Surgical Technology

In this course, students explore the Gateway Technical College community. They examine college resources and services, investigate skills that lead to academic success, and identify strategies for achieving educational and personal goals.

This course examines the basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.

This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis, and reconstruction of terms, with an emphasis on spelling, definition, and pronunciation. They are introduced to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.

This course focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communication, and listening skills through individual presentations, group activities, and other projects.

Advanced Anatomy and Physiology is the second semester in a two semester sequence in which normal human anatomy and physiology are studied, using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. Instruction is delivered both within a classroom and in a laboratory setting. Experimentation within a science lab includes analysis of cellular metabolism and the individual components of body systems, such as the nervous, neuro-muscular, cardiovascular, and urinary systems. Students examine homeostatic mechanisms and their relationship to fluids, electrolytes, acid-base balance, and blood. Integration of genetics to human reproduction and development are also included in this course.

Explores a variety of issues related to surgical technology. Emphasis is placed on becoming a professional member of the surgical team.

Focuses on preparing the patient and operating room for surgery. Principles of sterile technique are emphasized as the student moves into the scrub role. Lab practice is included.

Provides the foundational knowledge of the occupational environment. Principles of sterilization and disinfection are learned. Surgical instruments are introduced. Preoperative patient care concepts are simulated. Lab practice in included.

This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

Basic study of drug classifications, care, and handling of drugs and solutions, application of mathematical principles in dosage calculations, terminology related to pharmacology, anesthesia, and drugs used in surgery.

Provides a transition from the academic to the clinical setting. Learners integrate the surgical technologist skills as they apply to various surgical procedures.

Focuses on enhancing surgical technology skills while functioning as a sterile team member. Lab and/or clinical practice is included.

Topics include structure and functions of microorganisms, microbial control, infectious diseases, immunity and resistance to disease, problems of sanitation and control in relation to microbiology of air, water, food and sewage. This course is equivalent to 806-197 at other WTCS schools.

This course introduces students to some of the major theories and topics of psychology, including the physiological basis of behavior, personality and learning theories, memory, states of consciousness, stress, research methods, intelligence, human development, psychopathology, and social behavior.

This course examines interpersonal relationships of humans and groups and the consequent structure of society. It details the various social processes and concepts which shape human behavior, analyzing such phenomena as organizations, deviance, race and ethnic relations, population, urbanization, social change, and social movements. Religion, education, and the family are studied.

Provides the foundational knowledge of surgical core and specialty procedures. Examines the pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions, health sciences, and surgical techniques for a variety of procedures.

Apply basic surgical theories, principles, and procedural techniques in the operating room. Students begin to function as team members under the guidance of the instructor and authorized clinical personnel.

Further experience in a clinical setting allows the student to continue to improve technical skills while accepting more responsibilities during surgical procedures.

Expands knowledge of core and specialty surgical procedures by incorporating pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions, health sciences, and surgical techniques.

Further experience in a clinical setting allows the student to continue to improve technical skills while accepting more responsibilities during surgical procedures.

During this clinical course the student will function relatively independently. Serves as a transition from a student perspective to an employee by utilizing advanced skills for an entry level Surgical Technologist.