Surgical Technology AAS: 590

(TP/SS): 590

Students who plan to major in surgical technology will be assigned the temporary major of pre-surgical technology, with POS code 590, until they are officially admitted to the surgical technology program. Students may take preparatory courses and courses that fulfill general education requirements during the waiting period. As an alternative to being assigned a temporary major, students waiting for admission to the surgical technology program may choose to major in general studies or any other open-admission program. The Admissions and Records Office at Takoma Park/Silver Spring will assign a matriculated code once students are admitted to the surgical technology program.

This curriculum is designed for those who wish to move into surgical technology careers or upgrade present surgical skills in this area. Credits earned in the degree provide transfer options for students who choose to continue studies beyond the AAS.

The curriculum, emphasizing both didactic and clinical experience, offers a broad base of surgical skills needed by those who function as integral members of the surgical team. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will receive the AAS and will be eligible to apply to take the certification examination given by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Surgical technologists are eligible for employment in hospitals, operating rooms, physicians’ offices, surgery centers, labor and delivery, and freestanding minor surgery facilities.

Each of the surgical technology courses builds on materials offered in the previous course. Students must meet prerequisites to the first-semester courses. A grade of C or better in each surgical technology course must be achieved.

For information regarding the program and admissions, please contact the Admissions and Records Office at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, 240-567-1501, or the program department.

General Education Course Selections

Click here to view the Foundation/Distribution Courses for selection to fulfill the General Education Course Requirements.

General Education Requirements

All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.

Foundation Courses

English foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
Mathematics foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)

Distribution Courses

BIOL 150 - Principles of Biology I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (ARTD/HUMD)
PSYC 102 - General Psychology 3 semester hours (BSSD)

General Education Elective

BIOL 212 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 semester hours (GEEL)

Other Requirements

BIOL 213 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 semester hours
ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours *

Program Requirements

SURG 100 - Introduction Surgical Technology 4 semester hours
SURG 101 - Surgical Technology I 6 semester hours
SURG 102 - Surgical Technology II 6 semester hours
SURG 103 - Pharmacology and Anesthesia 2 semester hours
SURG 201 - Surgical Technology III 6 semester hours
SURG 205 - Clinical Practicum I 3 semester hours
SURG 211 - Surgical Technology IV 6 semester hours
SURG 215 - Clinical Practicum II 3 semester hours

Total Credit Hours: 63

* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103 , or check with an advisor.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

Demonstrate expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique.
Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and communication skills.
Maximize patient safety by facilitating a safe surgical environment.
Perform competently in the scrub and circulator role in accordance with AST standards.
Apply principles of pharmacology as related to the surgical technologist.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills in perioperative procedural management.
Demonstrate cultural competence.