Olympic College’s Surgical Technologist program prepares students for an exciting career at the heart of healthcare. Surgical Technologists are in high demand and enjoy excellent job prospects working closely with surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals to deliver life-saving patient care.
This 6-quarter, Associate in Applied Science degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills required to enter the field of Surgical Technology in accordance with the American Medical Association, Association of Surgical Technologists, and CAHEEP guidelines and ARC/STSA standards.
During the progam’s pre-clinical phase, emphasis is placed on classroom and laboratory instruction as preparation for the clinical phase. Didactic and hands-on skills lab instruction is held on-line and at the Olympic College Poulsbo Campus. Clinical experience is gained at our affiliated hospitals and surgery centers. The student functions under the supervision of college instructors, staff Surgical Technologists, or Registered Nurses in performing as a member of the operating room team. The clinical phase includes further didactic instruction in preparation for the national certification exam and beyond.
Successful graduates will master sterile technique, surgical procedures, pharmacology, equipment, instruments, and more. Students learn to think critically and act decisively to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and ensure safe, smooth operations. The program is designed to prepare graduates for the national certification exam and a rewarding career in healthcare.
Program Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
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Demonstrate knowledge and safety standards of practice of surgical technology as an entry-level surgical technologist.
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Demonstrate competency in clinical skills as an entry-level surgical technologist.
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Use effective communication with members of the surgical team to analyze and anticipate the patient and surgical team’s perioperative needs.
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Provide patient care with cultural humility in a professional, holistic, legal and ethical standards of the surgical technologist profession.
Admission to the Surgical Technologist Program
Application to the Surgical Technologist Program is a separate procedure in addition to the application to Olympic College. Admission to Olympic College does not guarantee admission to the program. Please visit https://www.olympic.edu/academics/academic-pathways/healthcare/surgical-technologist for application instructions and admission information.
