Surgical Technology

Technical Standards for Surgical Technology Students

The Surgical Technology program at Angelina College requires students to meet certain
technical standards to ensure they can perform the essential functions necessary for
success in both the educational setting and future professional practice. These
standards are vital for ensuring patient safety and maintaining the high level of
competency expected in the field.

1. Physical Abilities

• Stamina: Must be able to stand for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours) during surgical procedures and maintain focus and accuracy.
• Strength: Must be capable of lifting and moving surgical instruments, equipment, and patients (with assistance when necessary). This may include lifting items up to 50 pounds.
• Mobility: Must be able to move efficiently in the surgical environment, which may involve bending, reaching, twisting, and moving quickly between different locations in the operating room.
• Dexterity: Must have fine motor skills to handle delicate instruments, suture materials, and other equipment with precision.

2. Sensory Abilities

• Visual Acuity: Must be able to accurately read monitors, small print on surgical instruments, and recognize color-coded systems (for example, medications and sterile fields).
• Hearing: Must be able to hear and comprehend verbal instructions from the surgical team, monitor sounds from equipment (such as alarms), and respond to sounds or alerts in the operating room.
• Tactile Ability: Must possess tactile sensitivity sufficient to assess instruments, suture materials, and tissues during surgical procedures.

3. Cognitive Abilities

• Critical Thinking: Must be able to think critically and quickly under pressure to adapt to changes in surgical situations and patient needs. This includes recognizing problems and taking appropriate action.
• Memory and Recall: Must be able to recall procedural steps, instrumentation, and patient care guidelines from memory, especially in fast-paced and high-stress situations.
• Time Management: Must be able to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and function efficiently in a dynamic environment where timing is crucial.

4. Communication Skills

• Verbal Communication: Must be able to clearly and effectively communicate with the surgical team, instructors, and patients using appropriate medical terminology.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Must understand and interpret non-verbal cues from patients and other healthcare professionals, especially when responding to critical situations.
• Documentation: Must be able to accurately document patient information, surgical notes, and instrument counts according to facility and program protocols.

5. Emotional and Mental Stability

• Stress Management: Must be able to function effectively in high-stress, fast-paced situations while maintaining composure, concentration, and professionalism.
• Emotional Resilience: Must be able to handle emotionally taxing situations, such as exposure to traumatic injuries, surgeries with uncertain outcomes, and patient care emergencies.
• Professionalism: Must maintain professional boundaries and ethical behavior in all interactions, both with patients and other members of the healthcare team.

6. Interpersonal Skills

• Teamwork: Must work collaboratively with the surgical team, displaying respect, understanding, and support in a high-stakes environment.
• Patient Interaction: Must engage respectfully with patients, demonstrating empathy and understanding while ensuring patient comfort and safety.

7. Safety and Infection Control

• Sterile Technique: Must be able to understand, apply, and maintain sterile technique throughout surgical procedures to prevent contamination and infection.
• Infection Control: Must be able to follow protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and handling hazardous materials to ensure patient and self-safety.

8. Ethical and Legal Standards

• Ethical Decision-Making: Must demonstrate a strong ethical foundation, including confidentiality, honesty, and responsibility in all professional and academic settings.
• Legal Compliance: Must be aware of and comply with all relevant healthcare laws, regulations, and standards, including patient rights and OSHA guidelines.

Note: Students requesting accommodations for any of these standards should contact Angelina College’s Disability Services Office to explore potential adjustments, provided they do not compromise patient safety or the integrity of the program.

These technical standards are designed to ensure that students can meet the physical,
emotional, and intellectual demands of the Surgical Technology program while
maintaining a high level of competency and professionalism.

Occupational Risks for Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists face several occupational risks due to the nature of their work in
the operating room. Key risks include:

1. Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens: Surgical technologists are at risk of
   exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other infectious materials, which can lead to infections from viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. This risk is heightened through accidental needle sticks or contact with contaminated surgical instruments.
2. Sharps-Related Injuries: Handling sharp instruments such as scalpels and needles poses a significant risk. Accidental cuts or punctures can expose technologists to infections or injuries.
3. Radiation Exposure: In procedures involving fluoroscopy or X-rays, surgical technologists may be exposed to radiation, leading to potential long-term health issues if proper protective measures, such as wearing lead aprons, are not taken.
4. Musculoskeletal Injuries: The physical demands of standing for long periods, moving heavy equipment, and assisting with patient positioning can lead to injuries such as strains and back pain.
5. Latex Allergy: Frequent exposure to latex gloves and products in the operating room can result in allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to more severe responses such as respiratory issues.
6. Chemical Exposure: Surgical technologists may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, including anesthetic gases, disinfectants, and sterilization agents, which can pose respiratory or skin risks.
7. Psychological Stress: The high-pressure environment of the operating room, dealing with life-or-death situations, and the need for constant focus can contribute to emotional and psychological stress over time.

In addition to these risks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established protections that are crucial in healthcare settings. OSHA standards help safeguard both healthcare workers and patients by setting guidelines for handling hazardous materials, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a safe work environment.

Accredited programs, such as the Surgical Technology program at Angelina College, educate students about the risks they may encounter in their profession and teach the protocols necessary to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes safety and minimizes hazards. This ensures that students are well-prepared to face the occupational challenges of the field while prioritizing safety.

Associate of Applied Science – Surgical Technology

Policy for Continuing During Pandemic Disruptions

Purpose

This policy outlines steps to maintain continuity in the Associate of Applied Science – Surgical Technology Program if on-site teaching is disrupted due to pandemic-related public health measures.

Course Disruption

During a pandemic event, classes, labs, and clinicals may be disrupted. This could result in an incomplete grade and a possible delay in graduation. When courses resume, the days and times to make up missed content may differ from the original schedule. Every effort will be made to provide advance notice of schedule changes. Students will be required to attend adjusted days and times to complete program requirements.

1. Didactic Coursework

The program will use its existing learning systems to transition to fully online instruction if needed.

• Learning Management System (LMS): Blackboard will serve as the primary platform for lectures, assignments, and course materials. Additional resources may be provided through Cengage MindTap.
• Instructional Support: The Instructional Design team will assist faculty in developing online materials such as recorded lectures, discussions, and assignments.

2. Laboratory Coursework

To support hands-on learning, students may receive take-home lab kits with essential supplies. Lab schedules may be adjusted to allow smaller group sizes and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

3. Clinical Rotations

If clinical rotations are disrupted, alternative assignments such as case reports and virtual simulations will be used to ensure learning outcomes are met. When clinical sites reopen, students will resume rotations and complete required case documentation. Any deficiencies may be addressed individually and could result in an incomplete grade.

4. CST Exam Preparation

Students will have access to study tools including Board Vitals Lange, Surgical Technology Review, and the AST study guide. Mobile access will be encouraged to support flexible study.

5. Communication and Support

Faculty will maintain regular communication through Blackboard announcements, email, and virtual office hours. Weekly check-ins will help ensure students remain engaged and supported.

Student support services—including tutoring, counseling, disability services, books and resources, and technical support—are available through the Student Help Page within each Blackboard course. Official updates will be communicated through AC email and the emergency notification system.

Program Accreditation and Outcomes Information

The Angelina College Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

CAAHEP Contact Information

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

The Angelina College Surgical Technology Program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program that begins in Summer II and graduates each May. Program pass rates are reported annually to the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

ARC/STSA Contact Information

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
19751 East Mainstreet, Suite #339
Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303-694-9262
Fax: 303-741-3655
info@arcstsa.org

Program Outcomes Data

Questions concerning program outcomes data should be directed to the Angelina College Surgical Technology Program Director at (936) 633-5275 or svaughn@angelina.edu.