Surgical Technology

Evidence of immunization is mandatory or a positive Rubella Titer. Students are strongly encouraged to take the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Steps for the application process for Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree:

1. Completion of Sterile Processing Certificate does not guarantee placement into the Surgical Technology program.
2. All students applying to an AAS degree at Anoka Technology College must meet course placement requirements or take Accuplacer test.
3. Must have proof of the following:
   • ATI TEAS: Adjusted Individual Total Score of 60% or higher
   • Current CPR Requirement: American Heart Association BLS Provider, American Red Cross Basic Life Support/HeartCode BLS

A background in general math, anatomy/physiology, biology, health and life sciences, medical terminology and nursing assistant skills can be helpful.

Evidence of immunization is mandatory or a positive Rubella Titer. Students are strongly encouraged to take the Hepatitis B vaccine.

By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning outcomes.

1. Accept constructive criticism and demonstrate the appropriate behavior change.
2. Communicate effectively in medical language.
3. Ability to transfer theoretical knowledge to clinical situations.
4. Adjust to changes in technology.
5. Understand his/her role and function as a member of the surgical team.
6. Display professional behavior.
7. Demonstrate the principles of aseptic technique consistently.
8. Adhere to program/hospital policies and procedures according to industry standards.

State law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and/or residents at a health care facility have a background study conducted by the state. A student who is disqualified as a result of a background check will not be allowed to enter the program major. If a student is disqualified, the student has the right to request reconsideration of the disqualification. It is the responsibility of the student to request reconsideration by the Commissioner of Health, if he or she chooses to do so. An applicant is considered to be disqualified while in the reconsideration process. A student who has been disqualified will not be sent to a clinical site.

Clinical hospitals are located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Students must provide their own transportation to and from these assigned clinical sites and pay for any parking fees.

1. Successful completion of the Sterile Processing certificate with a grade of B or higher in all required Biology courses and a grade of C or higher in the remaining required courses.
2. Successful completion of the second year courses (SURG1010, 1026, 1027, 1035, 1037, and 2000) with a grade of C or higher

The Anoka Technical College Surgical Technology program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP):

9355 135th St N, #7709
Seminole, FL  33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

Accreditation Review Council (ARC/STSA)

6 W. Dry Creek Circle, Suite #110
Littleton, CO 80120
Phone: 303-694-9262
Fax: 303-741-3655
info@arcstsa.org

To see how this may transfer into other Anoka Technical College programs or into another college, please visit:

• Minnesota Transfer or
• Anoka Technical College transfer student  

A surgical technologist functions mainly as a scrub person in a hospital operating room. The technologist sets up the instruments, drapes, sutures, and supplies for surgical procedures, assists the surgeon and other operating team members with gowning and gloving for surgery, and hands instruments, sutures and supplies to the surgeon throughout the operative procedure.

Surgical technologists work closely with surgeons and registered nurses, are able to anticipate the needs of the physician during surgery, and assist in the care of the patient during surgical procedures.

The ability to perform under pressure in stressful and emergency situations is a quality essential for surgical technologists. A stable temperament, a strong sense of responsibility, considerable patience, and concern for order are also required. Manual dexterity and physical stamina are vital. Technologists must be able to work quickly and accurately, be oriented to detail and integrate a number of activities according to priority. Technologists must be keenly sensitive to the needs of the patient as well as to the needs of other members of the surgical team. Individuals who practice this profession have a strong desire to help others and make a valuable contribution to society.

Surgical Technology program graduates are qualified to work in hospital operating rooms, day surgery units, OB labor and delivery, cardiovascular labs and research labs. Overtime and call time will vary with position and place of employment.

With additional training, some technologists advance to first assistants, who help retract, sponge and suture during surgery. They also help close and treat wounds.

Some technologists manage supply departments in hospitals. Others take jobs with insurance companies, supply services or medical equipment companies.

Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Rita Schutz
RSchutz@anokatech.edu

Enrollment Services
EnrollmentServices@anokatech.edu
763-576-7710

Our programs prepares students for the CST exam which is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). According to AST (association of Surgical Technologists) the following states have passed law related to the education and certification of surgical technologists: Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Idaho. The following states require surgical technologists to register in order to work in the state: Colorado, North Dakota, and Washington. The following states offer optional registration/title protection for surgical technologists: Arkansas, Illinois, and Virginia. It appears AST has a resource for determining state laws for surgical technologists which can be found here: https://www.ast.org/Public_Policy/Legislative_Overview/. At this time we are unable to determine if our programs meet the licensure requirements for any state besides Minnesota.