Printed on 3/29/2024

Surgical Technology

10-512-1 Associate Degree (AAS) Full Time 64 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Time of Day: Day Location*: Oshkosh

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Become an integral member of the surgical team and work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other surgical staff. The main role of the surgical technologist is to ensure a safe surgical environment before, during and after surgery. You’ll gain hands-on experience learning roles and responsibilities through FVTC’s state-of-the-art operating room suites and simulation technology. You’ll be able to apply your knowledge and skills to the responsibilities of preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, ensuring the appropriate supplies and equipment are available and working properly for each procedure, passing instruments to the surgeon during the procedure, maintaining a sterile field, and preparing and applying sterile dressings after the procedures.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (41 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Medical Terminology
    10-501-101
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10501101
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.

  • Intro to Surgical Technology
    10-512-125
    4Credit
    90
    126
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 126
    • Course Number: 10512125
    • Credits: 4.00

    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 is included.

    Prereq: Active in Surgical Tech plan; Coreq: Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1 - 10512126
  • Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1
    10-512-126
    4Credit
    90
    126
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 126
    • Course Number: 10512126
    • Credits: 4.00

    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.

    Coreq: Medical Terminology 10501101; Exploring Surgical Issues 10512127
  • Exploring Surgical Issues
    10-512-127
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10512127
    • Credits: 2.00

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

    Prereq: General Anatomy & Physiology 10806177; Coreq: Intro to Surgical Technology 10512125
  • Surgical Tech Fundamentals 2
    10-512-128
    4Credit
    108
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10512128
    • Credits: 4.00

    Focuses on enhancing surgical technology skills while functioning as a sterile team member. Lab is included.

    Prereq: Intro to Surgical Technology 10512125; Microbiology 10806197; Coreq: Surgical Pharmacology 10512129
  • Surgical Pharmacology
    10-512-129
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10512129
    • Credits: 2.00

    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.

    Prereq: Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1 - 10512126; Medical Terminology 10501101; Coreq: Surgical Skills Application 10512130
  • Surgical Skills Application
    10-512-130
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10512130
    • Credits: 2.00

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

    Prereq: Exploring Surgical Issues 10512127; Coreq: Surgical Tech Fundamentals 2 - 10512128
  • Surgical Interventions 1
    10-512-131
    4Credit
    72
    144
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 144
    • Course Number: 10512131
    • Credits: 4.00

    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.

    Prereq: Surgical Tech Fundamentals 2 - 10512128; Coreq: Surgical Technology Clinical 1 - 10512132
  • Surgical Technology Clinical 1
    10-512-132
    3Credit
    216
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 216
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10512132
    • Credits: 3.00

    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.

    Prereq: Surgical Pharmacology 10512129; Coreq: Surgical Technology Clinical 2 - 10512133
  • Surgical Technology Clinical 2
    10-512-133
    3Credit
    216
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 216
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10512133
    • Credits: 3.00

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

    Prereq: Surgical Skills Application 10512130; Coreq: Surgical Interventions 1 - 10512131
  • Surgical Technology Clinical 3
    10-512-135
    3Credit
    216
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 216
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10512135
    • Credits: 3.00

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

    Prereq: Surgical Technology Clinical 2 - 10512133; Coreq: Surgical Technology Clinical 4 - 10512136
  • Surgical Technology Clinical 4
    10-512-136
    3Credit
    216
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 216
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10512136
    • Credits: 3.00

    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.

    Coreq: Surgical Interventions II 10512142, NBSTSA Practice Exam 94512136
  • Surgical Interventions II
    10-512-142
    4Credit
    72
    144
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 144
    • Course Number: 10512142
    • Credits: 4.00

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

    Prereq: Surgical Interventions 1 - 10512131; Coreq: Surgical Technology Clinical 3 - 10512135

    General Studies (20 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • English Composition 1
    10-801-136
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801136
    • Credits: 3.00

    Learners develop and apply skills in all aspects of the writing process. Through a variety of learning activities and written documents, learners employ rhetorical strategies, plan, organize and revise content, apply critical reading strategies, locate and evaluate information, integrate and document sources, and apply standardized English language conventions.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 250+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 18+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 10831103 OR not pursuing a degree.
  • Gen Anatomy & Physiology
    10-806-177
    4Credit
    108
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10806177
    • Credits: 4.00

    Examines 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 also provides the foundation, and is prerequisite to, Advanced Anatomy and Physiology.)

    Prereq: Read – ACPL 80+, Next Gen 263+, ACT Rd 20+, TEAS 50+ OR 10836123 OR 10801195/10801136 (C or better); Sent – ACPL 83+, Next Gen 250+, ACT Eng 18+, TEAS 50+, HS GPA 2.75+ OR 10831103; 1cr HS Chem OR 10806134 (C or better); 1 Gen A&P enroll per term
  • Intro to Psychology
    10-809-198
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809198
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the theoretical foundation of human functioning and looks at learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors and social influences. Students consider the complexities of human relationships in personal, social and vocational settings.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Oral/Interpersonal Comm
    10-801-196
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Microbiology
    10-806-197
    4Credit
    90
    126

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 126
    • Course Number: 10806197
    • Credits: 4.00

    Examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth, and the relationship between humans and microorganisms. Addresses disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms and the medical impact of microbes. Examines the role of microbes in the environment, industry and biotechnology. Students have the following flexible lecture options: in-class, Webcast, podcast or Interactive Television.

    Prereq: General Anatomy and Physiology 10806177 with a C or better AND 1 credit of HS chemistry or General Chemistry 10806134 with a grade of C or better.
  • Intro to Sociology
    10-809-196
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the basic concepts of the intercultural discipline of sociology. Emphasis is placed on culture, socialization and social stratification. The course also looks at five institutions: family, politics, economics, religion and education. Additional topics include demography, deviance, technology, environmental social issues, and social change and organization.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree

    Suggested Electives (3 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Developmental Psychology
    10-809-188
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809188
    • Credits: 3.00

    Developmental Psychology is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others.

    Prereq: Intro to Psychology (10809198) or enrollment in the Practical Nursing plan or instructor consent
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Expected Competencies


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