Des Moines Area Community College.

Surgical Technology Skills Guide

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

  • *Biology (one year of high school biology with a grade of C or higher is a program entrance requirement)
  • *Anatomy
  • Human Physiology
  • *Health
  • *Basic Math
  • *Psychology
  • *Sociology
  • Speech
  • Foreign Language

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Reading

Textbooks are the primary reading materials used in the program. These technical texts in surgical technology, pharmacology, and medical terminology are written at a college level. Students are expected to cover 100-page chapters in a three-week period, preparing for lectures by reading the material prior to class. Written tests are based primarily on applications of textbook and classroom materials.

On the job, required reading includes instructions and preference lists identifying materials needed by surgeons for specific operations.

View more information on reading skills in the Surgical Technology program.

Language

Strong listening and speaking skills are important in the classroom and on the job. Students in the Surgical Technology program must take notes on lectures. In the workplace they will interact with the other members of their surgery team (surgeons, assistants, anesthesiologists, nurses), as well as with patients.

Students will write reports on medical topics, correctly using the medical terms they have learned in their coursework. On the job they may keep computerized logs of their activities.

In the Surgical Technology program, students may take Composition I  (ENG 105) or Communication Skills (ENG106). The latter is recommended because it includes work in both spoken and written communication.

View more information on language skills in the Surgical Technology program.

Math

Basic math skills are required both in the program and on the job: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, per cents, and unit conversions. Drug calculations must be exact, and only mental math or a sterile marking pen--no calculator--may be used in an operating room.

Students may take either Applied Math (MAT772) or Business Math (BUS112) as part of the program. MAT772 is the recommended choice.

View more information on math skills in the Surgical Technology program.

Learning

Strong study skills and strong motivation are essential for success in this program. Students take heavy course loads, including demanding science courses, every semester unless they complete some of the liberal arts requirements prior to program entry. They must not just understand, but memorize step-by-step instructions. They must also use critical thinking skills as they relate their observations during surgeries to their coursework, analyze the reasons for particular procedures, and learn to anticipate what the surgeon will need next.

View more information on learning skills in the Surgical Technology program.

Computer

Basic computer skills (including keyboarding, word processing, e-mail, and use of internet resources) are required in the program. In the work place surgical technologists use specialized computer programs to chart in the operating room and to access preference sheets to order supplies.

View more information on computer skills in the Surgical Technology program.