& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Undergraduate Certificate Programs 57
Undergraduate Certificate in
Surgical Technology
The Surgical Technologist is an important member of the patient care
team, responsible for a wide variety of duties, including preparing the
patient for surgery, assisting the surgeon and other operating room
personnel, and participating in specialty procedures outside of the
operating room. The Surgical Technology undergraduate certificate
program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and
attitudes to participate effectively in the perioperative environment.
Coursework includes an emphasis on the biological sciences,
pharmacology, operating room technique and professional conduct. A
wide variety of surgical experiences is obtained at local hospitals and
surgical facilities.
Upon completion of the 16-month program, the students receive an
undergraduate certificate with 46 semester hours of undergraduate
semester credit. Upon graduation, students are eligible to begin work
and take the Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) national
certification exam.
Students in Surgical Technology must be able to perform under
pressure in stressful and emergency situations, demonstrate manual
dexterity, physical stamina required to stand for long periods of time,
and lift heavy equipment. They must be able to prioritize work quickly
and accurately. They must be able to relate well in a team and
demonstrate care of the surgical patient.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Surgical Technology program are expected to be able
to do the following:
1. Integrate a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology into
the practice of surgical technology.
2. Apply a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology,
pathophysiology, pharmacology, and microbiology to assisting with
surgical procedures.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in the application of aseptic technique in all
aspects of the surgical care of patients.
4. Demonstrate basic competence in the use of surgical instruments,
supplies, and equipment used to provide patient care.
5. Communicate effectively and respectfully with all members of the
surgical team.
6. Work effectively with a diverse population.
7. Demonstrate understanding of the ethical implications of personal
actions.
8. Acquire new knowledge through to participating in continuing
education activities.
Faculty
The faculty for the Surgical Technology program consist of Certified
Surgical Technologists who demonstrate a high level of competence in
the field of Surgical Technology, Registered Nurses who hold a B.S.N. or
M.A., and current CNOR who have a depth of Operating Room
experience in both the circulating and scrub role. The faculty also
includes professionals in the biological sciences and ethical field who
hold B.S., M.A., and or Ed.D. degrees.
Program Requirements
Semester One
ST105 Medical Terminology ....................................................1 cr./15 hrs.
ST110 Anatomy and Physiology .............................................5 cr./75 hrs.
ST115 Introduction to Surgical Technology .............................3 cr./45 hrs.
ST120 Health Care Ethics.......................................................1 cr./15 hrs.
Semester Two
ST150 Microbiology and Wound Healing ................................3 cr./45 hrs.
ST160 Pharmacology..............................................................4 cr./60 hrs.
ST170 Operating Room Principles I........................................3 cr./45 hrs.
ST171 Operating Room Application I......................................4 cr./60 hrs.
Semester Three
ST250 Operating Room Principles III..................................... 6 cr./90 hrs.
ST251 Operating Room Application II ................................... 6 cr./90 hrs.
Semester Four
ST270 Clinical Practicum I ....................................................5 cr./250 hrs.
ST280 Clinical Practicum II ...................................................5 cr./250 hrs.
Total..................................................................................................46 cr.
Required Course Descriptions
SEMESTER ONE
ST105
Medical Terminology (1 cr./15 hrs.)
This course is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary
to identify, pronounce, spell, and use correct medical terminology.