Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year. This program title has changed, formerly Surgical Technology Specialist.

Program Title: 	Surgical Technician
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

College Credit Certificate	
CIP Number	0351090904	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	49 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked 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 the 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 technicians.  

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.

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

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 sterile processing skills. 
13.0	Use communication and interpersonal skills related to surgical technology.
14.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences related to surgical technology. 
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of anesthesia, pharmacology, and math calculation principles related to the surgical environment.
16.0	Describe and demonstrate safety measures in the surgical environment. 
17.0	Assist the Registered Nurse (RN) with patient care procedures related to the surgical environment and describe methods for meeting patients’ needs.
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary for perioperative case management. 
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 Technician
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 the 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 Technician CCC.	
12.0	Demonstrate sterile processing 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 sterile processing. 	
12.02	Apply infection control techniques following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
12.03	Inspect and send out for repair instruments, equipment, and supplies regarding condition and quality.	
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 used for surgical procedures.	
12.09	Demonstrate the ability to prepare and label items for high-level disinfection and sterilization correctly.	
12.10	Demonstrate the techniques of high-level disinfection and sterilization for surgical instruments.	
12.11	Demonstrate case cart preparation and management. 	
13.0	Use communication and interpersonal skills related to surgical technology. The student will be able to:	
13.01	Describe various forms of communication within the role of surgical technologist.	
13.02	Discuss the goals of effective communication.	
13.03	Demonstrate appropriate body language and non-verbal communication in the surgical environment.	
13.04	Analyze and select the appropriate behavioral response to meet the patient’s individual needs.  	
13.05	Identify the concepts of conflict resolution, assertive behavior, and the principles of teamwork in the surgical environment. 	
13.06	Advocate for patients to ensure that they are included in the healthcare decision-making processes.	
14.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences related to surgical technology. The student will be able to:	
14.01	Identify prefixes, roots, and suffixes for medical terms used by surgical technologists.	
14.02	Pronounce and write medical terms correctly, along with identifying abbreviations.	
14.03	Identify the basic organizational structures of the human body, including body planes, regions, quadrants, and terms of reference.	
14.04	Analyze the basic structure of cells and relate cellular components to integrated cell function.	
14.05	Analyze the types of tissue that make up organs and the characteristics of each.	
14.06	Describe the relationship between organs and systems in the body.	
14.07	Analyze the different body systems for composition and function.	
14.08	Correlate the impact of microbiology on the practice of sterile technique and infection control in the operative setting.	
14.09	Compare and contrast the structure and characteristics of microorganisms found in the surgical environment. 	
14.10	Relate medical terminology, medical abbreviations, and anatomy and physiology to surgical specialties and specific procedures.	
14.11	Analyze the various immune responses that occur in the body as defenses against invasion by pathogens.	
14.12	Identify the infectious process in surgical practice.	
14.13	Demonstrate infection and disease transmission control techniques following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for surgery.	
14.14	Identify wound classifications and wound healing principles within wound management guidelines.	
14.15	Discuss the principles of information technology, electricity, and robotics as they relate to surgery.	
14.16	Relate pathophysiology to surgical interventions.	
14.17	Examine hemodynamic disorders, inflammation, and infection.	
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of anesthesia, 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 principles of anesthesia administration and explain the necessity of each component of anesthesia preparation for the surgical patient. 	
15.03	Compare and contrast methods, agents, and techniques of anesthesia administration and preparation.	
15.04	Examine anesthesia monitoring devices with patient homeostasis. 	
15.05	Describe potential anesthesia and operative complications and interventions for each.	
15.06	Define the terminology and describe the basic concepts of pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.	
15.07	Identify the classifications, actions, effects, and precautions for common drugs used at the sterile field and within the surgical environment.	
15.08	Demonstrate the application of the six rights of medication administration (right patient, right medication, right dosage, right route, right time/frequency, and right documentation). 	
15.09	Analyze and assemble correctly all medication supplies to be used with drugs on the sterile field.	
15.10	Demonstrate the appropriate methods of transferring and accepting medications onto the sterile field.	
15.11	Prepare, manage, and label sterile solutions and medications accurately within the sterile field.	
15.12	Correctly calculate common medication conversions and dosages. 	
15.13	Demonstrate preparation and passing of medication mixtures using ratios and proportions correctly.	
15.14	Maintain an accurate account of the amount of each medication and/or solution used and notify the Registered Nurse (RN) to ensure accurate documentation.	
16.0	Describe and demonstrate 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 surgical setting. 	
16.02	Inspect equipment and supplies for condition and quality.	
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	Describe 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	Assist with the preparation of the operative site.	
17.0	Assist the Registered Nurse (RN) with patient care procedures related to the surgical environment and describe methods for meeting patients’ needs. The student will be able to:	
17.01	Demonstrate patient transfer/transportation techniques used in the operating room (OR).	
17.02	Demonstrate the ability to monitor OR traffic and ensure that the sterility of the room is kept secure. 	
17.03	Assist with positioning and apply safety devices correctly to the patient for surgery. 	
17.04	Describe the function, assembly, application, and care of critical specialty equipment utilized.	
17.05	Identify anesthesia monitoring devices, patient complications, and interventions for maintaining patient homeostasis. 	
17.06	Demonstrate correctly the connection and operation of essential equipment for the surgical procedure.	
17.07	Perform steps for Foley catheter insertion and connecting to drainage correctly.  	
17.08	Demonstrate applicable wound management principles, including the placement and security of catheters, wound drainage systems, sterile dressings, and splint applications.	
17.09	Discuss relevant and unique factors regarding postoperative care specific to the procedure. 	
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary for perioperative case management. The student will be able to:	
18.01	Identify the types of surgical attire, accessory attire, and the roles of each.	
18.02	Demonstrate the principles associated with donning or doffing surgical attire.	
18.03	Describe the principles associated with establishing the sterile field.	
18.04	Select and verify required instrumentation, equipment, and supplies, including any implants needed for specific surgical procedures, using knowledge and the applicable surgeon preference/procedure cards. 	
18.05	Demonstrate and explain the sequence of opening sterile supplies.	
18.06	Explain the steps for organizing a back table.	
18.07	Explain the steps for organizing a mayo stand.	
18.08	Describe the final steps required to finish establishing the sterile field.	
18.09	Analyze special circumstances that require adjusting the normal routine for establishing the sterile field.	
18.10	Demonstrate the surgical scrub and donning of a sterile gown and gloves.	
18.11	Recognize the application of sterile technique principles, including the appropriate corrective action for common breaks in sterile technique. 	
18.12	Demonstrate proper draping of tables, solution stands, mayo stand, patient, and equipment.	
18.13	Demonstrate the setup and management of the sterile mayo stand and/or instrument table(s).	
18.14	Select suture and needle appropriately for each scenario given based on function and type. 	
18.15	Prepare, pass, and monitor sharps, sutures, ligatures, ties, and staples.	
18.16	Demonstrate assisting gowning and gloving of other sterile team members. 	
18.17	Participate in the surgical time out to prevent wrong-site surgery and delays in the surgical procedure. 	
18.18	Prepare and pass instruments, equipment, tissue replacement materials, implants, and supplies appropriately. 	
18.19	Observe the surgical site regarding counted items, stage of surgery, tissue appearance, and patient’s body fluids. 	
18.20	Demonstrate correctly the initiation and completion of counts regarding sponges, sharps, instruments, and miscellaneous countable items.	
18.21	Demonstrate ability to maintain retraction, cut suture, and hold instruments in the second scrub role as directed by the surgeon.  	
18.22	Demonstrate ability to prepare, validate, handle, and preserve specimens 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	Identify the preoperative diagnosis, diagnostic interventions, complications, and operative pathophysiology relative to surgical procedures.	
19.02	Describe the types of incisions, methods of wound closure, and mechanisms of wound management care.	
19.03	Describe the usual sequence of surgical procedures. 	
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 economic 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	Understand the influence of ethics in professional practice.	
20.03	Explain the role of morality during ethical decision-making.	
20.04	Provide evidence of ethical situations and problems in the healthcare profession.	
20.05	Describe the principles of problem solving and confidentiality in ethical decision-making. 	
20.06	Discuss and demonstrate the key elements related to developing a surgical conscience. 	
20.07	Analyze the concepts of legal and ethical responsibilities.	
20.08	Define the various types of legal doctrines.	
20.09	Discuss the standards of conduct.	
20.10	Analyze the legal elements of proper documentation.	
20.11	Describe the types of sentinel events.	
20.12	Describe the importance of risk management.	

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 Technologists and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist exam. 

Please contact NBSTSA for more information on this exam:

National Board of Surgical Technologists 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)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations 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. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

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.