Program

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical/Operating Room Technology (with Central Ohio Technical College)

The Surgical/Operating Room Technology program is a multi-skilled allied health profession. You will function as a member of the health care delivery team by delivering surgical patient care. Surgical technologists work with other members of the surgical team to ensure a safe, efficient operating room environment.

Surgical technologist responsibilities include:

• Handle and prepare instruments, before, during and after surgery;
• Assist the surgeon as necessary;
• Maintain the sterile field;
• Prepare the sterile set-up;
• Prepare specimens;
• Perform sponge counts; and,
• Prepare equipment.

The Surgical/Operating Room Technology is a joint effort between Hocking College and Central Ohio Technical College (COTC). This two year associate degree program is six consecutive quarters in length with the technical portion of the program beginning each fall quarter. The program is designed for full-time enrollment with classes offered during the daytime and evening at the Hocking campus.The surgical technology theory courses are online. Lab and clinical sites are located within a 75-mile radius of the Hocking College campus. After four quarters, you are eligible to take a national certification examination given by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Requirements for Acceptance into the Surgical/Operating Room Technology

Students are accepted into the Surgical/Operating Room Technology on a space-available basis (by date of admission file completion) after meeting the following criteria:

• Complete the Hocking College admission application and submit the application fee.
• Apply for admission to Central Ohio Technical College online and submit the application fee. Submit a copy of your COTC acceptance letter to Hocking College Admissions Processing, 3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville OH 45764.
• Complete Hocking College course placement assessment (ASSET, COMPASS and/or ACT) and achieve scores which would place you into college-level course work (i.e., Communications II, Algebra, and “No Reading Needed”).   Scores are valid for four years.  Students have the opportunity to take the placement assessment a total of three times.  The ASSET test has only two forms and it can be taken only twice.  There are many versions of the COMPASS test.  If you do not achieve the required scores after the first test, you should speak to the Surgical/Operating Room Technology program coordinator.  Recommendations for remediation will be given.  If you are unsuccessful after testing three times, you may take the developmental courses required by your score.  It is required that these courses be taken at Hocking College.  If you choose to take the developmental courses you do not have to complete the second or third ASSET or COMPASS test.  Completion of the required course work meets the entrance requirement.
• Provide an official transcript indicating graduation from an accredited high school or proof of successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) test.  High school diplomas earned through correspondence schools are not acceptable with the exception of those granted by the American School, Chicago, Illinois, after September 1, 1974.  Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the school to the Hocking College Admissions Processing Office.
• If you have attended another college or university, request an official transcript be mailed to the Hocking College Admission Processing Office.  Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the school to the Hocking College Admissions Processing Office.
• In addition to mailing transcripts to Hocking College, you must mail official copies of your high school and college transcripts to the Central Ohio Technical College, 1179 University Drive, Newark OH 43055.
• Have a 2.00 grade point average or greater in your last educational setting.
• Complete biology in high school within the past five years with a “C” grade or higher or you must have college credit in biology. If you do not meet this criteria, the recommended Hocking College course is BIOS 100 (Health Science: The Human Machine).
• Complete college chemistry within the past five years with a “C” grade or higher.  If you do not meet this criteria, the required Hocking College course is CHEM 130 (Fundamentals of Chemistry).  MATH 102 (Pre-Algebra) is the prerequisite for CHEM 130.
• Complete algebra in high school within the past five years with a “C” grade or higher or you must have college credit in algebra.  If you do not meet this criteria, the recommended Hocking College course is MATH 108 (Introduction to Algebra).
• Complete MICS 123 (Microsoft Office) at Hocking College or equivalent.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical/Operating Room Technology:

• Demonstrate knowledge and practice of basic care concepts;
• Utilize spiritual, cultural, and developmental concepts in the role of the surgical technologist;
• Apply knowledge from biopsychological science and advanced concepts of surgical technology in performing the roles of the surgical technologist;
• Demonstrate psychomotor competencies in performing the skills required of the surgical technologist;
• Utilize critical thinking skills in the delivery of the perioperative care as the surgical technologist;
• Communicate effectively with clients, families and significant others, and members of the surgical team;
• Practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of the role of the surgical technologist; and,
• Accept responsibility for continuing professional and personal growth.

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Surgical/Operating Room Technology graduates who pass the national certification exam are employed by hospitals, mainly in operating and delivery rooms. Others are employed in clinics and surgical centers, and in the offices of physicians and dentists who perform outpatient surgery. Starting salaries range from $24,000 to $31,000 annually.

Occupation Profile