College Catalog
Course Descriptions
Surgical Technology Assessment
SGT100
Students who gained surgical technology experience and credentials via non-traditional methods, such as (but not necessarily limited to) military, on-the-job training, certificate or diploma programs, and who desire a degree and advance placement in the Surgical Technology major will take this course to become familiar with the protocols of the Surgical Technology major. SGT100 must be passed successfully before the advance placement student can proceed in the curriculum. Classroom, laboratory, clinical, and written as well as practical evaluation sessions are likely in this course, but the actual course requirements and designs will vary depending on the individual student background and demonstrated capabilities. Entering this course requires permission of the program director. 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Scheduled by Special Arrangement.
Surgical Technology Clinical Practice
SGT101
Students trained via non-traditional venues in the area of surgical technology, and who desire a degree via advance placement in the SG program, will take this course if additional clinical practice is needed to integrate the student into the protocols of Penn College's Surgical Technology major. The students must present for evaluation, documentation describing their SG clinical experiences in terms of types, dates, locations, job title, job description, responsibilities, and supervising personnel. The documentation is evaluated by the program director, or designee, and a schedule of clinical experiences is designed to meet the needs of the student as deemed to be appropriate. While the student is required to be in clinical rotation and or laboratory for at least 45 clock hours, actual requirements can vary depending on the individual student background. This course must be passed before the student can continue in the program. Entrance into this course requires permission of the program director. 1 Credit (0 Lecture - 5 Lab) Scheduled by Special Arrangement.
Application/Techniques of Surgical Asepsis and Instrumentation
SGT107
Application of microbiology as it relates to sterilization and asepsis. Emphasis on identification (type, function, and name) and proper handling, including assembly and sterilization, of instruments, equipment, and supplies. Techniques and procedures also include surgical scrubbing prior to surgical procedures; gowning, gloving, and assisting surgical team members; counting instruments, sponges, needles, and other items on the sterile field; performing initial steps of surgical procedures; and handling sterile equipment and supplies during an operation. Discussion includes the roles of unsterile and sterile surgical technologists. (Formerly SGT104) 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO115 and MTR104. Corequisite(s): BIO125 and HTH115 and SGT109 and SGT111. Spring Only.
Surgical Technology Practice I
SGT109
Beginner I-level practice of operating room fundamentals. Topics include the roles of all members on the operating room team, the basic "flow" of the operating room, and the procedure to scrub, gown, and glove without contamination. Clinical requirements: 50 clock-hours (minimum); second scrub a minimum of four out of eight clinical experiences. (Second scrub is defined as entry into the sterile environment with minimal hands-on participation.) Appropriate record keeping is the responsibility of the student. *Student may not begin SGT109 until all skills in SGT107 have been completed in a satisfactory manner*. (Formerly SGT108) 1 Credit (0 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO115 and MTR104. Corequisite(s): BIO125 and HTH115 and SGT107 and SGT111. Spring Only.
Introduction to Surgical Technology and Patient Care Concepts
SGT111
Introductory surgical technology theory in terms of types of health care facilities, hospital organizations and management, job responsibilities, and the physical environment. Emphasis on ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities; patient care concepts; and critical elements of surgical procedures. Study and discussion of perioperative patient care concepts includes assessment of the patient's response to illness and hospitalization; assessment of the patient's physical, spiritual, and psychological needs; concepts of death and dying; issues surrounding quality care, informed consent, and legal/ethical concerns; review of the patient's chart; assessment and response to special population patients; the physical design and needs of the surgery department; potential hazards and safety; preoperative routines; documentation; health and wellness concepts related to physical health and activity; and post anesthesia care. Additionally, the basic principles of electricity, physics, and robotics along with their applications in the operating room are discussed. Study includes theory and application of the CARE approach. (Formerly SGT103) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO115 and MTR104. Corequisite(s): BIO125 and HTH115 and SGT107 and SGT109. Spring Only.
General Surgical Procedures
SGT116
Study of general surgical procedures, including devices, techniques, and wound characteristics. Topics relating to wounds include types of wounds, inflammation, and the phases of healing. Other topics include sutures, accessory devices, surgical staplers, and suture needles; techniques used in preoperative diagnoses and opening and closing of surgical wounds; relevant anatomy of, and indications for, surgery; patient preparation; special equipment and supplies; and purpose and expected outcomes of the surgery, as well as possible complications. Expectations include the ability to apply these topical areas in clinical practice situations. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology are re-enforced from the surgical technology perspective. The elements of general surgery as they pertain to the surgical technologist are presented. Integration and re-enforcement of medical terminology, pathology, specific anatomical structures, surgical instruments, supplies, and drugs. (Formerly SGT115) 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO125 and HTH115 and SGT107 and SGT109 and SGT111. Corequisite(s): SGT120 and SGT130. Summer Only.
Surgical Technology Practice II
SGT120
Beginner II-level study of operating room principles and procedures, including the application of basic skills learned in the laboratory setting. Applied skills include scrubbing, gowning, and gloving procedures; back table set up; and mayo stand set up; the opening of sterile supplies; and the basics of instrument handling. Clinical requirements: 70 clock-hours minimum, additional hours assigned as appropriate for student's benefit, not to exceed 90 clock hours; second scrub a minimum of three experiences and first scrub a minimum of four experiences. Appropriate record keeping is the responsibility of the student. (Formerly SGT119) 1.50 Credits (0 Lecture - 4.50 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO125 and HTH115 and SGT107 and SGT109 and SGT111. Corequisite(s): SGT116 and SGT130. Summer Only.
Pharmacology for the Surgical Technologist
SGT130
General principles of pharmacology related to the surgical technologist in the perioperative environment. Topics include drug sources, classifications, regulatory issues, indications for use, complications, adverse reactions, routes of administration, calculation, and medication handling. Emphasis on the relationship of drugs to the surgical patient. Anesthesia and emergency situations are stressed. 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): SGT107 and SGT109 and SGT111. Corequisite(s): SGT116 and SGT120. Summer Only.
Specialty Procedures I
SGT206
Study of specialized surgeries as they pertain to the surgical technologist. Emphasis on medical terminology, pathology, specific anatomical structures, basic and specialized surgical instruments, supplies, and drugs. Specialized instruments, room setup, draping needs, and positioning are presented. Study includes obstetric and gynecologic procedures, including fertility-related surgeries; the surgical technologist's role in the stages of labor and delivery; genitourinary, plastic and reconstructure; and otorhinolaryngologic and ophthalmic surgeries. Standard precautions are continually emphasized. (Formerly SGT205) 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): SGT116 and SGT120 and SGT130. Corequisite(s): BIO201 and HTH125 and SGT211. Fall Only.
Specialty Procedures II
SGT210
Study of specialty areas as they pertain to the surgical technologist. Use of appropriate medical terminology, pathoses, relative anatomic structures, basic and specialized surgical instruments, supplies and drugs are emphasized. Specialized instruments, room setup, draping needs, positioning, and the role of and the expectations of services from the surgical technologist are studied. Oral and maxillofacial, orthopedic, peripheral vascular, cardiothoracic and neurosurgery are the main topical areas. Standard precautions are continually emphasized. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO201 and HTH125 and SGT206 and SGT211. Corequisite(s): SGT221. Spring Only.
Surgical Technology Practice III
SGT211
Intermediate-level practice of operating room procedures, including continued application of basic laboratory skills in an operating room setting. Applied skills include scrubbing, gowning, gloving, and set ups with increased organization and speed as well as instrument handling and increased manual dexterity. Clinical requirements: 205 clock-hours minimum, with additional hours assigned as appropriate for student's benefit, not to exceed 210 clock hours; the first scrub role will be entered every day and as often as possible. Appropriate record keeping is the responsibility of the student. (Formerly SGT209) 3.50 Credits (0 Lecture - 10.50 Lab) Prerequisite(s): SGT116 and SGT120 and SGT130. Corequisite(s): HTH125 and SGT206. Fall Only.
Surgical Technology Practice IV
SGT221
Competent-level practice of operating room procedures, with skills performed with little to no assistance. Expectations include independent scrubbing for a variety of surgical cases, duties performed with increased speed and accuracy, increased awareness and anticipation of needs for the procedures and the needs of team members, and increased instrument handling skills. Clinical requirements: 195 clock-hours (minimum); additional hours assigned as appropriate for student's benefit, not to exceed 210 clock hours. Appropriate record keeping is the responsibility of the student. (Formerly SGT219) 3.50 Credits (0 Lecture - 10.50 Lab) Prerequisite(s): BIO201 and HTH125 and SGT206 and SGT211. Corequisite(s): SGT210.
Professional Relations and Current Topics
SGT225
Examination of the health care practitioner's professional obligations, including responsibilities to self, responsibilities to the profession/occupation, and responsibilities to the community. Designed to provide the final building blocks that enable graduates to apply these principles and meet these expectations. Discussion includes types of stress and reduction techniques, alternative healing methodologies, current topics in surgical technology and seminar sessions relating to clinical practice and professionalism. Course work includes resume writing and preparing for the national certification examination. 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): SGT210 and SGT221. Corequisite(s): SGT230. Summer Only.
Surgical Technology Practice V
SGT230
Proficient-level practice of operating room procedures, with skills performed independently with speed and accuracy. Other expectations include excellent instrument handling skills and the ability to anticipate the sequence of items during a surgical procedure as well as the surgical process. Clinical requirements: 225 clock-hours (minimum). Appropriate record keeping is the responsibility of the student. The student is encouraged to secure his/her own clinical site; otherwise, the site will be assigned by the clinical director. 4 Credits (0 Lecture - 12 Lab) Prerequisite(s): SGT210 and SGT221. Corequisite(s): SGT225.
