Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science (0056)
The mission of the Richland Surgical Technology Program is to prepare students for entry level into the profession, by providing instruction in the three learning domains – afferent, critical thinking, and psycho motor. The program prepares students to assist with patient care and related services in delivery room, surgery center, and other settings that call for knowledge of asepsis by performing tasks that help ensure safe surgical procedures. Some of those tasks include preparing all supplies, instruments, and equipment for operative procedures; passing instruments to the surgeon; and understanding aseptic technique. The program provides classroom instruction, laboratory, and clinical experiences.
Accreditation
Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs CAAHEP
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: 727.210.2350
mail@caahep.org
Sample Job Titles
Surgical Technologist, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Surgical Technologists are employed in hospital surgery departments, obstetric departments, and surgery centers. They may also specialize in cardiac, labor and delivery, orthopedic or pediatric surgery.
Licensure/Certification
After successful completion of all didactic, laboratory, and clinical competency requirements, the graduate will receive an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) upon passing the National Certification Examination given by the NBSTSA. Students wishing to practice within Illinois may also seek registration from the Department of Regulation in Springfield, Illinois.
Articulated AAS Degree Programs
Articulated programs are designed for Richland students who intend to transfer to another institution to complete a four-year degree after earning an AAS degree at Richland.
Success Coaches and other staff in the Student Success Center provide extensive transfer information on Richland’s AAS degree transfer curriculum (2+2) articulated agreements with various baccalaureate institutions.
Eastern Illinois University
Franklin University (Columbus, OH)
Greenville University (Greenville, IL) – Organizational Leadership
This is a career and technical education program. Some of the courses may not transfer to four-year institutions.
Selective Admission Requirements
Admission into the Surgical Technology Program is selective and competitive and admission to Richland Community College does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Students must meet the minimum admission criteria to be eligible to apply. The applicant must meet or exceed the minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the Surgical Technology Program.
The Surgical Technology Program follows the Health Professions’ selective admissions process. Students use the online Pre-Advisement Plan on myRichland to apply during the designated application period. Applications are accepted between January 4 and March 1. After March 1, admission is ongoing until capacity is met in each region. If reserved seats among the Regional Partnership districts remain open in August, they are filled with overflow from Richland or other Regional Partnership districts. The Surgical Technology Program admits to the fall semester.
Transferring from another Surgical Technology Program
Any student wishing to transfer into the program must apply for College admission and program admission. Transfer credits will be evaluated and transfer of credit will occur through College policy. Such transfer shall be subject to the availability of an appropriate clinical placement, student admission procedures, and Program Director approval.
Degree Completion Program for Certified Surgical Technologist
A graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology Program who is currently employed and working as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) may be eligible to enroll in SURGT 290 Internship in Surgical Technology. Upon successful completion of SURGT 290 and all program general education requirements, the student may apply for transfer credit based on certification and work experience and will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology.
Prerequisites to Apply
- Arrange a pre-admission meeting with the Surgical Technology Program Director
- Complete the PSB test and obtain a minimum 50% average for all seven areas (results found in myRichland)
- Eligibility for ENGL 101
- High school biology (2 years) and high school chemistry/physics (1 year) with a ‘B’ or better within the last 3 years or completed BIOL 101 with a ‘C’ or better or meet prerequisites for Microbiology at district community college (applicable to regional program students only). Students who have completed BIOL 201, BIOL 202 or BIOL 220 must have completed one within the last 5 years.
- ‘C’ or better in all prerequisites and program courses and a Program GPA of 2.5 or better
The Program GPA is calculated using grades and credits earned in completed Surgical Technology program courses. Program courses that can be completed prior to admission include: BIOL 101, BIOL 201, BIOL 202, BIOL 220, ENGL 101, HLTH 140, and PSYCH 110. Transfer and Richland credits are used in calculating the Program GPA.
Curriculum Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- Total Credit Hours: 67 credit hours in courses numbered 100 and above
- Cumulative Grade Point Average: 2.5 (‘C’) or better for all work applicable toward the degree
- Residency: 15 credit hours or more at Richland Community College
- Course Requirement: ‘C’ or better in all prerequisite and program courses
- Meet standards of the Professional Integrity Policy
- Complete the following:
- all lab/clinical competencies at 100%
- minimum of 125 solo scrubs
Additional Program Considerations
All AAS degrees include a required minimum of 15 general education credits. Students must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in the program prerequisites, core curriculum courses, and general education courses.
Required Courses
Suggested Course Sequence
First Semester
Second Semester
| BIOL 201 | Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 | 4.0 |
| SURGT 120 | Principles of Surgical Technology I | 4.0 |
| SURGT 125 | Fundamentals of Surgical Technology | 3.0 |
| SURGT 128 | Intro to the Clinical Experience | 1.0 |
Third Semester
Fourth Semester
| BIOL 202 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 4.0 |
| SURGT 240 | Principles of Surgical Technology III | 6.0 |
| SURGT 245 | Surgical Procedures II | 2.0 |
| SURGT 248 | Int. Surgical Technology Clinical II | 6.0 |
Fifth Semester
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