SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR ADMISSION AND PROGRESSION
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
Students applying to the Surgical Technology (ST) program must demonstrate sufficient physical and emotional health to be considered fit to participate in academic education and
laboratory experiences, and to practice clinically with the public in a safe and effective manner.
EXAMPLES OF NECESSARY ACTIVITIES (not inclusive)
• Possess critical thinking ability sufficient for
problem solving & clinical judgment
• Ability to be oriented to time, place, and person,
organize responsibilities, and make quick
• Organize and prioritize; arranging instrumentation or actions in a certain order/pattern
according to specific rules; must be able to bring together and relate the similarities of surgical
procedures & situations in order to function on unfamiliar procedures.
• Concentrate for prolonged periods of time in a sterile environment.
•
Need to quickly assess needs for surgical procedures, anticipate surgeon’s needs.
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with
• Display patience, empathy and concern for others.
Skills individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social,
emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
• Deal with fear and hostility in a calm manner.
• Work with others in stressful situations.
• Receive constructive feedback positively.
Sufficient written and oral skills to communicate needs
promptly and effectively, express and exchange ideas,
and interact with patients, surgeons, peers, and other
medical personnel.
• Must be able to communicate in a concise manner (able to get to the point).
• Must be able to speak clearly and respectfully.
• Must be able to restate, rephrase, and reframe ideas (paraphrase) to ensure clear
understanding of orders/direction given by surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, peers and other
medical personnel.
• The surgical technology student must be able to complete surgical counts prior to the beginning
of the procedure, during the procedure and upon completion of the procedure without
interruptions; must also be able to communicate/relay information about the patient, the
surgical procedure, and the surgeon(s) to relief personnel in order to facilitate a smooth
transition from one surgical technologist to another.
• Must be able to communicate needs during an emergency situation intraoperatively.
o The surgical technology student must be able to verbally request additional spongesin
the event of a hemorrhage.
Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room
and maneuver in small spaces.
• Move around in operating rooms without contaminating sterile workspaces.
• Must also be able to workin a small area without contaminating him/herself and the surgical
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide
safe and effective patient care, as well as providing a
safe and effective environment for the surgical team.
• Pass surgical knives, hypodermic needles, and sharp instrumentation without causing injury to
the patient, him/herself or to the remainder of the surgical team; handle fine sutures and
delicate instrumentation; position and transport patients.
• Respond promptly to the surgeon's/patient's needs,
• Manipulate equipment,
• Lift a minimum of 50 pounds, exert a sustained force of 20 pounds, push/pull mobile
equipment weighing up to 300 pounds.
• Stand in sterile scrub attire for prolonged periods (sometimes wearing a 12-20 pound lead
apron underneath the gown).
• Walk an equivalent of 5 miles per day.