Surgical Technology Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science Build skills to prepare operating rooms, assist surgeons during procedures, and ensure a sterile environment to support patient safety and surgical efficiency Request Information Apply Now Program Contacts Laura Earl, Health Occupations Admissions (413) 775-1816 earl@gcc.mass.edu Nicole Turner, Program Coordinator (413) 775-1742 turnern@gcc.mass.edu Program Overview Admission Degree Requirements Learning Outcomes Faculty Career Outlook Upcoming Events Health Career Majors Fair Wednesday September 24 - 11:00am This program provides a solid foundation for a career in this essential healthcare field. You'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to become a valuable member of surgical teams with knowledge and skills in maintaining sterile conditions in surgical environments and assisting surgeons during procedures. 61credits Associate in Applied Science Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees are typically completed in two (2) years with an emphasis on technical skills for workforce entry Learn more What's Next?Graduates are eligible to take the certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Association (NBSTSA). Graduates must successfully complete this national certification examination in order to practice as a surgical technologist in Massachusetts. Surgical Technology is a health occupations program with a special admissions process and health requirements. You must submit a separate application to this program in addition to a general application for admission to GCC. Please review all criteria prior to applying! Apply to GCC Apply to the Program Admission Information Packet Enrollment Deadlines Physical Exam Form Immunization Form Technical Standards Requirements Standards Examples Critical Thinking Skills Use of judgement and problem-solving Ability to prioritize responses and interventions in emergency situations Application of ethical standards Performing closing counts while prioritizing sterile team members’ requests Mobility/Motor Skills Ability to perform functions such as standing for prolonged periods (4–6 hours) Ability to stand in one confined area for extensive periods (4–6 hours) Ability to lift instrument trays up to 50 pounds Ability to push and manipulate large, heavy equipment (100+ pounds) Transferring patients from stretcher to operating room table and back Lengthy procedures requiring abstinence from nourishment and restroom breaks Lifting heavy instrument caskets Moving equipment Tactile Skills Fine and gross motor skills and ability to perform multiple motor tasks simultaneously Manual dexterity to retrieve supplies or instruments and pass them quickly Passing instruments to sterile personnel while holding retractors Passing instrumentation and supplies to sterile team members Auditory Skills Ability to hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of communicator’s lips N/A Visual Skills Peripheral and depth perception; ability to distinguish shades of color Ability to see 20/20 or better with or without corrective lenses Ability to recognize hand signals Visualizing hair-thin suture and micro needles (10-0) to maintain counts Visualizing hand signals during surgery Communication Skills Understanding spoken and written English, including complex medical terminology Ability to read labels, directions, and dosage instructions Ability to report client data verbally and in writing Reading and creating medication labels Communication with fellow team members Interpersonal Skills Ability to work with others in a variety of settings and situations Maintaining hygiene and dress/uniform requirements Ability to listen and determine wants and needs quickly N/A Behavioral Skills Ability to adapt to changing environments and challenges while maintaining composure Ability to maintain integrity and aseptic technique Surgical conscience Occupational Hazards Surgical Technologists face several occupational risks due to the nature of their work in the operating room. Key risks include: Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens: Surgical Technologists are at risk of exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other infectious materials which can lead to infections from viruses like: HIV, hepatitis B & C. Sharp-related injuries: handling sharps like scalpels and needles pose a significant risk. Accidental cuts or punctures can expose the surgical technologist to infections, blood borne pathogens (mentioned above), or injuries. Radiation exposure: in procedures involving fluoroscopy, or X-rays, Surgical Technologists may be exposed to radiation, leading to long term health issues if proper protective measures, such as wearing lead aprons are not taken. Musculoskeletal Injuries: the physical demands of standing for long periods, moving heavy equipment, and assisting with patient positioning can lead to musculoskeletal injuries like strains and back pain. Latex Allergy: frequent exposure to latex gloves and other products in the operating room can result in allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to more serious responses like respiratory issues. Chemical Exposure: Surgical Technologists may be exposed to hazardous chemicals including: anesthetic gases, disinfectants, sterilization agents, chemotherapy agents, smoke plume, and formalin. These may cause skin irritations, or respiratory risks. Psychological Stress: the high-pressure environment of the operating room, dealing with life-or-death situations, and the need for constant focus can contribute to emotional and psychological stress over time During this program you will learn protocols necessary to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes safety and minimizes hazards by following guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and maintaining a safe work environment. This will ensure that the students will be well prepared to face the occupational challenges of this field while prioritizing safety. Students completing a course of study in this program will be able to: Apply skills and knowledge utilizing the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains to provide safe and competent patient care as an entry level surgical technologist. Demonstrate an entry-level knowledge base by successfully completing the Certification exam. Utilize effective communication with members of the surgical team in order to analyze and anticipate the perioperative needs of the patient and the surgical team. Demonstrate theoretical and practical proficiency in surgical aseptic technique and patient care. Provide patient care in a professional, ethical, and legal manner as a surgical technologist. Integrate recognition of the patient as a whole person with multiple dimensions of social, cultural, religious and ethical beliefs to address the biopsychosocial needs of the surgical patient. Demonstrate effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies and a commitment to learning as a lifelong process. Respond to the Perioperative needs of a diverse population ranging from infancy to senescence. Utilize decision-making and problem solving skills in the application of Surgical Technology principles based on evidence-based practice. These are just examples of jobs that someone with an associate degree in Surgical Technology might pursue. Our programs provide a solid foundation for many careers, but some paths may require additional education, or even a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Don’t worry! Our advisors are here to support you in planning your educational journey.