Surgical technologists are members of the surgical team working under the supervision and authority of the surgeon within the scope of practice of state law and hospital policy. These surgical team members help prepare the operating room by setting up sterile surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, and medications. They check to ensure that all equipment is in the proper place and working properly. They also assist the surgeon in donning PPE as well as transport the patient to the OR, position and drape the patient for the specific procedure, prepare the skin for the procedure, and assist the surgeon as needed during the procedure. They must know medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology as well as the many different types of surgical instruments and equipment, proper infection control procedure, and effective communication strategies used with team members and the patient prior to and after the surgical procedure. This course provides an introduction to the surgical technologist career, role in the operating room, and foundational concepts.
After completing this program, learners will be able to:
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's Surgical Tech Certificate Program is certified by both National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and American Allied Health (AAH). In addition to successfully completing the certification exam, certified candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to maintain certification. NCCT is a nationally accredited surgical technologist credentialing organization. After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take a certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.
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American Allied Health (AAH) Surgical Technologist Certification |
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Tech in Surgery TS-C (NCCT) Certification |
Disclaimer: This Surgical Technologist program is approved by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and American Allied Health (AAH). This is not an associate degree and/or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) - approved program, which requires a 1 to 2-year associate degree credit program. However, there are multiple employment opportunities for students in the following job titles including but not limited to:
Surgical Technician (ST)
Operating Room Assistant (ORA)
Surgical Scrub Technician (SST)
Peri-Operative Assistant (POA)
Endoscopy Technician (ET)
Prospective students are advised that University of Texas Rio Grande Valley cannot guarantee that any particular employer will accept NCCT or AAH certification for employment purposes. Prior to enrolling students should determine whether NCCT and/or AAH certification is sufficient for the type of employment (and/or the employer) that the prospective student is seeking.
Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience. As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.
Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.
