Surgical technicians are able to function within the sterile environment of the operating room assisting surgeons during surgical procedures. They work as members of the health care team alongside physicians, surgeons, registered nurses, and other healthcare workers. They prepare and maintain medical equipment for surgical procedures, follow hospital regulations and industry procedures to tend to the patient during pre-operation procedures. They perform preop preparations to the patient's skin, body and medical equipment. During surgery, surgical technologists keep an inventory of supplies and hand instruments and other equipment to surgeons and assistants. They might also cut sutures, hold retractors, operate suction machines or diagnostic equipment and apply dressings. After surgery, they clean and restock the operating room and might transport patients to a recovery area.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the surgical technology includes 18 months of courses. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is elegible to take the surgical technologist certification exam.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| GCST 101 | Orientation to Principles and Practices of the Surgical Technician |
| GCST 017 | Microbiology |
| GCST 018 | Pharmacology |
| GCST 020 | Principles of Surgical Technology I |
| GCST 020L | Principles of Surgical Technology Lab |
| GCST 030 | Principles of Surgical Technology II |
| GCST 040 | Surgical Procedures I |
| GCST 040L | Surgical Procedures I Lab |
| GCST 050 | Surgical Procedures II |
| GCST 050L | Surgical Procedures II Lab |
| GCST 060 | Surgical Technologist Practices |
| GCST 070 | Clinical Externship |
| GCST 099 | Capstone Course for Surgical Technology |
| RELT 101 | Jesus, Health, and Healing |
| AHCJ 124* | Introductory Medical Anthropology |
| AHCJ 135* | Essentials of Anatomy, Physiology, and Lab |
| HLCS 241* | Medical Terminology |
*Transferrable college units. Optional.
Clinical Experiences
Students will have an opportunity to rotate throughout the Loma Linda University Medical Center facility, with particular time and emphasis spent in the operating room suites and obstetrical suites. Students will participate in a minimum of 120 surgical cases, 30 cases being in general surgery and 90 cases in different surgical specialties. Students will work under the direct supervision of either their clinical instructor or a member of the health care facility.