There are number of pathways that may meet your educational needs and lead to a career in Surgical Technology.

• Central Processing Distribution Technician
• Surgical Technologist
• Surgical Assistant

Surgical Technologists work in many specialty areas in surgery which include, but are not limited to:

• General Surgery
• Endoscopic Surgery
• Genitourinary Surgery
• Obstetrics and Gynecological Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery
• Oral Surgery
• Cardiac Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Peripheral Vascular Surgery
• Neurosurgery

Introduction

The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that the equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation of tools and technologies to facilitate a physicians performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Certified surgical technologists (CST's) often function as the sterile member of the surgical team who passes instruments, sutures, and sponges during surgery. After "scrubbing" they don gown and gloves and prepare the sterile setup for the appropriate procedure. CST's must also be able to anticipate the needs of surgeons, pass instruments and provide sterile items in an efficient manner. Under the supervision of the surgeon, CST's may also be involved in holding retractors or instruments, sponging or suctioning the operative site, or cutting suture material. They may also be involved in preparing and applying sterile dressings. After surgery, the may prepare the operating room for the next patient.

Many CST's are employed in hospital operating rooms, delivery rooms, cast rooms, emergency departments, ambulatory care areas, and central supply departments. Some serve in management roles in surgical services departments. In the private scrub role, they are employed directly by surgeons, while others work as surgical first assistants. They are also utilized in clinics and surgicenters; in opthalmologists', physicians', and dentists' office; and in home health care.

Because of a broad educational background combined with a specialized focus, CST's function well in a number of diverse areas. They are employed as central service managers, surgery schedulers, and materials managers. Their multicompentency is demonstrated by cardiac catheterization laboratories, medical sales, product development, and research. Laser technology, biomedical engineering, technical writing, photography, illustration, and medical-legal auditing are other areas in which their education has valuable application. They have served in the Peace Corps as well as in all branches of the military. A number are instructors and directors of surgical technology programs.

Central Processing Distribution Technician

This one semester program provides the fundamentals of central processing, supply, and distribution of hospital instrumentation, supplies and equipment. This course is designed to give instruction and practice in aseptic techniques, patient center concepts, in theories and practices of central service departments. Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the  International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) National Certifying Examination.

The Central Processing Distribution Technician Program allows employment opportunities for students, which directly relate to the field of Surgical Technology, where they will continually apply their acquired skills towards advanced education. This certificate program also provides the student a major scholastic advantage when accepted in the Surgical Technology Program with the foundations and experiences they have had in the Sterile Processing Department.

Surgical Technologist

Surgical Technology Program offers the Associate of Applied Science Degree. Macomb's Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Upon successful completion of the Surgical Technology Program the student will be encouraged to sit for the National Certification Examination distributed by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

The goal of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology is to provide graduates entry level skills in surgical technology. These skills will prepare students for immediate access to the job market and provide a foundation for the Baccalaureate Degree in Allied Health or a related field. Professional preparation is developed through the use of both didactic and practice learning activities in the classroom, practice laboratories, and clinical experiences.

The curriculum is designed to enable students to perform a variety of duties, as well as, provide technical support to the surgical team in an operating room before, during, and after surgery. The surgical technologist is trained to maintain a sterile and safe surgical environment. Duties include but are not limited to the following: setting up sterile supplies, equipment, instrumentation and drapes for surgical procedures; gowning and gloving the surgical team members; positioning patients for surgery; passing instruments, sponges and sutures to the surgeons or their assistants; preparing specimens for laboratory analysis; cleaning and sterilizing equipment and supplies, etc.