.38
0651.39 / Students will
- discussphilosophy, rules and regulations consistent with the technology center, surgical technology career major.
- apply safety principles to provide a safe physical environment and prevent occupational hazards for self and others.
- explore individual learning styles.
- demonstrate knowledge of basic computer components and programs.
- classify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team.
- summarize basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. courtesy and self-introductions).
- apply employability skills in healthcare.
- exemplify professional characteristics.
- apply concepts of effective communication techniques.
- engage in continuous self-assessment and career goal modification for personal and professional growth.
- compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services, or biotechnology researchand development).
- recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential.
- develop components of a personal portfolio.
- demonstrate process for obtaining employment.
- list areas of employment for a surgical technologist.
- identify various functions of professional organizations and relate their significance to the field of surgical technology.
- identify the roles and responsibilities of each team member in the operating room.
- explain the importance of credentialing in the field of surgical technology.
- define legal and ethical responsibilities of the surgical technologist.
- define the scope of practice for the surgical technologist.
Concepts and the Surgical TechnologistWVEIS 0652
Skill Set / Academic FoundationKnowledge Objectives
0652.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- surgical instrumentation and equipment.
- materials management.
- essentials of surgical asepsis.
Performance Objectives
0652.2
0652.3
0652.4
0652.5
0652.6
0652.7
0652.8
0652.9
0652.10
0652.11
0652.12
0652.13
0652.14
0652.15
0652.16
0652.17
0652.18
0652.19
0652.20
0652.21
0652.22
0652.23
0652.24
0652.25
0652.26
0652.27 / Students will
- identify the various types of materials used in the manufacturing of instrumentation.
- distinguish between basic categories of instrumentation.
- explain how instruments are inspected for signs of improper functioning.
- describe the care and handling of powered equipment.
- differentiate between rigid and flexible endoscopes.
- distinguish between the different types of endoscopes.
- describe the care and handling of various endoscopes.
- distinguish between manual and automated asset management systems.
- describe the process involved in outsourcing equipment and technology.
- identify agencies involved in regulating equipment management.
- explain the process involved in product evaluation.
- briefly describe principles utilized that aid in low acquisition costs.
- identify various methods used for inventory management.
- describe the process involved in materials distribution.
- relate the principles of quality management as it applies to customer service.
- discuss the principles of aseptic technique.
- demonstrate the principles of aseptic technique in scrubbing, gowning and gloving.
- distinguish between sterilization, disinfection and asepsis.
- identify the variables related to the sterilization process.
- demonstrate decontamination and cleaning of instruments.
- demonstrate various methods for packaging and loading items for sterilization.
- select appropriate sterilization methods for specific items.
- differentiate between the methods of monitoring the sterilization process.
- demonstrate competency in the use of the flash sterilizer and the Steris sterilizer.
- discuss the use of the steam autoclave and the Sterad sterilizer.
- differentiate between concurrent and terminal disinfection.
Skill Set / Technical Skills
Knowledge Objectives
0652.28 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- surgical technology practices.
Performance Objectives
0652.29
0652.30
0652.31
0652.32
0652.33
0652.34 / Students will
- demonstrate knowledge of surgical conscience.
- identify the roles of the surgical team members in the clinical and/or lab setting.
- differentiate between types of sterilization and disinfection methods.
- demonstrate central sterile processing techniques in the healthcare setting.
- adhere to Standard Precautions in decontamination of instruments and equipment.
- adhere to Standard Precautions in decontamination of
instruments and equipment.
Patient Care Concepts and Surgical Technology ClinicalWVEIS 0653
Skill Set / Academic FoundationKnowledge Objectives
0653.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- care of the surgical patient.
- pharmacology for the surgical technologist.
- microbiology and wound healing.
Performance Objectives
0653.2
0653.3
0653.4
0653.5
0653.6
0653.7
0653.8
0653.9
0653.10
0653.11
0653.12
0653.13
0653.14
0653.15
0653.16
0653.17
0653.18
0653.19
0653.20
0653.21
0653.22
0653.23
0653.24
0653.25
0653.26
0653.27
0653.28
0653.29
0653.30
0653.31
0653.32
0653.33
0653.34 / Students will
- identify the purposes of pre-operative routine.
- demonstrate skill in transporting patients safely including the use of wheelchair, gurney,Isolette and hospital bed.
- distinguish between acute and chronic conditions.
- discuss characteristics of patients with special or complex needs.
- identify basic surgical positions and their variations.
- distinguish between types of equipment used inpatient positioning.
- identify antiseptic agents used for surgical skin preparation.
- demonstrate surgical skin preparation used for common surgical sites.
- list types of surgical specimens.
- demonstrate care and handling of specimens on and off the sterile field.
- demonstrate urinary catheterization.
- demonstrate the ability to obtain baseline vital signs.
- demonstratethe use of basic mathematic skills.
- identify commonly used drugs in surgery, their actions,indications and side effects.
- describe different types of anesthesia monitoring devices utilized in order to maintain homeostasis.
- compare methods, agents and techniques of anesthesia administration.
- discuss characteristics of iv solutions, blood replacements, blood components and blood substitutes.
- demonstrate the receiving and handling of pharmacological agents on the sterile field.
- explain anesthesia complications and interventions.
- demonstrate ability to utilize the metric system of conversion.
- identify classifications of microorganisms and the diseases specific to each.
- identify structures and characteristics of different microorganisms.
- correlate the impact of microbiology in relationship to the practice of sterile technique and infection control in the operative setting.
- analyze the various immune responses that occur in the body as defenses to invasions by pathogens.
- distinguish among the phases of wound healing.
- describe factors that present possible complications to wound healing processes.
- correlate the impact of the infection process to surgical procedures.
- discussanatomy, physiology and pathology of each core procedure.
- analyze the diagnostic and surgical interventions related to each core procedure.
- demonstrate the selection of supplies, equipment and instrumentation for each core procedure.
- identify incisions used for each core procedure.
- demonstrate the steps for each core procedure.
- discussthe post-operative complications of each core procedure.
Skill Set / Technical Skills
Knowledge Objectives
0653.35 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- surgical technology practices.
Performance Objectives
0653.36
0653.37
0653.38
0653.39
0653.40
0653.41
0653.42
0653.43
0653.44 / Students will
- demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills.
- demonstrate knowledge of responsibility toward the learning experience.
- demonstrate an understanding of surgical conscience and the role of the surgical technologist.
- demonstrate the need for preoperative planning and individualized preparation for each core surgical intervention.
- demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences related to core surgical procedures.
- demonstrate knowledge of specific skills necessary to function safely and effectively as a surgical technologist during core surgical procedures with assistance.
- demonstrate skills of accurate counts in core procedures with assistance.
- demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities as applied to the surgical technologist's role.
- employ consistent post-procedural decontamination and preparation for subsequent patient care.
Operating Room Policy and Surgical Procedures WVEIS 0654
Skill Set / Academic FoundationKnowledge Objectives
0654.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- the concepts related to each of the following surgical procedures: neurosurgery, cardiothoracic, peripheral vascular, oral, maxilofacial, plastic and opthalmic surgery.
- biomedical science related to surgery.
Performance Objectives
0654.2
0654.3
0654.4
0654.5
0654.6
0654.7
0654.8
0654.9
0654.10
0654.11
0654.12
0654.13
0654.14
0654.15
0654.16
0654.17
0654.18
0654.19 / Students will
- discuss anatomy, physiology and pathology of each specialty procedure.
- analyze the diagnostic and surgical interventions related to each specialty procedure.
- demonstrate the selection of supplies, equipment and instrumentation for each specialty procedure.
- identify incisions used for each specialty procedure.
- demonstrate the steps for each specialty procedure.
- discuss the post-operative complications of each specialty procedure.
- define electricity.
- identify terms relating to electricity and electrical flow.
- identify the basic principle of electrical flow.
- identify the types of electrical current.
- identify the components of an electrical receptacle.
- define the terms related to physics.
- apply the principles of physics to the safe patient care in the operating room.
- discuss the basic concepts related to robotics.
- describe the concepts of geometry that are used in the design of surgical robots.
- identify the basic mechanical components of the robotic system.
- list the clinical applications of robotics in the operating room.
- apply the principles of robotics to safe patient care in the operating room.
Skill Set / Technical Skills
Knowledge Objectives
0654.20 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- surgical technology practicum requirements.
Performance Objectives
0654.21
0654.22
0654.23
0654.24
0654.25
0654.26
0654.27
0654.28
0654.29 / Students will
- demonstrate criticalthinking and problem solving skills.
- demonstrateindependence and responsibility for learning.
- differentiate roles and responsibilities within the surgical technologist’s scope of practice.
- demonstrate pre-operative planning and individualized preparation for surgical intervention during specialty procedures.
- demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences related to specialty surgical procedures.
- demonstrate knowledge of the specific skills necessary during specialty procedures with proficiency.
- demonstratedocumentation of accurate counts in specialty procedures with proficiency.
- adhere to legal and ethical responsibilities as applied to the surgical technologist’s role.
- employ consistent post-procedural decontamination and preparation for subsequent patient care.
Operating Room Policy and Surgical Procedures ClinicalWVEIS 0655
Skill Set / Technical SkillsKnowledge Objectives
0655.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
- pre-operative preparation.
- intra-operative procedures.
- post-operative procedures.
- administrative and personnel duties.
- equipment sterilization and maintenance.
- critical thinking.
Performance Objectives
0655.2
0655.3
0655.4
0655.5
0655.6
0655.7
0655.8
0655.9
0655.10
0655.11
0655.12
0655.13
0655.14
0655.15
0655.16
0655.17
0655.18
0655.19
0655.20
0655.21
0655.22
0655.23
0655.24
0655.25
0655.26
0655.27
0655.28
0655.29
0655.30
0655.31
0655.32
0655.33
0655.34
0655.35
0655.36
0655.37
0655.38
0655.39
0655.40
0655.41
0655.42
0655.43
0655.44
0655.45
0655.46
0655.47
0655.48
0655.49
0655.50
0655.51
0655.52
0655.53
0655.54
0655.55
0655.56
0655.57
0655.58
0655.59
0655.60
0655.61
0655.62
0655.63
0655.64
0655.65
0655.66
0655.67
0655.68
0655.69
0655.70
0655.71
0655.72
0655.73
0655.74
0655.75
0655.76
0655.77
0655.78
0655.79
0655.80
0655.81
0655.82
0655.83
0655.84
0655.85
0655.86 / Students will
- identifysurgeon’s preference card.
- verify availability of surgery equipment(e.g., reserve equipment for surgery).
- prepare and maintain operating room environment according to surgical procedure (e.g., temperature, lights, suction and furniture).
- review chart (identify and check laboratory results are within normal limits, physician orders, operative consent, allergies, and history and physical).
- obtain and apply additional equipment (e.g., pneumatic tourniquet, sequential compression devices, thermoregulatory devices).
- prepare skin for surgery. (e.g., hair removal, surgical preparation).
- transfer patient to operating room table.
- position the patient.
- drape the patient.
- obtain instruments, supplies, and equipment and verify readiness for surgery.
- check package integrity of sterile supplies.
- don personal protective equipment.
- open sterile supplies while maintaining sterile technique.
- perform surgical hand scrub, gowning and gloving.
- assemble, inspect and set up sterile instruments and supplies for surgical procedures.
- gown and glove sterile team members.
- verify identity of patient and operative site (time out).
- obtain, assemble and test positioning equipment.
- apply patient safety measures (e.g., safety strap,elbow protectors, gel pads).
- apply patient monitoring devices.
- consider the needs of special patient populations (e.g., pediatric, geriatric, immune compromised).
- provide intra-operative assistance under the direction of the surgeon.
- count instrument pre- and intra-operatively with circulator.
- identify instruments by:
b) application.
c) classification.
- count sponges and sharps pre- and intra-operatively with circulator.
- anticipate the steps of surgical procedures.
- differentiate among the various methods and applications of hemostasis (e.g., mechanical, thermal, chemical).
- specify methods of operative exposure.
- place and secure retractors.
- verifywith surgeon the correct type and/or size of implantable devices.
- pass instruments and supplies during surgery.
- irrigate, suction, and sponge operative site.
- monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout the procedure.
- assemble, test and operate specialty equipment during surgery.
- utilize the following specialty equipment:
- argon beam coagulators
- computer navigation systems
- thermal ablation
- robotic technology
- laser technology
- ultrasound technology (e.g., harmonic scalpel, phacoemulsification)
- endoscopic technology
- verify and label medications and solutions at the sterile field.
- mix medications and solutions at the sterile field.
- calculate and report the amount of medications and solutions used.
- monitor and maintain adequate supplies and solutions.
- prepare drains, catheters and tubing for insertion.
- verify, prepare and label specimen(s).
- observe patient’s intra-operative status (e.g., monitor color of blood, onset of blood loss, monitor position of patient during procedure).
- apply thermal surgical techniques and safety precautions as directed by the surgeon (e.g.,cryo-surgery, laser surgery, ESU).
- prepare suture materials.
- cut suture material as directed.
- identify appropriate usage of sutures/needles and stapling devices.
- provide assistance with internal stapling devices.
- provide assistance with stapling skin tissue.
- performappropriate actions during an emergency.
- initiate preventative and/or corrective actions in potentially hazardous situations.
- perform video recording and/or still photography or procedures (e.g., endoscopic).
- connect and activate drains to suction apparatus.
- prepare and apply sterile dressing.
- assist in the placement of wound drainage systems.
- apply casts, splints, braces and similar devices.
- evaluate patient immediately post-operative and report findings (e.g., bleeding at surgical site, hematoma).
- transfer patient from operating table to stretcher.
- remove drapes from patient.
- perform room clean up after surgery.
- dispose of contaminated waste and drapes after surgery in compliance with Standard Precautions.
- dispose of contaminated sharps after surgery in compliance with Standard Precautions.
- returnunused supplies and equipment to designated location.
- prepare instruments for decontamination and sterilization.
- revise surgeon’s preference card as necessary.
- utilize computer technology for:
- surgeon’s preference cards.
- interdepartmental communication.
- continuing education.
- research.
- follow disaster plan protocol.
- recognize safety and environmental hazards (e.g., fire, chemical spill, laser smoke).
- follow proper cost containment processes.
- apply ethical and legal practices related to surgical patient care.
- use interpersonal skills (e.g., listening, diplomacy, responsiveness) and group dynamics.
- understand the importance of cultural diversity.
- operate sterilizing devices according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
- troubleshoot equipment malfunctions.
- decontaminate and clean instruments and equipment.
- inspect, test and assemble instruments and equipment.
- package and sterilize instruments and equipment.
- perform quality assurance functions (e.g., biological monitoring of sterilization methods).
- maintain equipment records and logs (e.g., STERIS, attest, laser log, steam sterilizers).
- use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations.
- demonstrate knowledge of the following anatomical systems as they relate to the surgical procedure:
- cardiovascular
- digestive
- endocrine
- integumentary
- lymphatic
- muscular
- nervous
- peripheral vascular
- reproductive
- respiratory
- sensory
- skeletal
- urinary
- demonstrate knowledge of human physiology as it relates to the surgical procedure for the following systems:
- cardiovascular
- digestive
- endocrine
- integumentary
- lymphatic
- muscular
- nervous
- peripheral vascular
- reproductive
- respiratory
- sensory
- skeletal
- urinary
- identify the following surgical pathologies:
- abnormal anatomy
- disease processes
- fractures
- malignancies
- apply the following principles of surgical microbiology to operative practice:
- classification and pathogenesis of microorganisms
- factors influencing wound healing (e.g., condition of patient,
- infection control procedures (e.g., aseptic technique)
- principles of tissue handling (e.g., Halsted principles, tissue manipulation methods, traction/counter traction)
- stages of, and factors influencing wound healing
- surgical wound classification
- identify and address factors that can influence an infectious process.
- apply the following principles of surgical pharmacology to operative practice:
- anesthesia related agents and medications
- blood and fluid replacement
- complications from drug interactions (e.g., malignant hyperthermia)
- methods of anesthesia administration (e.g., general, local, block)
- types, uses, action, and interactions of drugs and solutions (e.g., hemostatic agents, antibiotics, iv solutions)
- weights, measures, and conversions
Introduction to Central Supply and Employability SkillsWVEIS 0656