Surgical Technology

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Surgical Technology degree program of Baptist Health Sciences University will prepare students with a solid foundation in surgical technology that will equip them for the dynamic, ever-changing field of surgery.

To prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

A student is considered to be in the pre-Surgical Technology program once they are admitted to Baptist University and have declared a major. To progress from pre- Surgical Technology to the professional program, the student must have completed 12 credit hours (to include ENG 101 and MAT 110) of required program prerequisites and apply for selection into the program. To apply to the Surgical Technology major, student must currently be enrolled or have successfully completed ENG 102 and BIO 150. Cohorts begin the program course work in the spring trimester. Class size is limited and the selection process is competitive.

Steps for Applying to the Program:

Step 1: Submit an application for admission to Baptist University

Step 2: Submit all required admission documentation 

Step 3: Accept offer to attend Baptist University

Step 4: Complete and/or transfer 12 credit hours (to include ENG 101 and MAT 110) of pre-program course work with a C or better, as specified by the Surgical Technology program degree requirements.

Step 5: Submit the Allied Health Intent to Apply Form. To apply to the Surgical Technology major, student must currently be enrolled or have successfully completed ENG 102 and BIO 150

Submission of the Intent to Apply form guarantees consideration into the selection process for the program.

To be competitive in the selection process, applicants should maintain a cumulative college GPA of 2.7 or above.

Applicants should earn a B or better in all pre-program courses, to be competitive.

1. Demonstrate clinical proficiency of surgical technology practices and procedures.
2. Function as a knowledgeable entry-level surgical technologist.
3. Exhibit behavioral skills that reflect professionalism (e.g. effective communication, appropriate surgical setting rationale, and time management skills).

The following technical standards outline reasonable expectations of a student enrolled in the Surgical Technology program for the performance of common clinical functions.*

Communication

Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people and the ability to be easily understood. Reading, writing, recording, and documenting patient information required.

Analytical Skills/Critical Thinking

Analytical skills sufficient to process information, to transfer knowledge from one situation to another, and to prioritize tasks. Critical thinking ability sufficient for safe, clinical judgment.

Hearing                                                                                                                  

Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs, to detect and respond to alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help.

Vision

Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary for the care of patients and operation of equipment.

Tactile

Tactile ability sufficient for patient assessment and operation of equipment.

Mobility

Physical ability, flexibility, strength, and stamina sufficient to provide safe and effective care.

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor ability sufficient to provide safe and effective care.

Behavioral

Emotional and mental health sufficient to establish therapeutic boundaries, to perform multiple tasks concurrently, to handle strong emotions, and to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

*Students who have accessibility questions or who need accommodations should contact the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Room 101, Science Building, at 901-572-2570 or by sending an email to Disability.Accomodations@baptistu.edu.

Students must complete a minimum of 120 cases as delineated below.

• General Surgery Cases Students must complete a minimum of 30 cases in General Surgery; 20 which must be performed in the First Scrub Role. The remaining 10 cases may be performed in either the First or Second Scrub Role.
• Specialty Cases Students must complete a minimum of 90 cases in various surgical specialties, excluding General Surgery; 60 which must be performed in the First Scrub Role. The additional 30 cases may be performed in either the First or Second Scrub Role.
  • A minimum of 60 surgical specialty cases must be performed in the First Scrub Role and distributed amongst a minimum of four surgical specialties.
    • A minimum of 10 cases in the First Scrub Role must be completed in each of the required minimum of four surgical specialties (40 cases total required).
    • The additional 20 cases in the First Scrub Role may be distributed amongst any one surgical specialty or multiple surgical specialties.
  • The remaining 30 surgical specialty cases may be performed in any surgical specialty either in the First or Second Scrub Role.
• Optional Surgical Specialties Diagnostic endoscopy cases and vaginal delivery cases are not mandatory. However, up to 10 diagnostic endoscopic cases and 5 vaginal delivery cases can be counted toward the maximum number of Second Scrub Role cases.
  • Diagnostic endoscopy cases must be documented in the category of "Diagnostic Endoscopy", rather than by specialty.
  • Vaginal delivery cases must be documented in the category of "Labor & Delivery'' rather than in the OB/GYN specialty.
  • Case experience in the Second Scrub Role is not mandatory.
  • Observation cases must be documented, but do not count towards the 120 required cases.

These are the requirements of the Revised Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology, 6th Ed. Surgical Rotation Case Requirements.

https://arcstsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2014_Revised_Core_Curriculum_Surgical_Rotation_Case_Requirements.pdf