Program Overview

This 62 credit-hour curriculum prepares the student for a career as a Surgical Technologist. Surgical technologists are integral members of the healthcare team, providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings such as operating rooms and outpatient surgical centers. They possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. The surgical technologist works directly under the supervision of the surgeon during invasive surgical procedures to ensure that the operating room environment is fully prepared with surgical instruments, properly functioning equipment and environmental conditions that maximize patient safety. Students will engage in clinical experiences built upon didactic instruction in healthcare sciences, technological sciences, patient care concepts, and surgical procedures. Because of the nature of clinical experiences, individualized instruction, and specialized technology/equipment, this program assesses a higher tuition rate for courses with the SUR prefix. Students pay 1.5 the regular rate of tuition. Surgical Technology is a limited enrollment program. For admission requirements, please contact the Admissions Outreach Office at 847.925.6700 or visit harpercollege.edu. Students who apply for this limited enrollment program are obligated to meet current admission requirements and follow program curriculum as defined at the time of acceptance to the program.

Program Requirements

¹

Must be completed no earlier than seven years prior to beginning the Surgical Technology program.

²

Students using math competency must take a three credit-hour AAS General Education course. See Math Competency options for information. See full list of AAS General Education electives.

+

Students must choose a 3 credit-hour course that meets the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. See full list of AAS General Education electives.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the Surgical Technology program, the student will be able to:

• Maintain an operating room environment that is consistent with aseptic standards and patient safety;
• Describe and demonstrate the professional characteristics of the surgical technologist;
• Analyze the principles of anesthesia administration and the proper use of medications and solutions within the surgical setting;
• Identify appropriate pre- and post-operative surgical techniques involving general, obstetric, gynecological and genitourinary procedures;
• Successfully engage in perioperative case management;
• Perform the required duties of the Assistant Circulator role;
• Identify appropriate pre- and post-operative surgical interventions that include ear, nose, throat, oral/maxillofacial, plastic and orthopedic procedures;
• Identify appropriate pre- and post-operative surgical interventions for specialized procedures such as peripheral vascular, cardiac and neurosurgery.