Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

This program is a replacement for Surgical Technology H170211 (0351090905). The program length has changed from 1330 clock hours to 1440 clock hours.

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

Career Certificate Program	
Program Number	H700200	
CIP Number	0351090909	
Grade Level	30, 31	
Program Length	1440 hours	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
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 	
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 2 occupational completion points.

Upon completion of OCP: A, Sterile Processing Technician, students will be eligible to sit for the Healthcare Sterile Processing certification exam. 

The Practicum, which begins in Surgical Technologist 2, is a requirement for the completion of the Surgical Technology program. It is a supervised, unpaid experience totaling 343 hours, with at least 300 in a healthcare facility and up to 40 in a simulated lab. Students apply administrative and clinical skills under the supervision of licensed professionals. Experiences align with classroom instruction, reinforcing theoretical knowledge through hands-on practice. The Practicum assesses critical thinking, work ethics, and professionalism in a real-world healthcare setting.

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	STS0016	Sterile Processing Technician	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)	410 hours	
B	STS0010	Surgical Technologist 1		343 hours	
	STS0011	Surgical Technologist 2		343 hours	
	STS0012	Surgical Technologist 3		344 hours	

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 an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
03.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations. 
04.0	Demonstrate sterile processing skills. 
05.0	Use communication and interpersonal skills related to surgical technology.   
06.0	Demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities specific to surgical technology.  
07.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences related to surgical technology.  
08.0	Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology and math calculation principles related to the surgical environment.  
09.0	Describe and practice safety measures in the surgical environment.  
10.0	Assist the RN circulator with patient care procedures related to the surgical environment and describe methods for meeting patients' needs. 
11.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to function safely and effectively.  
12.0	Demonstrate knowledge of and assist with surgical procedures.  
13.0	Demonstrate employability skills.

14.0	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Surgical Technology
Career Certificate Program Number: 	H700200

Course Number: STS0016
Occupational Completion Point: A
Sterile Processing Technician – 410 Hours	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations. The student will be able to:	
01.01	Describe the composition and functions of a healthcare team.	
01.02	 Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the individual members of the healthcare team 	
02.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts. The student will be able to:	
02.01	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 department	
02.02	Demonstrate an understanding of infection and disease transmission control techniques that align with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for surgery.	
02.03	Apply infection control techniques following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
03.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations. The student will be able to:	
03.01	Obtain and maintain training or certification on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), and first aid.	
04.0	Demonstrate sterile processing skills. The student will be able to:	
04.01	Inspect and send out for repair instruments, equipment, and supplies regarding condition and quality.	
04.02	Describe the methods of disinfection and sterilization.	
04.03	Demonstrate the handling, inspection, and notification process regarding package integrity.	
04.04	Demonstrate correctly decontamination techniques for instruments, equipment, and the environment used for surgical procedures.	
04.05	Describe clean and sterile transportation, restocking, and storage principles for instruments, supplies, and equipment.	
04.06	Identify instruments, supplies, and equipment used for surgical procedures.	
04.07	Describe the use of sterilization process monitors, including temperature and frequency of appropriate chemical indicators and bacterial spore tests for all sterilizers.	
04.08	Demonstrate the ability to prepare and label items for high-level disinfection and sterilization correctly.	
04.09	Demonstrate the techniques of high-level disinfection and sterilization for immediate use items.	
04.10	Demonstrate case cart preparation and management.	
04.11	Describe how to update procedure/preference cards.	
04.12	Apply electrical knowledge to safe patient care practices in surgery.	
04.13	Demonstrate an understanding of surgical preference cards and their importance. 	
	
Course Number: STS0010
Occupational Completion Point: B
Surgical Technologist 1 – 343 Hours	
05.0	Use communication and interpersonal skills related to surgical technology. The student will be able to:	
05.01	Describe various forms of communication within the role of a surgical technologist.	
05.02	Analyze and select the appropriate behavioral response to meet the patient’s individual needs.  	
05.03	Identify the concepts of conflict resolution, assertive behavior, and the principles of teamwork in the surgical environment. 	
06.0	Demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities specific to surgical technology. The student will be able to:	
06.01	State methods, standards, and aids that assist a surgical technologist with interpreting and following legal responsibilities.   	
06.02	Advocate for patients to ensure that they are included in the healthcare decision-making processes. 	
07.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences related to surgical technology. The student will be able to:	
07.01	Relate medical terminology, medical abbreviations, and anatomy and physiology to surgical specialties and specific procedures.	
07.02	Analyze patient defense mechanisms, the chain of infection, and the infectious process as related to surgical practice.	
07.03	Correlate wound classifications and wound healing principles with wound management guidelines.	
07.04	Discuss the principles of information technology, electricity, and robotics as they relate to surgery	
08.0	Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology and math calculation principles related to the surgical environment. The student will be able to:	
08.01	Describe the roles of the anesthesia provider.  	
08.02	Analyze the administration of anesthesia, including the methods, agents, and techniques. 	
08.03	Describe the preoperative examination and preparation process for both surgery and anesthesia. 	
08.04	Describe potential anesthesia and operative complications and interventions for each.	
08.05	Define the pharmacology terminology and describe the basic concepts of pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.	
08.06	Identify the classifications, actions, effects, and precautions for common drugs used at the sterile field and within the surgical environment.	
08.07	Demonstrate the application of the six rights of medication administration (right patient, right medication, right dosage, right route, right time/frequency, and right documentation)..	
08.08	Analyze and assemble correctly all medication supplies, for each drug to be used on the sterile field.	
08.09	Demonstrate the appropriate methods of transferring and accepting medications onto the sterile field.	
08.10	Prepare, manage, and label sterile solutions and medications accurately within the sterile field.	
08.11	Correctly calculate common medication conversions and dosages. 	
08.12	Demonstrate preparation and passing of medication mixtures using ratios and proportions correctly. 	
08.13	Maintains an accurate account of the amount of each medication and/or solution used and notifies the circulator as appropriate to the situation to ensure accurate documentation.	
09.0	Describe and practice safety measures in the surgical environment. The student will be able to:	
09.01	Describe the role, job duties, and responsibilities of the surgical technologist in the healthcare setting. 	
09.02	Inspect emergency equipment and supplies for condition and quantity.	
09.03	Demonstrate appropriate safety measures to prevent operating room fires and electrical shock from equipment. 	
09.04	Describe appropriate safety measures for laser and electrosurgical unit usage in surgery.	
09.05	Describe appropriate regulatory and accreditation agency patient safety guidelines.	
09.06	Describe the role of the surgical technologist in a disaster situation. 	
09.07	Describe the role of the surgical technologist in an emergency patient situation.	
09.08	Demonstrate how to prepare the operative site.	
09.09	Demonstrate and describe how to perform steps for Foley catheter insertion and connecting to drainage correctly.	

Course Number: STS0011
Occupational Completion Point: B
Surgical Technologist 2 – 343 Hours - PRACTICUM	
10.0	Assist the RN circulator with patient care procedures related to the surgical environment and describe methods for meeting patients' needs. The student will be able to:	
10.01	Perform patient transfer/transportation techniques used in the operating room.	
10.02	Assist with positioning and apply safety devises to the patient for surgery. 	
10.03	Ground the patient and connect the electrosurgical cautery unit.	
10.04	Describe the roles of an anesthetist and circulating nurse during induction.	
10.05	Prepare the operative site.	
10.06	Perform steps for Foley catheter insertion and connecting to drainage.	
10.07	Apply sterile dressing and bandage.	
11.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to function safely and effectively. The student will be able to:	
11.01	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”. 	
11.02	Measure and pour sterile solutions.	
11.03	Perform surgical scrub.	
11.04	Put on sterile gown and gloves.	
11.05	Drape tables and solution stands.	
11.06	Set up sterile mayo stand and instrument table.	
11.07	Prepare sutures, ligatures, and ties.	
11.08	Prepare, pass, and monitor the amount given for medications used on the sterile field. 	
11.09	Assist surgeon in gowning and gloving.	
11.10	Assist in draping the patient, pass instruments, and monitor the field.	
11.11	Identify/correct and/or report breaks in aseptic technique.	
11.12	Monitor body fluids, e.g., blood loss, and fluid retention.	
11.13	Perform complete counts with R.N.	
11.14	Assist in maintaining retraction, cutting suture, and holding instruments as directed by the surgeon in the second assistant role.  	
11.15	Prepare specimen for laboratory analysis.	
11.16	Decontaminate instruments, equipment, and environment.	
11.17	Replenish supplies and equipment.	
	
Course Number: STS0012
Occupational Completion Point: B
Surgical Technologist 3 – 344 Hour – PRACTICUM (See the above)	
12.0	Demonstrate knowledge of and assist with surgical procedures. The student will be able to:	
12.01	Identify preoperative diagnosis, common complications, and operative pathology relating to specific surgical procedures.	
12.02	Identify and describe types of incisions and wound closures.	
12.03	Perform the usual sequence of a common surgical procedure (i.e., incision into the anatomy, dissection of the anatomy, and closing of the anatomy).	
12.04	Demonstrates proper cost-effective methods.	
13.0	Demonstrate employability skills. The student will be able to:	
13.01	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job.	
13.02	Write an appropriate resume.	
13.03	Conduct a job search.	
13.04	Complete a job application form correctly.	

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 0an integral part of this program. It is strongly recommended that a teacher to student ratio of 1:10 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. 

Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that 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 and the National Center of Competency Testing (NCCT) 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.

Please contact NCCT for more information on this exam: National Center of Competency Testing (NCCT) https://www.ncctinc.com/ ,
11020 King Street, Suite 400, Overland Park, KS 66210, Toll-free: (800) 875-4404. 

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.

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.
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