ABOUT SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY
The surgical technologist is the person who stands elbow-to-elbow with the surgeon and passes the instruments. In addition to the surgeon, the surgical technologist is the person closest to surgery. It is his or her job to maintain the sterile field and to respond to the surgeon's needs.
In operating rooms in this area, only the surgeon, the surgical technologists, and possibly one or more first assistant "scrub in" or wash hands in sterile fashion, don gowns, masks and gloves and have contact with the surgical opening. It is the surgical technologists' responsibility to be aware of everything going on in the room to make sure that sterility is maintained. The surgical technologist is also responsible for counting the instruments, needles, blades, scalpels, sponges and other surgical supplies before and after the operation, in cooperation with the circulating nurse.
ATTENDANCE
Students must earn a minimum of 1306 clock hours in order to graduate. Students are eligible to miss 51 hours during the 12 months period. After that, because there are no makeup hours, students will not be eligible for graduation.
Students receiving Financial Aid will continually be monitored for attendance and may forfeit their money due to poor attendance.
EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
Demand for surgical technologists is expected to increase because the US population is aging and older people generally require surgery more often. Hospitals will continue to be the major employer, although some surgical technologists work in the offices and clinics of physicians. There is 100 percent placement of graduates of Chattanooga State’s surgical technology program, unless they choose not to be employed. There is very high demand nationwide.
SKILLS NEEDED
Surgical technologists need manual dexterity to handle instruments quickly. They also must be conscientious, orderly, and emotionally stable to handle the demands of the operating room environment. Technologists must respond quickly and know the procedures well enough to have instruments ready for surgeons without having to be told. They are expected to keep abreast of new developments in the field.
Other skills that are required to succeed as a surgical technologist include: physical strength, eye/hand coordination, critical thinking skills, concentration, good interpersonal relations, memorization and sequencing.
ACCREDITATION
The Chattanooga State Technical Community College Surgical Technology program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs (
www.caahep.org) since 1996.
