Surgical Technology

AS Degree

The Associate Degree in Surgical Technology provides the knowledge and applied skills necessary for entry-level employment as a surgical technologist and for eligibility to sit for national certification examinations. Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who function as members of the surgical team to maintain aseptic techniques, prepare and handle surgical instruments and supplies, and anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other team members during operative procedures.

The curriculum integrates didactic instruction with laboratory and supervised clinical practice. Required coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, and principles of surgical technology. Clinical experiences in affiliated hospitals and surgical centers provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical and clinical knowledge to patient care in the operating room.

Graduates are expected to demonstrate competency in maintaining sterile fields, instrument management, intraoperative patient care, and effective verbal communication. In addition, students are expected to exhibit manual dexterity, possess stamina, critical thinking, emotional stability, and the ability to function effectively in fast-paced, high-stress environments.

For the degree, students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

• Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements (Local General Education)
• California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)

Required Courses