& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

58 Undergraduate Certificate Programs
ST110
Anatomy and Physiology (5 cr./75 hrs.)
Following a systems approach, this course covers the organization and
structure of the human body with emphasis on the physiologic function
and interdependence of organ systems. Topics include the organization of
the human body, cellular function, tissue classification, the integumentary,
skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, lymphatic,
reproductive, endocrine, immune, and circulatory system (both central
and peripheral), the special senses, and blood and body fluids.
ST115
Introduction to Surgical Technology (3 cr./45 hrs.)
This course provides the student with a broad background of today’s
American healthcare industry and the role of health care providers with
an emphasis on surgical technology. Specific topics include the history of
the development of surgery as a medical specialty, health care delivery
systems and facilities, hospital organization and management,
introduction to the surgical team, the role and function of surgical
technologists, and the ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities applicable
to implementing standards of care. The course includes in-depth
discussion of a patient’s emotional and physical response to illness and
surgery. In addition the student is introduced to the physical layout of an
operating room, including furniture, proper attire, and traffic patterns and
to the chemical, biological, and physical hazards.
ST120
Health Care Ethics (1 cr./15 hrs.)
This course presents the ethical theories and conceptual framework that
support ethical decision-making. The Surgical Technologist Code of
Ethics, ethical events that occur within the operative setting, and
professional responsibility in the delivery of safe, effective and competent
patient care by the Surgical Technologist are presented.
SEMESTER TWO
ST150
Microbiology and Wound Healing (3 cr./45 hrs.)
This course addresses the structure and function of the cell, pathogenic and
non-pathogenic organisms, microscopy and the microscope, classification
of microorganisms, genetics, growth factors, and other characteristics of
bacteria, microbes and the environment, nosocomial infections, prevention
of disease transmission, the three lines of body defense mechanisms,
sanitation, sterilization, and disinfection, wound healing, the infectious
process and immune response. Allergy and hypersensitivity are addressed
in terms of both patient and the surgical technologist. Special attention is
paid to how tissues react and are restored to normal functions following
surgical trauma.
ST160
Pharmacology (4 cr./60 hrs.)
Students review basic math skills and learn a framework of pharmacological
principles in order to apply them in the surgical environment. Commonly
used medication with surgical applications are reviewed in depth including
antibiotics, diagnostic agents, diuretics, drugs affecting the gastrointestinal
system, hormones, drugs that affect coagulation, ophthalmic agents,
preoperative medications anesthesia agents for general and regional
techniques. Specific topics include basic math with emphasis on the metric
system, percentages, and proportions; basic pharmacological principles
including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; drug administration
routes and methods; blood and fluid usage; drug reactions including
malignant hyperthermia; and, allergic reactions.
ST170
Operating Room Principles I (3 cr./45 hrs.)
Prerequisite: An earned C (2.0) or better in ST115
This course introduces the core principles of aseptic technique,
sterilization and disinfection, the reprocessing of surgical instruments
and supplies. Each student learns to perform a surgical scrub, don
gowns and gloves, how to change gowns and gloves when
contamination occurs, and how to gown and glove others. Patient
transportation and patient positioning are demonstrated and practiced.
Preparation of the patient for surgical procedures is covered including
urinary catheterization and skin preparation. The course also includes
the principles of draping a patient and setting up a back table and Mayo
stand. Basic instrumentation, sutures and surgical needles are covered.
Related topics addressed are the methods of achieving hemostasis, care
and handling of specimens, the appropriate response to emergencies
resulting from blood volume emergencies, respiratory emergencies,
cardiac emergencies, malignant hyperthermia, anaphylactic allergic
reactions and seizures.
ST171
Operating Room Application I (4 cr./60 hrs.)
Prerequisite: An earned C (2.0) or better in ST115
This course is designed to augment the classroom theory presented in
ST170 and provides the opportunity to repeatedly scrub, gown and glove
themselves and others, reprocess surgical supplies, activate the flash
sterilization cycle, drape and set up a back table and Mayo stand with
instruments and basic supplies appropriate for a laparotomy procedure,
accept and label medications, drape a patient and take down the drapes
and instruments following the conclusion of a procedure. Passing of the
Skills Assessment of basic competence of aseptic technique, the setting
up of a Mayo stand and back table, and draping of the patient is required.
SEMESTER THREE
ST250
Operating Room Principles II (6 cr./90 hrs.)
Concurrent registration is required in ST251
This course reviews the pertinent anatomy, physiology, and common
pathophysiology related to: general procedures, obstetrics and
gynecological procedures, orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology,
neurological procedures, cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular surgery,
urologic, maxillofacial, plastic, and pediatric procedures. Conditions that
warrant surgical correction are discussed in depth. Common specialized
instruments by type, function, name, and supplies are discussed in the
context of each specialty. Common procedures in each of the surgical
specialty areas are explained in detail including indication for surgery,
anatomy involved, anticipated incision, patient position and prepping,
draping, and step-by-step explanation of the procedure. This course is
coordinated with the content of ST251.
ST251
Operating Room Application II (6 cr./90 hrs.)
Concurrent registration is required in ST250
Prerequisite: A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST170, and passage of the
Skills Assessment in ST171
This course provides the clinical environment in which to practice the
theories and skills covered in ST250. Students have repeated
opportunities to scrub, gown and glove themselves and others, drape
and set up a Mayo stand and back table appropriate for general
laparotomy, gynecological, orthopedic, ENT, and urologic procedure.
Each student learns to handle instruments, suture and needles and