Medical Billing Requirements For Surgical Technicians

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SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT HANDBOOK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME TO SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY ... 3

WE WISH YOU MUCH SUCCESS... 3

AS YOU PURSUE YOUR NEW CAREER!... 3

ASSOCIATION OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST ... 4

CODE OF ETHICS ... 4

CONDUCT... 5

ATTITUDE ... 5

IDENTIFICATION CARDS... 5

ASSOCIATION OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS MEMBERSHIP... 5

PFE (PROGRAM FINAL EXAM) ... 6

CST CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION ... 6

CLASSROOM RESPONSIBILITY... 6

GUM, DRINKS, FOOD ... 7

BULLETIN BOARDS ... 7

PAGERS, CELL PHONES ... 7

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY DRESS CODE... 7

ATTENDANCE ... 8 MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS ... 9 GRADES ... 9 SUPPLIES ... 9 DUE PROCESS... 9 CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS... 10

FINAL CLINICAL GRADE... 11

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS... 12

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM CURRICULUM ... 13

FIRST SCRUB WITH ASSIST (FSA) ... 21

FIRST SCRUB SOLO (FSS) ... 22

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WELCOME TO SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

Nevada Career Institute

We are pleased you have chosen Nevada Career Institute to further your career development. With your help, we shall endeavor to make our association a mutually beneficial one. We feel certain that you will share our pride in the Institute, and the respect we enjoy in the community.

This Handbook has been prepared to help you understand the specific requirements and policies of the Surgical Technology Department. It is very important that you become familiar with each of them. Failure to abide by any of the policies contained within this Handbook may result in a delay in your scheduled program of studies and/or disciplinary action being taken.

If you have any questions, please discuss them with your instructor, Mrs. MJ Hilliard, Surgical Technology Program Director or Mrs. Leming, Campus Director.

Nevada Career Institute maintains an open door policy for student issues; we ask that you follow the process described within to insure your questions are answered effectively and by the programmatic and school policies and procedures.

WE WISH YOU MUCH SUCCESS

AS YOU PURSUE YOUR NEW CAREER!

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ASSOCIATION OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

CODE OF ETHICS

1. To maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and patient care. 2. To hold in confidence, with respect to the patient’s beliefs, all personal matters. 3. To respect and protect the patient’s legal and moral rights to quality patient care. 4. To not knowingly cause injury or any injustice to those entrusted to our care.

5. To work with fellow technologist’s and other professional health groups to promote harmony and unity for better patient care.

6. To always follow the principles of asepsis.

7. To maintain a high degree of efficiency through continuing education.

8. To maintain and practice surgical technology willingly, with pride and dignity. 9. To report any unethical conduct or practice to the proper authority.

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CONDUCT

Students enrolled in the Surgical Technology Program must conduct themselves in a professional manner. Any conduct unbecoming of a health care professional, or detrimental to Nevada Career Institute and the Surgical Technology Program will be subject to disciplinary action.

If disciplinary action is required during Clinical rotation, the student will be asked to leave the clinical area and report to the program director or campus director.

The first offense will result in a counseling session with the program director or campus director for determination of disciplinary action, unless the offense is serious enough to be a terminating offense under the terms of the clinical contracts with the affiliating health agencies. If this is the case, discharge from the school will immediately occur.

ATTITUDE

Your attitude influences the attitude of those around you. You get what you give…if your attitude is negative your result will be negative. If you think you can’t, you are right. People who get where they want to be in life don’t just blunder into it. Usually, their attainments are the outgrowths of a plan and work toward predetermined goals. There is no such thing as luck. Attitudes can change if you are willing to work at improving them.

IDENTIFICATION

CARDS

Each Surgical Technology student is issued a student picture identification card. Students must wear their ID badges at all times during class, on field trips and each day of Clinical Rotation. In some cases, the hospital may require that you wear one of their ID badges.

ASSOCIATION OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the national Association of Surgical Technologists (AST™) is included as part of your tuition. Request for student membership will be processed by school officials prior your clinical rotation. AST™ membership cards will be distributed as soon as they are issued. Benefits of AST™ membership will be further explained in more detail by your program director.

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PFE (PROGRAM FINAL EXAM)

This final exam is administered approximately four (4) weeks prior to graduation.

All PFE exams must be taken as scheduled. Students will be notified of the scheduled date of the examination well in advance. It is expected that students will arrange their personal schedules accordingly and insure their attendance on the scheduled test day. Only under extreme mitigating circumstances will a reschedule of the PFE exam be approved. All requests for rescheduling must be approved by the program director or designated staff member. If mitigating circumstances are approved for a missed PFE exam, the actual PFE score obtained by the student will be posted as part of the final grade. If a student misses the scheduled PFE test, and takes a rescheduled make-up test, he/she will receive a maximum of 70% grade regardless of the actual score. In the event a student does not pass the PFE exam on the first attempt, a comparable exam will be administered as a retest. The maximum score of 70% will be posted regardless of the actual score obtained by the student. Please refer to the make-up and/or retest policy in this handbook.

Since the PFE exam score constitutes 40% of the final grade of the last module in the program, students who fail to obtain a passing grade on the PFE will be in danger of failing and must repeat the necessary module in order to graduate.

CST CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION

The National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) employs Web Based Testing (WBT) to administer the national certifying exam for graduates of a CAAHEP accredited surgical technology programs through Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP). At the present time, national certification is the recommended requirement for employment as a surgical technologist in most states. Most hospitals now require you to sit for and pass the national certification examination within a specified time period (usually within 3 months of employment.)

Because Nevada Career Institute’s Surgical Technology Program is a CAAHEP accredited program, and an approved testing center, the Institute will provide the CST examination for pre-graduate groups directly in our on-campus computer lab. As part of a student’s regular tuition cost, the Institute provides a first-time-only membership to (AST™), Study Guide Textbook and pre-graduation CST examination fee for all eligible students according to the testing policies set forth by the NBSTSA.

CLASSROOM RESPONSIBILITY

Students are directly responsible for the condition of the classroom appearance and equipment.

Intentional misuse of equipment may result in dismissal and billing for damaged equipment. Accidents and/or problems with equipment should be reported to your instructor immediately. The classroom and equipment exist for student training; thus it is in the student’s best interest to maintain high levels of both. Leave your classroom (like the Operating Room), in better shape than you found it.

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GUM, DRINKS, FOOD

No chewing gum will be allowed in any classroom or the Mock Surgery Laboratory. Drinks are allowed during class time, in a school approved container. Food is allowed during lunch and break times only.

NO food or drinks are allowed in the Mock Surgery Laboratory.

BULLETIN BOARDS

There are bulletin boards located in each of the Surgical Technology classrooms. These boards have various themes, and are decorated and updated by the Surgical Technology Department. It is a good idea to check all bulletin boards periodically for announcements and other items of interest to students. If you have something you would like to have posted, please give it to your Instructor for approval and posting. All unauthorized items will be removed and discarded.

PAGERS, CELL PHONES

Cell phones must be turned off or on vibrate and not used for personal calls or texting in the classroom. Cell phone use during testing is PROHIBITED. Any use of a cell phone during testing is an automatic failure. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY DRESS CODE

1. Once uniforms are issued (scrub pants and top), they must be worn whenever the student is on school grounds and/or during field trips. The uniform must be clean, wrinkle-free and in good repair.

2. Scrub tops are to be tucked into the pants, as are the ties for the pants.

3. Sweatshirts (no logo), sweaters or warm-up jackets may be worn. No long sleeve shirts can be worn under the scrub top. A V-neck T- shirt or an undershirt may be worn under the scrub top.

4. Any shoes (with less than a 1 inch heel), comfortable, and suitable for standing for

extended periods. They are to be clean and/or polished, and in good repair. No open-toed sandals, or dress shoes are allowed. Socks or hosiery must be worn.

5. Jewelry is not to be worn with the exception of one small stud earring in each ear, wedding and/or engagement ring, class ring and a watch with a sweep second hand. No body jewelry is allowed.

6. Hair must be neatly combed, clean and arranged in a simple style. Long hair must be pulled back before entering the school. In keeping with the principles of aseptic technique, excessive mousse, hair spray or gel is not permitted. Hats or caps are not to be worn while in the building. 7. Fingernails are to be kept clean and neatly manicured (fingertip length). Long nails, tips and

acrylic nails are not permitted. Nail polish is not permitted.

8. Daily bathing, use of an anti-perspirant and mouthwash is essential since students work very closely with others. Light cologne or after-shave is acceptable.

9. All Surgical Technology students must use protective eyewear during all Mock Surgery Laboratory activities.

10. To avoid embarrassment to yourself, please comply with all dress code requirements. Non-compliance will result in a verbal warning; continued abuse will result in disciplinary action.

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ATTENDANCE

Nevada Career Institute does not offer career training in a “drop-in” environment. Attendance is considered a serious issue, especially to the hospitals that have agreed to accept Clinical students from the Surgical Technology Program. It is also important to your potential employers, since they will be interested in people who have exhibited a sense of responsibility, reliability, and punctuality. Students are required to attend all scheduled class and laboratory sessions. The attendance policy of the Surgical Technology Department is in compliance with all state, federal, and accrediting agency standards. A minimum of 85% attendance is required.

The attendance policy of the Surgical Technology Department is more stringent than the general policy of the school. This learning-intensive course incorporates the high educational standards required by hospitals in the Clinical portions of the program. During the Mock Surgery portion of the program 100% attendance is required for release to Externship Rotation.

ATTENDANCE POLICY Absences

Excessive absences without legitimate reasons are considered cause for placing a student on

probationary status. Absences will be considered as excused under the following circumstances: illness, birth or death in the immediate family, and other valid reasons substantiated in writing, and at the discretion of the Registrar. All other absences will be considered unexcused. Regardless of the circumstances, all absences during Mock Surgery must be made up before your Externship Rotation.

Tardiness

NO TOLERANCE TARDY POLICY

Tardiness is a disruption of a good learning environment and is to be discouraged. Excessive tardiness, like absences, without valid reasons are considered cause for placing a student on a probationary status or academic hold based on investigation. Class starts on the hour there is NO grace period. A tardy slip will be required to enter the classroom. Leaving early with a valid excuse and after notifying your Instructor is still considered a leave early. Leaving early without permission or without a valid excuse (cutting class) is considered an unexcused absence for the entire class day.

Academic Time Missed

Make up of academic time is by appointment only and must be scheduled with your instructor. If your attendance is less than 85% your instructor will assist you with a schedule to meet the necessary requirements.

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MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS

Missed quizzes cannot be made up. Participation points are also forfeited for that day. Students are allowed two make-up exams per module.

 Scheduled make-up exams are given immediately upon return to class (same day). Scheduled make-ups must be agreed to ahead of the absence by the instructor. No point deductions are taken from a scheduled make-up exam.

Repeated absenteeism on test days will result in disciplinary actions.

Please keep in mind that sitting for exams is critical to your success in this program. Failed exams may not be made up on the same day.

Any surgical technology instructor may administer make up examinations. Students are responsible for scheduling make-up examinations with their instructor.

A repeat exam is an alternate exam given when the first attempt by a student results in a non-passing score. Only 3 attempts at any written exam or hands-on practical are permitted. Students who do not pass the 3rd attempt will be scheduled to repeat the entire course. This sometimes results in having to attend two sessions to complete the failed course.

GRADES

A final grade for each completed module is included on the graduates’ transcript. This grade reflects the student’s overall performance in the program. You will receive a syllabus for each program area that will clearly explain the evaluation schedule for that block of instruction. Generally, each student is graded on his/her performance on block examinations, class participation, quizzes, diagram labeling, projects and attendance. After reviewing the syllabus, if you have any questions on grading, please discuss them with your program director or instructor.

Students must maintain an academic average (i.e. test average) of 70% or more in order to progress in their course of study. The average will be evaluated at the end of a module. Students with an academic average of 70% or better are also graded on attendance and participation. For the final grade calculation for modules ST-101 – ST-308 academic average is weighted 70%, participation is weighted 20% and attendance is weighted 10%.

SUPPLIES

All necessary books are issued to students as needed during the courses. In the event that provided books or supplies are lost or stolen, either at the school or away from school, the student must pay to replace them.

DUE PROCESS

Policies of the Surgical Technology Department of Nevada Career Institute will be applied evenly and fairly as they are stated in this handbook. If a student does not understand a policy, he/she should follow the chain of command and discuss the issue with their Instructor first, then if not resolved the Lead Instructor or Program Director and if still not resolved the Campus Director or assigned designee.

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CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR PHYSICAL COMPLETED (at students’ expense) PRIOR TO STARTING MOCK.

The Sterile Processing portion of Clinical is designed to give all students a thorough and working

knowledge of instrument processing. You will apply knowledge of instrumentation and instrument trays, sterilization, and decontamination.

In order to be scheduled for Clinical, the following requirements must be met before your Instructor will release you for Clinical.

 All written work (examinations, reports, handouts, etc.) in Didactics and Laboratory must be completed.

 The student may be released for Clinical after verification that all written work has been completed and that the student has demonstrated a proficiency of required skills.

 You have attended a Clinical briefing to cover:

o Clinical Disclosure Form

o First Scrub Assist Role definition

o First Scrub Solo Role definition

o Clinical Case Log forms and use

Once your Instructor has released you, the following requirements must be met before your first date of Clinical.

 American Heart Association CPR Card is current

 Health certificate, including all tests, immunizations and other requirements specific to the hospital you will be assigned. This Health certificate must be less than 1 year old.

 Drug testing has been completed and a negative result received.

 A background check has been completed through the agency designated by your clinical

Healthcare facility, submitted to that Healthcare facility and met their acceptance requirements. Failure to complete any or all of the above requirements will result in a delay of Clinical.

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The Operating Room portion of Clinical is the final step on the road to beginning your new career. Only those students, who are considered competent in all areas of their studies as well as possessing the mature professionalism which is vital to all members of the Operating Room Team, are allowed to progress to Clinical. These requirements are evaluated on the Final Laboratory Evaluation for Clinical Clearance.

REMOVAL FROM THE HOSPITAL

Excessive absences, failure to follow Hospital or School Policy can result in termination from the program. Failure to perform the functions of a student Surgical Technologist at an acceptable level of competency will result in removal from the Hospital site, pending further evaluation. Once removed from a site, you will be assigned to a Laboratory Instructor. He/she will be in charge of insuring that you work on and improve any areas of deficiency reported by your Clinical Instructor. Once your Laboratory Instructor reports in writing that you are capable of performing in the capacity of a student Surgical Technologist, you will be placed in the first available slot for Clinical. Of course, until you return to a hospital, you must attend full session classes each day. When considering you for Clinical site

Placement, we cannot “bump” another student from his or her appointed site, or cause him or her to wait an additional period of time in order to place you first. Therefore, your name will be placed at the

bottom of the list, below any students already listed.

FINAL CLINICAL GRADE

In addition to your daily preceptor evaluation and homework your Clinical Grade will include case observations, a Final Examination, periodic quizzes, written reports, Pre-case Cards and Case

Summaries. All written and hands-on work is assigned to you to further your understanding and practice in your new career.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Nevada Career Institute is in compliance with the standards of the, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), Commission on Postsecondary Education (CPE) of the State of Nevada, Accrediting Bureau for Health Education Schools (ABHES). NCI will grant diplomas only to students who successfully complete ALL requirements for graduation. Students must have 540 hours of attendance to be considered for clinical rotation completion.

Satisfactory completion of all academic and attendance requirements is a prerequisite for graduation. Prior to the completion of Clinical an appointment will be scheduled with the Surgical Technology Program Director to review all clinical paperwork, surgical procedures and evaluations. Each student must meet the requirements listed in the ST-402, ST-501 and ST-502 syllabi to qualify for graduation.

CAREER SERVICES

You will meet with Career Services to create your placement file. Please bring your Clinical Experience Record and your Final Evaluation. These records will be used as a reference in discussions with prospective employers. If you do not wish Career Assistance upon graduation, you will need to sign a waiver.

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Surgical Technology Program Curriculum

D.O.T. Code 079.374-022 C.I.P. Code 51.0909

Objective

The Surgical Technology program is designed to instruct in all phases of Surgical Technology. Upon completion, the graduate can effectively work with and under the supervision of surgeons and become an integral part of the team providing care to patients during the crucial periods of surgery. Much of the training is focused on the clinical aspect of the program where the students gain skills in helping to set up the operating room; prepare patients for surgery; scrub, gown and glove self and other team

members; pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons; help care for and prepare specimens; and assist nurses in cleaning and stocking the operating room for the next operation. The curriculum reflects the latest developments in biomedical science.

Total length of program: 68 weeks

Course

Number Course Name

Clock

Hours Credits Weeks

ST-101 Introduction to the Human Body 40 2.49 2.0

ST-102 Muscular/Skeletal Systems 40 2.49 2.0

ST-103 Circulatory & Respiratory Systems 40 2.49 2.0

ST-104 Neuro-Sensory/Endocrine Systems 40 2.49 2.0

ST-105 Gastro-Intestinal/Genitourinary/Reproductive Systems 40 2.49 2.0

ST-106 Microbiology/Immunology 30 2.00 1.5

ST-107 Factors Influencing Healing and Infections 10 0.66 0.5

ST-201 The Surgical Environment 20 1.16 1.0

ST-202 Asepsis, Sterilization and Disinfection 20 1.16 1.0

ST-203 Basic Instrumentation, Drains, and Sutures 40 1.99 2.0

ST-204 Scrubbing, Gowning , and Gloving 20 0.83 1.0

ST-205 Preoperative Patient Care 20 0.99 1.0

ST-206 Sponges, Dressings, Packings, and OR Sanitation 20 0.99 1.0

ST-207 Creation and Maintenance of the Sterile Field 40 1.66 2.0

ST-208 Patients with Special Needs/Lab Practicals 40 1.83 2.0

ST-209 Computers and Employability Skills 10 0.33 0.5

ST-210 CPR 10 0.49 0.5

ST-301 Pharmacology and Anesthesia 30 1.32 1.5

ST-302 General Surgical Procedures, and Surgeries of the Head and Neck 50 3.16 2.5

ST-303 OB/GYN and Urogenital Procedures 20 1.16 1.0

ST-304 Orthopedic Procedures 20 1.16 1.0

ST-305 Cardiovascular, Thoracic and Peripheral Procedures 40 2.49 2.0

ST-306 Pediatric and Plastic Surgery 30 1.82 1.5

ST-307 ENT, Ophthalmology and Neurological Procedures 40 2.49 2.0

ST-308 Introduction to Mock Surgery 10 0.33 0.5

ST-401 Mock Surgery 180 6.00 9.0

ST-402 Clinical I 60 1.33 3.0

ST-501 Clinical II 240 5.33 10.0

ST-502 Clinical III 240 5.33 10.0

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Career Opportunities

A graduate of the Surgical Technology program may be employed as a member of an operating room team, which includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. In addition to hospital operating rooms, our graduates will be qualified to work in surgical centers, delivery rooms, and medical clinics.

Module Descriptions

ST-101 Introduction to the Human Body

Prerequisites: None

Total Clock Hours: 40 Total Credit Hours: 2.49

This module provides a general overview of the basic organizational structure of the body, including cells, tissues, glands, membranes, and integumentary system. Students will also spend time learning how to build medical terminology based on prefixes, suffixes, and root word parts. Concepts of

chemistry and biochemistry that are relevant to the study of the human body are presented as well as the types of tissues that act together to perform specific functions. The characteristics of the integumentary system will be reviewed as well as the disorders and abnormalities associated with the skin. Related medical terminology will be taught.

ST-102 Muscular/Skeletal System

Prerequisites: ST-101

This module discusses the types of joints, classification, function and location of muscular tissues and related medical terminology. Students will be introduced to how bones form the framework of the body to help protect and support internal organs and how it functions along with the muscular system to produce movement at the joints. This module also discusses the three kinds of muscle tissues and their primary functions.

ST-103 Circulatory & Respiratory Systems

Prerequisites: ST-101 &102

In this module, students will be given an introduction to the circulatory and respiratory systems

functions. Students will continue to study the associated medical terminology. Students will review the composition and functions of the blood and understand the fundamental importance of maintaining homeostasis. The physiology and pathophysiological concepts associated with the heart are introduced. The structure and functions of arteries, veins and capillaries will be reviewed along with the importance of how the lymphatic system supports the activities of the circulatory system.

ST-104 Neuro-Sensory & Endocrine Systems

Prerequisites: ST-101 – 103

This module is focused on the study of the relevant anatomy and physiology of the neurological and endocrine systems. Students will continue to study the associated medical terminology. The module provides instruction on the structure and function of the nervous system, including the divisions of the brain, general sensory receptors and the special sense organs, and how the nervous and endocrine systems work together to coordinate and control the body.

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ST-105 Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, and Reproductive Systems

In this module, students will study the relevant anatomy and physiology associated with these systems. Students will continue to study terminology associated with the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Students will understand the mechanical and chemical activities that take place in the digestive tract, the importance of the genitourinary system in eliminating metabolic waste from the body and how it regulates the volume, composition, and ph of the body fluids, and the body’s ability to reproduce.

ST-106 Microbiology and Immunology

In this module, students will study the causes and diagnosis of diseases, classifications of micro-organisms, characteristics of protozoa, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. This module introduces

microbiology, beginning with the brief history of significant events and scientists who have contributed to the progress of microbiology techniques and the impact on human health and safety. This module also discusses how microbiology is studied, including how microbes are named and how the microscope is used in studying microbiology. An overview of the immune system and body defenses will prepare the student to understand the concepts of immunization, autoimmunity, and hypersensitivity reactions.

ST-107 Factors Influencing Healing and Infection

Prerequisites: ST-101 - 106

In this module, students will be introduced to microbial control, aseptic methods and universal precautions and how these effect healing. This module also presents basic knowledge of wound

healing, including types of wounds, wound classifications, and the types of wound healing. The process of a body healing from a wound and the elements that aid in a successful outcome will be presented.

ST-201 The Surgical Environment Prerequisites: ST-101 – 107

Healthcare facilities, ancillary departments and the physical environment of the operating room (OR) will be covered during this module. An overview of Maslow’s Hierarchy of basic patient needs will be presented. Students will be introduced to the standard and specialized equipment found in a typical OR environment, and will review the necessity to maintaining a safe and efficient environment when providing care for the surgical patient. Guidelines and standards will be examined to provide measures to promote a safe environment and students will continue discussion on the relationship between the principles of asepsis and the practice of sterile techniques.

The basic principles of electricity, laser, and endoscopic use and safety precautions will be discussed. Students will apply basic principles of physics as they relate to the complex computer systems and robotics found in the operating room.

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ST-202 Asepsis, Sterilization, and Disinfection

This module discusses the relationship between asepsis and the practice of sterile technique. Students will learn different principles and procedures utilized in the proper cleaning, disinfection and

sterilization of instruments, supplies, and equipment needed in the OR, which are conducive to the ability to follow the principles of asepsis and the practice of sterile technique. Aseptic technique is reinforced throughout this module.

ST-203 Basic Instrumentation, Drains, and Sutures

Prerequisites: ST-101- 202

This module will introduce basic instruments by type, function, and name. The proper care, handling, and assembly of instruments are stressed throughout this module. This module discusses the different types of catheters, drains, and tubes used during surgery and help the student differentiate between active and passive drainage. The use of catheters, drains and tubes in assisting with diagnosing,

restoring function, promoting healing, and preventing complications are discussed. Suturing techniques, as they relate to wound care and closure, are presented to the student. Also introduced are the names, classifications and available gauges of suture materials. The relationship between aseptic technique, instrumentation, supplies, and quality of patient care is stressed throughout this module.

ST-204 Scrubbing, Gowning, and Gloving

Total Clock Hours: 20 Credit Hours: 0.83

The proper technique of performing the surgical scrub and donning sterile attire in preparation for entry into the sterile field is demonstrated, practiced, and mastered in this module. The students will learn the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), self-drying, -gowning, and -gloving, and assisting other sterile team members who are ready to enter the sterile field. Aseptic technique is reinforced throughout this module.

ST-205 Preoperative Patient Care

Procedures for preoperative patient routines, including surgical consent, preoperative education, patient possessions, and transfer and positioning, are discussed in this module. Emphasis is placed on the preoperative physiological and psychological care and safety of the patient. Students will discuss how patient care and safety directly correlates to the patient’s hospital stay and overall health. Students will practice urinary catherization, surgical positioning, skin preparation, and draping the surgical patient. Aseptic technique is reinforced throughout this module.

ST-206 Sponges, Dressings, Packings, and Operating Room Sanitation

This module covers some of the supplies that are used in surgery, how they are used, and how they relate to the instruments and equipment used for specific cases. Students will review their responsibility

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ST-207 Creation and Maintenance of the Sterile Field

In this module, students will discuss how the safety of the patient depends on strict adherences to the practice of sterile techniques by the surgical technologists. Students will review the principles of asepsis and their application for sterile technique. During laboratory skills, students will practice draping OR furniture, opening and adding sterile supplies and instruments, and dressing and organizing the Mayo stand and the back table. Students will also be required to demonstrate knowledge of duties in the pre- , intra- , and post-operative routines of patient care.

ST-208 Patients with Special Needs/Laboratory Practicals

In this module, students will review the unique physiological, psychosocial, and psychological

challenges presented by surgical patients and will use critical thinking in prioritizing their needs. The categories of special populations reviewed in the module include pediatric, obese, diabetic, pregnant, immuno-compromised, disabled, and geriatric. Students will review specific treatment modalities and how to assess and evaluate the plan of care for a special needs patient.

During this module, students will discuss the stages of death and dying and its effects on the surgical team. Effective/ineffective coping and defense mechanisms will be discussed as well. The issues of basic safety, ethical and moral dilemmas and legal responsibilities will be presented, and each student will be allowed an opportunity to discuss his or her thoughts and feelings on the subject. The history of surgery and medicine are reviewed as well as modern advances in surgical technology.

In this module, students will be evaluated on their laboratory skills acquired in 204, 205, and ST-207 and the ability to demonstrate these skills.

ST-209 Computers and Employability Skills

In this module, students will learn the basic concepts of computer science and its application in the operating room. Students will develop a plan of action to secure employment in the healthcare field.

ST-210 CPR

In this module, students will learn basic life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association (AHA). Upon successful completion, a BLS CPR card will be issued.

ST-301 Pharmacology and Anesthesia

In this module, students will be introduced to basic knowledge of pharmacology, including medication types, sources, and classifications. Medications commonly used in surgery and proper handling

techniques, including the specific roles of each surgical team member are discussed. The different types of anesthesia and the equipment and supplies needed for surgical procedures are presented.

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In this module, the student will be introduced to the organ systems in the body on which general surgery is performed. This module discusses the various procedures performed in general surgery on the

different organ systems and an understanding regarding the pathology of each system or organ that prompts surgical intervention will also be presented. Students will concentrate on surgical procedures in specialties of the head and neck in this module and will study the anatomy, physiology, instruments and equipment, and pathology of the oral, facial, and cranial areas of the head and neck.

ST-303 OB/GYN and Urogenital Procedures

This module discusses the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system and the associated endocrinology in preparation for the study of obstetric and gynecological surgical procedures and the male urinary and reproductive systems. It provides an overview of the special instrumentation,

equipment, and supplies used in obstetric, gynecologic and Urogenital surgery as well as the common drugs used. The module also provides an overview of how the operating room should be set up as well as the operative procedures and practical, technical, and postoperative considerations.

ST-304 Orthopedic Procedures

In this module, students will be given an introduction to orthopedic surgery and the musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology, and pathology as related to specific anomalies and injuries requiring surgical intervention. Preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative patient care considerations are addressed. The OR environment with special consideration being given to the instruments, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform a variety of orthopedic procedures are discussed. Adjunct hospital specialties such as radiology, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory analysis that are utilized during orthopedic surgical procedures are presented.

ST-305 Cardiovascular, Thoracic and Peripheral Procedures

Total Clock Hours: 40 Credit Hours: 2.49

This module discusses the anatomy and physiology of the thorax, lungs, heart, and related structure, including the trachea and bronchial tree, the major vessels of the heart and blood vessels. An overview of common pathologies associated with the peripheral vascular, cardiovascular and thoracic systems will be discussed along with the diagnostic procedures used in understanding these pathologies. A review of the instrumentation, supplies, drugs, and the equipment commonly used in surgical procedures used to intervene in cardiothoracic and vascular pathologies is included.

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ST-306 Pediatric and Plastic Surgery

In this module, students will study and become familiar with the specific conditions and needs of the pediatric patients. Anatomical and physiological differences between pediatric and adult patients will be discussed. The unique psychological needs of pediatric patients will be reviewed.

This module also discusses several common plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures and the surgical technologist’s role in the operating room. The specific anatomy and the basic knowledge of the specialized instruments, equipment, and supplies required for each procedure will be reviewed.

Reviews of the anatomy and physiology of the skin and underlying structures, the mouth, the nose, the hand, and the breast will be presented.

ST-307 ENT, Ophthalmology and Neurological Procedures

In this module, students will study the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and surgical treatments of the ear, nose, throat, and eyes. The interrelationships of these areas will be discussed. Specific surgical interventions, including specific equipment and instruments, the required supplies, the operative

preparation and procedures regarding common pathologies affecting the eye, ear, nose, and throat areas will be presented.

This module also presents the foundation for understanding neurosurgery and prepares the student to assist in neurosurgical procedures. The anatomy involved in neurosurgery, including bones that support the nervous system, distinct features of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, the blood supply, and the protective structures of the brain and spinal column are studied. This module reviews the pathological conditions that require neurosurgical intervention. The equipment,

instruments, and preoperative preparation of the patient is covered.

ST-308 Introduction to Mock Surgery

In this module, students will be introduced to the mock operating room to begin preparing for the reality of the hospital OR environment. During laboratory time, the student will concentrate on perfecting surgical techniques by performing in a variety of mock surgical procedures.

ST-401 Mock Surgery

This module provides a laboratory environment in which students concentrate on developing laboratory skills and practical performances by participating in a variety of mock surgical procedures. Emphasis will be placed on learning and understanding the different roles in the operating room and how to build teamwork by providing mock situations in which students will have the opportunity to assume sterile and non-sterile member roles.

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ST-402 Clinical I

Students will begin receiving training in sterile processing, ancillary services, and operating room environments. The student may be expected to perform duties in both sterile processing and the operating room. Students may be allowed to participate in a variety of surgical procedures in different specialties at the discretion of the clinical instructor.

ST-501 Clinical II

Prerequisites: ST-101- 402

Total Clock Hours: 240 Total Credit Hours: 5.33

During this module, students will continue to participate in a variety of surgical procedures in different specialties in order to refine the knowledge and skills learned in their previous module work.

Students will be required to complete a case summary report of their most challenging procedure at the end of both their 5th and 10th weeks.

ST-502 Clinical III

Prerequisites: ST-101- 501

During this module, students will be expected to participate in a variety of surgical procedures in different specialties, with emphasis on developing entry-level experience and competency in five surgical areas: General, Orthopedic, OB/GYN, Genito-Urinary (GU), and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT). Students will be required to complete a case summary report of their most challenging procedure at the end of both their 5th and 10th weeks.

At the conclusion of ST-501 and ST-502, students will be required to have correctly completed and signed NCI documentation verifying completion of a minimum of 80 surgical procedures in the First Scrub-Assist or First Scrub-Solo roles demonstrate proficiency in the operating room, and complete all academic requirements to assure eligibility to sit for the National Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination.

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FIRST SCRUB WITH ASSIST (FSA)

The student surgical technologist shall perform more than 70% of the following duties during any given surgical intervention, with proficiency:



Check supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure



Scrub, gown and glove



Set up the sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment and medication/solutions

needed for the procedure



Perform appropriate counts with the circulator prior to the procedure and before the

incision is closed



Gown and glove additional surgical team members



Assist with draping the sterile field



Pass instruments and supplies to the sterile surgical team members during the

procedure



Maintain the highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure



Prepare sterile dressings



Perform terminal activities of cleaning and preparation of instruments, supplies and

the operating room

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FIRST SCRUB SOLO (FSS)

The student surgical technologist shall perform more than 90% of the following duties during any given surgical intervention, with proficiency:



Check supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure



Scrub, gown and glove



Set up the sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment and medication/solutions

needed for the procedure



Perform appropriate counts with the circulator prior to the procedure and before the

incision is closed



Gown and glove additional surgical team members



Assist with draping the sterile field



Pass instruments and supplies to the sterile surgical team members during the

procedure



Maintain the highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure



Prepare sterile dressings



Perform terminal activities of cleaning and preparation of instruments, supplies and

the operating room

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Surgical Technology Handbook Acknowledgement

STUDENT NAME: _________________________________________________

Print your name here

I have received a copy of the Surgical Technology Handbook. I have read the Handbook.

I fully understand, and agree to abide by all rules, guidelines, and regulations in the

Handbook.

I also understand that I will be required to have a physical examination and the required

blood work and or immunizations prior to the Mock Surgery portion of the program.

Failure to meet the above requirements may prevent you from advancing to Mock

Surgery

.

STUDENT SIGNATURE:____________________________________________

Date Signed ___________________________________