The Surgical Technology Program at St. Luke's Features the Following Courses

Microbiology

The morphology and function of microorganisms, especially viruses and bacteria, will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on the impact of microorganisms on patients, surgical care, and the surgical technologist's practice. Interactions between the host and the microorganism along with physical and chemical methods of control are discussed.

Medical Terminology

An introduction to medical terminology and abbreviations used in health care with emphasis on surgical care is presented.

Anatomy and Physiology

Structure and function of body systems are presented. Theory will serve as a background for the application of scientific principles upon which surgical care is based.

Pharmacology

Presentation of the basic concepts of pharmacology with emphasis on medications used during surgery, procedures for safe drug administration, and the surgical technologist's responsibilities related to medications. Anesthesia concepts are also discussed.

Surgical Technology I

Content familiarizes the student with the roles of the surgical technologist and other team members, health care organizations, communication skills, and the physical environment of the operating room. An introduction to surgical care is presented including concepts of asepsis, scrubbing, gowning, gloving, and universal precautions. The preparation and care of supplies and equipment used for surgical procedures is also included. Specific perioperative needs of a patient requiring surgical intervention are explored. The student is given the opportunity to develop correlating competencies through selected guided experiences in the clinical laboratory.

Surgical Technology II

Topics covered include developing an understanding of the response to psychosocial stress in the patient and within the medical team. Students acquire a basic understanding of the legal and ethical foundations of health care practice. It provides the student with didactic and actual clinical experience in scrubbing, gowning, gloving, and preparation of supplies and equipment, and creation of a sterile field for selected surgical procedures. Specific intraoperative needs of a patient requiring surgical intervention are explored.

Surgical Technology III

A continuation of professional development with a focus on quality patient outcomes is presented. The student is provided with didactic and clinical activities related to more complex surgical procedures and equipment. Patient care concepts focus on further understanding of intraoperative and immediate post operative patient care needs.

Surgical Technology IV

Professional development focuses on entry into the workforce including job seeking skills and life-long learning strategies. Special circumstances which may occur during surgical care are addressed. Didactic and clinical activities related to more complex surgical techniques and skills are developed.