Surgical Technologist

 

The Surgical Technologist program provides enlisted personnel from multi-services and foreign nationals with a basic knowledge of surgical technology. Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the medical team providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. The surgical technologist works under the supervision of licensed medical personnel to facilitate safe and effective surgical procedures. The Surgical Technologist program provides both simulated and clinical training in various aspects of perioperative care. Subjects include anatomy and physiology, introduction to the surgical environment, microbiology, surgical pharmacology, surgical supplies and equipment, functions of the sterile and non-sterile team member, basic life support and basic surgical technologist skills. Outcomes-based practice, performance improvement and safety techniques are emphasized throughout the program. Instruction and practice in medical ethics, patient care, and an extensive low-fidelity surgery simulation prepares students to transition to a clinical setting. Lecture, demonstration, e-learning materials, simulations, and laboratory practice are blended and utilized during the didactic phase of training. Clinical training may occur at military or civilian treatment facilities. Clinical training includes kinesthetic instruction, case studies, and participation in a myriad of surgical specialties and settings. The program consists of lectures, group activities, demonstrations, hands-on instruction and clinical practice, and may include computer-based or blended learning options. Practical exercises and computerized or written examinations are used to assess accumulation and retention of knowledge and skills. The instructional design for this program is group lockstep.
 

Special Information:
Upon graduation of the didactic and clinical portions of training, students are eligible to challenge the Certified Surgical Technologist exam.

The Certified Surgical Technologist exam is the Outcomes Assessment Exam for the program.

The Pass Rate for 2020 is 70%

 US Air Force
AFSC: Surgical Service Apprentice
Program Length: 640.25 hours
Iterations per year: 15

 US Army
MOS: Operating Room Specialist
Program Length: 848 hours
Iterations per year: 4

 US Navy
NEC: Surgical Technologist
Program Length: 1078 hours
Iterations per year: 15
 

School Code 083


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Search Instructions
Surgical Technologists are allied healthcare professionals that facilitate the safe and effective conduct of surgical procedures by assisting doctors during procedures.

The instructional design of this program’s courses is group-lock step. The Surgical Technologist program is a consolidated program with three military services that has a two phase, field of study schedule. Resident training is first conducted at the METC and then the student transitions to clinical training that is conducted at military and/or civilian medical treatment facilities (MTF).

Upon initial entry to METC, students are provided formal education and training that develops them into entry-level Surgical Technologists within fixed and deployable medical facilities.

Students will focus on the fundamental skills and knowledge of basic surgical anatomy and physiology, vital signs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, principles and methods of decontamination, sterilization and disinfection, aseptic technique, storage and handling of sterile supplies, identification and care of surgical instruments, specialized equipment, sutures, needles, blades, linen, corrosion resistant metal ware, principles and practices of sterile technique
and standard precautions, transporting and positioning patients, operating room safety, handling of specimens, medications and surgical specialties as they relate to selected surgical procedures.

Methods of instruction include, but are not limited to: lecture, demonstration, online materials, simulations, laboratory practice, and practical exercises. Quality control and safety techniques are emphasized throughout the program.

Clinical training provides students with clinical knowledge and hands-on experiential training which consists of clinical practicum in a military and/or civilian MTF.

Students will perform entry level surgical technology skills in both an operating room and clinic setting. The training will include, but is not be limited to: anatomy and physiology, vital signs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, principles and methods of sterilization and disinfection, storage and handling of sterile supplies, identification and care of surgical instruments, specialized equipment, linen, and corrosion-resistant metal ware, preparation of suture and handling of sharps, duties of the scrub and circulating technician, principles and practices of sterile technique and standard precautions, transporting and positioning patients, operating room safety, handling of specimens, medications, dyes and hemostatic agents.

Proficiency advancement in clinical applications is determined by the program director and clinical advisor/coordinator on a case-by-case basis.

Accreditation Information:

The Surgical Technologist Program Army and Navy Tracks are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).
 
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775-6905
Telephone: 727-210-2350

www.caahep.org
 

Credentialing Information:

Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (www.nbstsa.org).
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METC Information

(210) 808-6382
E-mail:dha.jbsa.dha-metc.mbx.operations-south@health.mil
 
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