As of June 2010, surgical technology is an
expanding occupational category providing a competitive salary and
stable career prospects. Although distance-learning programs in this
area aren't abundant, several schools do offer associate's degree
programs online for aspiring surgical technicians and technologists.
Online associate's degrees in surgical technology teach students to
assist surgeons and other operating room personnel. Students learn how
to set up and monitor the equipment used during surgery and how to
provide technical support and patient care before, during and after an
operation. Classes blend online academic study with in-person labs and
clinical experiences. Enrollment in an associate's degree program
requires a high school diploma or GED, with preference given to
applicants who performed well in math and science courses.
Online
surgical technician
associate's degree programs are offered in a hybrid format. Academic
courses may be completed online, lab courses are completed at schools
and clinical practicums are completed at participating medical
facilities. For the online component, readings, lectures and assignments
are accessible through a school's website at the students' convenience.
Each student must have a personal computer, Internet access and basic
word processing and presentation software to participate in an online
program.
List of Common Surgical Technician Courses
Online associate's degree programs in surgical technology require
courses in health sciences, safety procedures and general education.
Many of the online courses are paired with in-person lab courses that
reinforce lecture-based material.
Surgical Technology Introductory Course
Students in this course receive a broad overview of the multiple
roles surgical technicians perform as part of perioperative teams.
Standard precautions, patient health histories, surgical positions and
proper scrubbing, gowning and gloving techniques are among the topics
covered.
Surgical Instruments Course
This course covers the classifications and uses of surgical
instruments along with procedures for proper care and handling. Topics
addressed include sterilization and preparation methods.
Surgical Procedures Course
Students learn the elements of preoperative patient care and the
specific duties of surgical technicians during abdominal, obstetric,
cancer and orthopedic surgery in this course. Biohazards,
intra-operative complications and care of specimens are also considered.
Pharmacology Course
This course covers the therapeutic effects of drugs, the biological
factors affecting drug response and the interactions between drugs. The
pharmacopeia's implications for successful surgical outcomes receive
particular emphasis.
An online surgical technology associate's degree qualifies graduates
for positions as surgical technicians (also known as surgical
technologists). Hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and surgeons
all employ surgical technicians. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
predicts employment of surgical technicians will increase 25% from
2008-2018. Growth will be driven by the need for more surgical
procedures as the baby boom generation exceeds retirement age. According
to
Payscale.com, as of June 2010 surgical technicians with 1-4 years of experience earned median salaries of $27,684-$37,044.
Surgical technician graduates have better prospects for employment if
they are certified. Certification may be obtained from the National
Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or from the National
Center for Competency Testing by passing a national certification exam.
Certified surgical technicians either need to earn 60 credit hours of
continuing education over a 4-year period or pass the exam at the end of
four years to maintain their certification.
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