Surgical Technologist Program Details
for High-Tech Institute - Milwaukee
What does a Surgical Technologist do?
Surgical Technologists, also called "Scrubs" and "Surgical or Operating Room Technicians," assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel. They are members of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists and circulating nurses
Before an operation, Surgical Technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and nonsterile equipment, as well as adjust and check it to ensure it is working properly.
Surgical Technologists transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical "drapes." Technologists also observe patients' vital signs, check charts, and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
During surgery, Surgical Technologists pass instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies and instruments. Surgical technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers, lights or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment.
After an operation, Surgical Technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
Benefits
Students who graduate from the High-Tech Institute - Milwaukee Surgical Technologist program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree.
What does our Surgical Technologist program offer you?
- Theory and practical application in the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology of the body
- The surgical skills as well as laboratory procedures to meet the requirements of the operating room
- An introduction to the operating room and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
- Education related to sterilization and surgical instrument set-ups
- The knowledge to identify surgical room equipment and supplies
- Training with regards to the application of surgical bandages
- The skills to properly prepare and position a patient for surgery
- An externship at a medical facility
What career choices are available to graduates?
Upon graduation, you will be qualified to sit for the NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) TECH in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) NCCT Certification Examination.
After getting this certification, you will be qualified to work as a Surgical Technologist in places like:
- Hospital Operating Rooms
- Delivery Rooms
Classroom Procedures
Each course stands alone as a unit of study and is not dependent upon prerequisite training. A student may enter the program at the beginning of any course and continue through the sequence until completion of all courses.
Externship
Following the completion of the coursework, you will have the opportunity to participate in an thirteen-week externship at a hospital, surgicenter or private physician's office assisting surgeons during surgery in the operating room. During this time, you will practice the skills learned during the classroom portion of the course.
The unpaid externship consists of 500 clock hours, averaging eight hours a day, five days a week.
