Surgical Technology
The Surgical Technologist is an integral member of the surgical team including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurse to deliver patient care before, during and after surgery. Before an operation, surgical technologist helps prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. During the surgery, technologist pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and assistants.
This four semester program develops the knowledge and skills for an entry level job as a Surgical Technologist. This is one of the fastest growing jobs in health care with a projected 15% job outlook in the next 10 years. The curriculum is in alignment with the standards set forth by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) core curriculum guidelines. Courses include: health sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, medical terminology, microbiology), technological sciences (electricity, information technology and robotics), and patient care concepts (biopsychosocial needs of the patient, death and dying), and surgical technology equipment.
The surgical technologist can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, surgery departments, obstetric departments, and ambulatory surgery centers. The program has a site visit scheduled for 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.
Requirements
Required Courses
General Education Requirements
English
Select one course (3 credits) from below:
| ENG 121 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 122 | English Composition II | 3 |
| ENG 131 | Technical Writing I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Mathematics
| MAT 107 | Career Mathematics | 3 |
| or higher | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
| PSY 235 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Natural and Physical Sciences
| BIO 201 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab | 4 |
| BIO 202 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab | 4 |
| BIO 204 | Microbiology with Lab | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Required General Education Courses
Total Credit Hours: 60-62
Steps to Apply
1. Attend Mandatory Information Session at the Westminster Campus
You must attend a Surgical Technology Program Information Session before you register for the program.
- Date/Time: Second Wednesday of the month 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
- Location: Westminster Campus, Room A0211. See campus map and get directions. See Level A map.
2. Apply to FRCC
3. Complete Prerequisite Coursework
A minimum GPA of 2.75 in these seven courses is required.
The following prerequisite coursework must be completed before applying to the program, with a grade of "C" or better
- ENG 121 English Composition I
- MAT 107 Career Mathematics or higher
- HPR 208 Medical Record Terminology (2 credits)
- BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits with lab)*
- BIO 204 Microbiology (4 credits with lab)*
*All science courses must have been completed within 7 years of entry into the Surgical Technology program.
The following courses can be in progress when applying to the STE program
- BIO 202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits with lab)* *
- PSY 235 Human Growth and Development**
If any prerequisite coursework was taken outside of the FRCC system, you must have your transcripts officially evaluated through the FRCC Registrar's Office.
- All prerequisites must be transferred to your FRCC transcript before applying.
- Evaluations take up to 30 days to complete after the Registrar's Office receives the official transcript and the Transfer Credit Evaluation Form. Be sure to specify AAS in Surgical Technology as your degree plan.
- To be considered official, transcripts may not be issued to the student; transcripts must be mailed directly from the previous college to the FRCC Registrar's Office.
Additional Requirements
All Allied Health students who are in programs that have a Clinical Rotation requirement must have proof of the following, to go to their clinical site:
- TB Test (valid for one year and must remain current throughout the program)
- Tdap (within 10 years)
- Hepatitis B Series (three shots) or proof of immunity via a titer
- Measles, Mumps Rubella (MMR, two shots or proof of immunity via a titer)
- 2 Varicella a.k.a. Chickenpox (proof of vaccination, immunity via a titer or disease)
- Seasonal influenza vaccine October - March
- American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR cards (valid for two years), except EMS which follows Colorado State guidelines for CPR
- Passing a background check and drug test through FRCC will also be required