Surgical technologists are health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings.
This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.
A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
North Arkansas College’s Surgical Technology Program prepares graduates to function in the operating room as members of the surgical team in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during, and after surgery. The curriculum combines classroom and laboratory instruction with actual surgical suite experience. Successful completion of the program prepares the graduate to write the National Certification Examination to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), which is a requirement for graduation from the program.
The program at North Arkansas College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Surgical Technology Degree and a Technical Certificate (though certificate no longer avaliable.) The college provides an opportunity for education in the surgical technology field for individuals who commit to the values of providing high quality and cost-effective health care to all people. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, phone; 727-210-2350 web; www.caahep.org. North Arkansas College is accredited by North Central Association, Commission of Higher Learning.
Program Learning Outcomes
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Graduates of the Surgical Technology program will demonstrate competency in preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative skills in the lab and apply those skills to the clinical surgical setting.
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Graduates of the Surgical Technology program will be able to recognize, explain, and implement the principles of asepsis during the phases of perioperative care.
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Graduates of the Surgical Technology program will be able to use effective interpersonal communication skills and apply ethical and legal concepts to the practice related to surgical patient care.
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Graduates of the Surgical Technology program will be able to apply practices of safe patient care in the perioperative setting.
Students begin in the Associate of General Studies Degree program. Required courses from the Associate of General Studies to be completed prior to program entry include:
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