Surgical Technology (A.A.S.)

Surgical Technologists are highly trained individuals qualified by didactic and clinical training to provide services in the operating room. They function in association with nurses and surgeons to help provide high-quality care of the surgical patient.

Onondaga’s Surgical Technology program was designed to fill the personnel needs of area hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and surgeon’s offices for surgical technologists. The demand locally and nationally for trained surgical technologists is constant. If you are a homemaker, recent high school graduate, or displaced worker, or if you desire a career change, this program may be of interest to you.

The Surgical Technology program includes clinical experiences that begin during the third semester and continue until completion of the program. You will gain your clinical experiences in the hospital and outpatient surgery centers in Syracuse and its surrounding areas.

Mission Statement

To provide a high level, comprehensive didactic and clinical experience to individuals with the desire to become Surgical Technologists. In doing this we will provide well-rounded, employable individuals to hospitals both locally and across the country.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Goal: To prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

1. The student will demonstrate cognitive (knowledge/critical thinking) behaviors appropriately to function as an entry-level surgical technologist.
2. The student will demonstrate adequate psychomotor skills required to function as an entry-level surgical technologist.
3. The student will demonstrate appropriate affective behaviors required to function as an entry-level surgical technologist.

Admissions Requirements

1. A high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Successful completion of one year of high school mathematics (Math A or Algebra is recommended) or equivalent.
3. Successful completion of one year of high school chemistry (must be Regents if New York State), or CHE 151  (preferred with no lab required) at Onondaga, or General Chemistry, or equivalent.
4. Successful completion of one year of high school biology (must be Regents if New York State), or BIO 151  or BIO 152  or BIO 121  (preferred) at Onondaga.
5. A grade of 77 or C+ or better in high school or college courses used to meet prerequisites.
6. Placement into credit-bearing college level math within 2 years of the semester you are applying for, and placement into ENG 103  and ILS 153  levels. 
7. All students participating in clinical or laboratory courses must be able to perform all of the “Essential Skills” as outlined in this catalog.
8. All students must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). The passing score for this exam is 65%. The TEAS is an online timed assessment that takes a maximum of 3 hours and a minimum of 50 minutes to complete.

Graduation Requirements

1. All requirements listed here for a degree in Surgical Technology.
2. ALL required courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher, with the exception of SGT 103L , SGT 105 , and SGT 115 , which require a B, and BIO 205 , BIO 171 , and BIO 172 , which require a C+.
   • SGT courses may be repeated only once if failing grades are earned. If any SGT courses are failed for a second time the student will lose matriculation in the SGT.AAS program.
3. Successful completion of clinical assignments; demonstration of safe, proficient entry-level skills; professional judgement and integrity.
4. Completion of the National Surgical Technologist (CST) examination prior to exiting the program.

Essential Skills

A candidate for an A.A.S. degree in Surgical Technology must have the abilities and skills necessary to complete the educational requirements as defined by the national accrediting body for national certification. The following is a representative list of the essential skills, with or without accommodation, expected for students enrolled in the Surgical Technology program.

1. Communication Skills
   • Effectively communicate with surgeons and co-workers regarding requirements and supplies for surgical procedures while all are wearing masks.
   • Effectively communicate fluently directions to peers.
   • Give, receive, understand, and be understood regarding relevant verbal English and nonverbal feedback.
   • Accurately and efficiently follow directions.
   • Provide effective, legibly written communication.
2. Conceptual and Analytical Reasoning
   • Apply didactic knowledge effectively in the clinical setting.
   • Demonstrate the ability to analyze distinct situations and utilize critical thinking in the process of delivering safe and appropriate care to clients.
   • Exercise good judgment in problem solving.
3. Social Skills
   • Perform effectively under stress.
   • Display flexibility.
   • Demonstrate compassion.
   • Develop positive and effective relationships with physicians, staff, and peers.
4. Manual Dexterity and Motor Skills
   • Demonstrate the ability to perform surgical scrub using standard equipment.
   • Gown, glove and mask appropriately.
   • Perform surgical procedures employing sterile technique.
   • Identify and pass instruments, supplies, and suture/needle combination in rooms dimly lit or very bright.
   • Attach and manipulate power equipment and endoscopic cameras.
5. Physical Strength
   • Assist with transferring anesthetized patients.
   •  Lift, move, and carry instrument trays up to 17 – 21 pounds.
   • Stand, sometimes with little movement, for four – five hours.
   • Able to move into small uncomfortable spaces and remain for periods of time.
6. Observation and Sensory Skills:
   • React/respond to signals, alarms, and other displays indicating immediate patient need.
   • Judge obstacles encountered during movement around sterile area, i.e. cords on floor, low ceiling lights.
   • Ability to immediately identify and respond to breaks in aseptic technique by anyone in the sterile area.