Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Surgical Technology Specialist
Career Cluster:	Health Science

CCC	
CIP Number	0351090904	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	49 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	Please see the CIP to SOC Crosswalk located at the link below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	

Purpose

This certificate program is part of Surgical Services AS degree program (1351090901).

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The program is designed to prepare students for employment as surgical technologists.  

The content includes but is not limited to communication and interpersonal skills, legal and ethical responsibilities, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, aseptic techniques, patient care procedures, surgical technology procedures, patient safety, use and care of equipment and supplies, CPR, Heart saver, employability skills, and basic computer literacy.  

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Demonstrate central supply skills. 
13.0	Use communication and interpersonal skills as related to surgical technology.
14.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences related to surgical technology. 
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology and math calculation principles related to the surgical environment.
16.0	Describe and practice safety measures in the surgical environment. 
17.0	Assist the RN circulator with patient care procedures related to the surgical environment and describe methods for meeting patient's needs.
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to function safely and effectively. 
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of and assist with surgical procedures. 
20.0	Demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities specific to surgical technology. 

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Surgical Technology Specialist	
CIP Numbers:	0351090904
Program Length:	49 credit hours 	

Standards 1-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and are required standards in this program. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link:  
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/20569/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2324.rtf

This certificate program is part of Surgical Services AS degree program (1351090901). At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
Students completing intended outcomes 12-20, in addition to the health careers core, will meet the requirements of the Surgical Technology Specialist CCC.	
12.0	Demonstrate central supply skills.  The student will be able to:	
12.01	Apply the principles of medical/surgical asepsis including attire, environmental control and traffic patterns to control and manage dirty, clean and sterile areas of the operating room and central supply. 	
12.02	Apply infection control techniques following Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
12.03	Inspect and send out for repair instruments, equipment and supplies regarding condition and quantity.	
12.04	Describe the methods of disinfection and sterilization.	
12.05	Demonstrate the handling, inspection and notification process regarding package integrity.	
12.06	Demonstrate correctly decontamination techniques for instruments, equipment, and the environment used for surgical procedures.	
12.07	Describe clean and sterile transportation, restocking, and storage principles for instruments, supplies and equipment.	
12.08	Identify instruments, supplies and equipment for any surgical procedure.	
12.09	Describe various supply distribution and inventory control methods.	
12.10	Demonstrate ability to prepare and label items for high level disinfection and sterilization correctly.	
12.11	Demonstrate the techniques of high level disinfection and sterilization for immediate use items.	
12.12	Demonstrate case cart preparation and management. 	
13.0	Use communication and interpersonal skills as related to surgical technology.  The student will be able to:	
13.01	Describe various forms of communication in the role of surgical technologist.	
13.02	Analyze and select the appropriate behavioral response unique to the patient’s needs.  	
13.03	Describe the concepts of conflict resolution, assertive behavior and the principles of teamwork in the surgical environment. 	
14.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences related to surgical technology.  The student will be able to:	
14.01	Describe the concepts of microbiology and relate key principles to the surgical environment.	
14.02	Compare and contrast the structure and characteristics of microorganisms found in the surgical environment. 	
14.03	Relate medical terminology, medical abbreviations, and anatomy and physiology to surgical specialties and specific procedures.	
14.04	Analyze patient defense mechanisms, the chain of infection and the infectious process as related to surgical practice.	
14.05	Demonstrate infection and disease transmission control techniques following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for surgery.	
14.06	Correlate wound classifications and wound healing principles with wound management guidelines.	
14.07	Discuss the principles of information technology, electricity and robotics as they relate to surgery.	
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology and math calculation principles related to the surgical environment.  The student will be able to:	
15.01	Describe the roles of the anesthesia provider and circulating nurse. 	
15.02	Analyze the administration of anesthesia including the methods, agents, and techniques. 	
15.03	Describe the preoperative examination and preparation process for both surgery and anesthesia. 	
15.04	Describe potential anesthesia and operative complications and interventions for each.	
15.05	Define the terminology and describe the basic concepts of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.	
15.06	Identify the classifications, actions, effects and precautions for common drugs used at the sterile field and within the surgical environment.	
15.07	Demonstrate the application of the six rights of medication administration (right patient, right medication, right dosage, right route, right time/frequency, and right documentation). 	
15.08	Analyze and assemble correctly all medication supplies, for each drug to be used on the sterile field.	
15.09	Demonstrate the appropriate methods of transferring and accepting medications onto the sterile field.	
15.10	Prepare, manage and label sterile solutions and medications accurately within the sterile field.	
15.11	 Correctly calculate common medication conversions and dosages. 	
15.12	Demonstrate preparation and passing of medication mixtures using ratio and proportions correctly. .	
15.13	Maintains an accurate account of the amount of each medication and/or solution used at the field and notifies circulator as appropriate to the situation to ensure accurate documentation.	
16.0	Describe and practice safety measures in the surgical environment.  The student will be able to:	
16.01	Describe the role, job duties and responsibilities of the surgical technologist in the healthcare setting. 	
16.02	Inspect equipment and supplies for condition and quantity.	
16.03	Demonstrate appropriate safety measures to prevent operating room fires and electrical shock from equipment. .	
16.04	Describe appropriate safety measures for laser and electrosurgical unit usage in surgery.	
16.05	Implement appropriate regulatory and accreditation agency patient safety guidelines	
16.06	Describe the role of the surgical technologist in a disaster situation. 	
16.07	Describe the role of the surgical technologist in an emergency patient situation.	
16.08	Prepare the operative site.	
17.0	Assist the RN circulator with patient care procedures related to the surgical environment and describe methods for meeting patient's needs.  The student will be able to:	
17.01	Demonstrate patient transfer/transportation techniques used in the operating room (OR).	
17.02	Describe appropriate review of the chart including preoperative identification, preoperative checklists, diagnostic tests, lab values and surgical consent.	
17.03	Monitor OR traffic, placement of sterile tables and ensure steps are taken to reduce microbial fallout. 	
17.04	Assist with positioning and apply safety devices correctly to the patient for surgery. 	
17.05	Describe the function, assembly, application and care of critical specialty equipment utilized. .	
17.06	Correlate anesthesia monitoring devices, patient complications and interventions with maintaining patient homeostasis. 	
17.07	Demonstrate correctly the connection and operation of essential equipment for the surgical procedure.	
17.08	Perform steps for Foley catheter insertion and connecting to drainage correctly.  	
17.09	Demonstrate applicable wound management principles including the placement and security of catheters, wound drainage systems, sterile dressings and splint applications.	
17.10	Discuss relevant and unique factors regarding postoperative care specific to the procedure. 	
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to function safely and effectively.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Demonstrate the use of various forms of communication in the role of surgical technologist.	
18.02	Maintain current documentation in the clinical setting relative to the surgical technologist role.	
18.03	Demonstrate proper use of the communication systems.	
18.04	Select and verify required instrumentation, equipment and supplies, including any implants needed for specific surgical procedures using core knowledge and the applicable surgeon preference/procedure cards. 	
18.05	Demonstrate the surgical scrub and donning of sterile gown and gloves.	
18.06	Demonstrate application of sterile technique principles including the appropriate corrective action for common breaks in sterile technique. 	
18.07	Demonstrate proper draping of tables, solution stands, mayo stand, patient and equipment.	
18.08	Demonstrate the set up and management of the sterile mayo stand and/or instrument table(s).	
18.09	Select suture and needle appropriately for each scenario given based on function and type. 	
18.10	Prepare, pass and monitor sharps, sutures, ligatures, ties and staples.	
18.11	Demonstrate assisting gowning/gloving of other sterile team members. 	
18.12	Participate in the surgical time out to prevent wrong site surgery and delays in the surgical procedure. 	
18.13	Prepare and pass instruments, equipment, tissue replacement materials, implants and supplies efficiently. 	
18.14	Monitor the surgical site regarding counted items, stage of surgery, tissue appearance and patient’s body fluids. 	
18.15	Demonstrate correctly the initiation and completion of counts regarding sponges, sharps, instruments and miscellaneous items used within the patients wound to prevent foreign body retention.	
18.16	Demonstrate ability to maintain retraction, cut suture, provide retraction and hold instruments in the second assistant role as directed by the surgeon.  	
18.17	Demonstrate ability to prepare, validate, handle and preserve specimen on and off the sterile field accurately for laboratory analysis.	
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of and assist with surgical procedures.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Correlate the preoperative diagnosis, diagnostic interventions, common complications, and operative pathophysiology relative to specific surgical procedures.	
19.02	Describe the types of incisions, methods of wound closure, and mechanisms of wound management.	
19.03	Describe the usual sequence of a common surgical procedure (i.e., incision into the anatomy, dissection of the anatomy, operative steps of the procedure, and closing of the anatomy.) 	
19.04	Select the appropriate instrument, equipment, or supply for each step of the procedure.  	
19.05	Demonstrate effective perioperative case management ensuring cost control and time/motion economy methods are utilized to maximize the efficiency of the OR team. 	
20.0	Demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities specific to surgical technology.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	State methods, standards and aids that assist a surgical technologist with interpreting and following legal responsibilities.	
20.02	Provide health care within the ethical/legal framework of the surgical technologist’s role.	
20.03	Describe the principles of problem solving and confidentiality in ethical decision making and risk management. 	
20.04	Describe the key qualities related to the development of a surgical conscience. 	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

The Human Patient Simulator (HPS) or other accepted simulation scenarios may be used for a limited number of clinical hours. A low teacher-student ratio in the lab and clinical area is strongly recommended.  The recommended maximum ratio is 1:6.

Special Notes

Selected portions of this program may be utilized to provide additional skills to enable nursing graduates to become employable in operating rooms as surgical technologists.  The program should meet the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the health care industry; planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety, and environmental issues.

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

After successful completion of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredited program, students are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), Certified Surgical Technologist exam. 

Please contact NBSTSA for more information on this exam:

National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) http://nbstsa.org/  
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 100, Littleton, Colorado 80120
Toll-free: (800) 707-0057

The Core should be taken first in the program. Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio. 

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the co-curricular career and technical student organization providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.