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Surgical Technology, Associate of Applied Science

Program Overview

The Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare students for a career as a surgical technologist. The program of study will introduce students to the basics of surgical technology and will include a practicum providing the student with a hands-on experience in the operating room. The technology courses will give students additional skills to enhance their advancement in the surgical environment.

The curriculum is also designed to give students a general education knowledge base which will complement their skills in the major subject areas. Additionally, the curriculum is also designed to prepare the student for the surgical technology national certifying examination which will be administered as part of the core curriculum.

The program has entered into a consortium agreement with the University Online campus located at the main campus in Virginia Beach. The agreement enables Arts and Science and Self Integration courses to be delivered asynchronously online. The agreement has zero impact on employment or licensure and there are no additional costs incurred.

Program Outcomes

Students who graduate from the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program will be equipped with the knowledge and skill to assist with basic and advanced surgical procedures. This knowledge will prepare students to perform in major operating rooms, minor surgery, surgical centers, and surgeon‘s offices. Specific program objectives are designed to enable graduates to:

  • Possess entry level knowledge of surgical technology and its place in the modern healthcare delivery system
  • Understand basic surgical anatomy and physiology in the operating room
  • Know the names and uses of all basic and advanced surgical instrumentation
  • Understand and utilize aseptic technique and sterile barriers
  • Discuss and know the flow of a surgical procedure from start to finish
  • Assure that there are accurate counts of all materials and instruments used in any surgical procedure
  • Demonstrate ―surgical consciousness

For additional information about the program link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/surgical-technology-associate-degree. To see the Student Consumer Information link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/student-consumer-services which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see About ECPI University on the ECPI website.

In 1.5 years, through our year-round schedule, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology.

About Surgical Technology

An entry level surgical technologist is able to act as a “primary scrub” in a variety of surgical procedures, and he or she can participate in all aspects of the operating room experience.

Requirements include negative drug screen, clear criminal background check, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification preferred; proof of immunizations/immunity to common communicable diseases (HepB; Td; MMR; Varicella; TB; etc); physical examination and CPR certification.

Students must have good manual dexterity, the ability to lift/push/pull up to 50 pounds, the ability to stand for more than 4 hours, and good eyesight with the ability to distinguish colors.

Graduates are eligible for employment as a surgical technologist in hospital based and ambulatory surgical centers.

Recommended Certifications

Certification requirements for employment vary from state to state and are required in the state of Virginia. ECPI University provides vouchers allowing students to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is recommended.

Program Outline

To receive the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology, students must earn 66 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 5 semesters, which is equivalent to18 months or 70 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum

42 semester credit hours

MED104Medical Terminology

3

SUR101Surgical Theory I

3

SUR102Surgical Theory II

3

SUR120Surgical Procedures I

4

SUR121Surgical Procedures II

4

SUR122Surgical Procedures III

4

SUR123Surgical Procedures IV

4

SUR270Surgical Technology Practicum I

3

SUR270SPracticum Seminar I

1

SUR271Surgical Technology Practicum II

3

SUR271SPracticum Seminar II

1

SUR272Surgical Technology Practicum III

4

SUR272SPracticum Seminar III

1

SUR285National Certifying Examination Prep

4

Arts and Sciences*

18 semester credit hours

BIO101Human Anatomy and Physiology I

3

BIO104Human Anatomy and Physiology II

3
ENG110College Composition

3

HUM205Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities

3

MTH120College Mathematics

3

PSY105Introduction to Psychology

3

*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.

Self-Integration*

6 semester credit hours

CIS108Office Applications

2
COR191Career Orientation

1

FOR110Essentials for Success

3

 

1,505 total contact hours

*The following courses are available online for Surgical Technology students: CIS108, COR191, PSY105, FOR110, ENG110, MTH131, MTH120 and HUM205.

Program courses may be offered via Remote Synchronous Delivery (see Remote Synchronous and Hybrid Delivery of Courses/Programs).