Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Surgical Technology
Program Type:	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster:	Health Science

Career Certificate Program	
Program Number	H170211	
CIP Number	0351090905	
Grade Level	30, 31	
Program Length	1330 hours	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
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 	
Basic Skills Level	Computation (Mathematics):	10	 Communications (Reading and Language Arts):	11	

Purpose

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.  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 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, Heartsaver, 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.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 3 occupational completion points.

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S.  Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44(3)(b), F.S.

To teach the courses listed below, instructors must hold at least one of the teacher certifications indicated for that course.

The following table illustrates the postsecondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	
A	HSC0003	Basic Healthcare Worker	OPR RM TEC @7 7G 
REG NURSE 7 G
OPR REG NURSE 7 G
SURG TECH 7 G 
PRAC NURSE @7  %7%G (Must be a Registered Nurse)	90 hours	
B	STS0015	Central Supply Technician  		210 hours	
C	STS0010	Surgical Technologist 1		343 hours	
	STS0011	Surgical Technologist 2		343 hours	
	STS0012	Surgical Technologist 3		344 hours	

Common Career Technical Core – Career Ready Practices

Career Ready Practices describe the career-ready skills that educators should seek to develop in their students.  These practices are not exclusive to a Career Pathway, program of study, discipline or level of education.  Career Ready Practices should be taught and reinforced in all career exploration and preparation programs with increasingly higher levels of complexity and expectation as a student advances through a program of study. 

1. Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee. 

2. Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. 

3. Attend to personal health and financial well-being. 

4. Communicate clearly, effectively and with reason. 

5. Consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of decisions. 

6. Demonstrate creativity and innovation. 

7. Employ valid and reliable research strategies. 

8. Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. 

9. Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management. 

10. Plan education and career path aligned to personal goals. 

11. Use technology to enhance productivity. 

12. Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence. 

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. 

21.0	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Surgical Technology
Career Certificate Program Number:	H170211

The Basic Health Care Worker (HSC0003) is referred to as the Health Science Core and is the first OCP in the majority of the Career Certificate Program health science programs. 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.

Course Number:  HSC0003
Occupational Completion Point:  A 
Basic Healthcare Worker – 90 Hours	

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/20706/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2425.rtf 

Course Number: STS0015
Occupational Completion Point: B
Central Supply Technician – 210 Hours	
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. 	
	
Course Number: STS0010
Occupational Completion Point: C
Surgical Technologist 1 – 343 Hours	
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.	
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 emergency 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.	
16.09	Perform steps for Foley catheter insertion and connecting to drainage correctly.	

Course Number: STS0011
Occupational Completion Point: C
Surgical Technologist 2 – 343 Hours	
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	Perform patient transfer/transportation techniques used in the operating room.	
17.02	Assist with positioning and apply safety devises to the patient for surgery. 	
17.03	Ground patient and connect electrosurgical cautery unit.	
17.04	Describe the roles of anesthetist and circulating nurse during induction.	
17.05	Prepare the operative site.	
17.06	Perform steps for Foley catheter insertion and connecting to drainage.	
17.07	Apply sterile dressing and bandage.	
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to function safely and effectively.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Select and verify instruments, equipment and supplies, including any implants needed for surgical procedures using surgeon preference/procedure cards including those identified as “have available/hold items”. 	
18.02	Measure and pour sterile solutions.	
18.03	Perform surgical scrub.	
18.04	Put on sterile gown and gloves.	
18.05	Drape tables and solution stands.	
18.06	Set up sterile mayo stand and instrument table.	
18.07	Prepare sutures, ligatures, and ties.	
18.08	Prepare, pass, and monitor amount given for medications used on the sterile field. 	
18.09	Assist surgeon in gowning and gloving.	
18.10	Assist in draping patient, pass instruments, monitor field.	
18.11	Identify/correct and/or report breaks in aseptic technique.	
18.12	Monitor body fluids, e.g., blood loss, ascites.	
18.13	Perform complete counts with R.N.	
18.14	Identify principles and demonstrate techniques of disinfection and sterilization.	
18.15	Assist in removing/applying cast.	
18.16	Assist in maintaining retraction, cutting suture and holding instruments as directed by the surgeon in the second assistant role.  	
18.17	Prepare specimen for laboratory analysis.	
18.18	Decontaminate instruments equipment and environment.	
18.19	Replenish supplies and equipment.	
18.20	Describe how to update procedure/preference cards.	
18.21	Apply electrical knowledge to safe patient care practices in surgery.	
	
Course Number: STS0012
Occupational Completion Point: C
Surgical Technologist 3 – 344 Hours	
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of and assist with surgical procedures.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Identify preoperative diagnosis, common complications, and operative pathology relating to specific surgical procedures.	
19.02	List and describe types of incisions and wound closures.	
19.03	Describe the usual sequence of a common surgical procedure (i.e., incision into the anatomy, dissection of the anatomy and closing of the anatomy).	
19.04	Demonstrates the ability to select the appropriate instrument, equipment, or supply for each step of the procedure.  	
19.05	Demonstrates proper cost-effective methods including the ability to identify “have available/hold items”.	
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	Describe the role of the surgical technologist in the healthcare setting. Provide health care within the ethical/legal framework of the surgical technologist’s role.	

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.

Clinical learning experiences in an operating room and related areas are an integral part of this program. It is strongly recommended that a teacher to student ratio of 1:6 be held in the laboratory setting. 

Special Notes

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. 

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).

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. 

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Basic Skills 

In Career Certificate programs offered for 450 hours or more, in accordance with Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C., the minimum basic skills grade levels required for postsecondary adult career and technical students to complete this program are:  Computation (Mathematics) and Communications (Reading and Language Arts). These grade level numbers correspond to a grade equivalent score obtained on a state designated basic skills examination.  

Adult students with disabilities, as defined in Section 1004.02, Florida Statutes, may be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirements (Rule 6A-10.040).  Students served in exceptional student education (except gifted) as defined in s. 1003.01, F.S., may also be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirement.  Each school district and Florida College System Institution must adopt a policy addressing procedures for exempting eligible students with disabilities from the Basic Skills requirement as permitted in Section 1004.91, F.S.

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.

Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.