The Surgical Technology program prepares individuals to assist in the care of the surgical patient in the operating room and to function as a member of the surgical team. Students will apply theoretical knowledge to the care of patients undergoing surgery and develop skills necessary to prepare supplies, equipment, and instruments; maintain aseptic conditions; prepare patients for surgery; and assist surgeons during operations. After program completion, graduates can expect to find employment in labor, delivery, and emergency departments; inpatient and outpatient surgery centers; dialysis facilities; endoscopy centers; and physician offices, among other settings.
Program Learning Outcomes
The expectation of the Surgical Technology Program of Gaston College is to: “To prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.”
The Surgical Technology program at Gaston College has a site visit scheduled for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
Graduates will:
1. Collaborate as a member of the healthcare team.
2. Demonstrate the application of anatomy and physiology concepts to meet current industry standards in the surgical setting.
3. Demonstrate aseptic technique and a sound surgical conscience when performing surgical procedures in the health care setting.
4. Explain universal precautions, principles of sterilization, and its application in the operating room (OR).
5. Explain and demonstrate client care concepts for the surgical environment.