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Yakima Valley Community College
Surgical Technology Program
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Program Overview |
| Combining convenient on-line instruction, laboratory simulations, and supervised clinical practice, the YVCC Surgical Technology Program prepares students for a career as a surgical technologist. Instruction includes core courses essential to health care professionals as well as specialty courses in surgical technology. A simulation of a surgical suite in the Allied Health Laboratory allows for hands-on practice of essential psycho-motor skills. Clinical practice in hospitals, surgical processing services, and operating rooms provide actual experiences to prepare students for entry level positions in hospital operating rooms and free-standing surgical centers.
The YVCC Surgical Technology Program is 97 credits in length. Students may complete the course of study in seven quarters of full time attendance. Limited part-time study is also available. A program application is required, with eight students accepted annually, using a competitive point system. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology. |
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| Career Overview |
| Surgical Technology is a demanding, challenging, and satisfying profession. A Surgical Technologist functions as an integral member of the surgical team, assuming responsibilities before, during, and after surgery. Primary responsibilities include preparing the surgical patient for surgery; selecting and opening sterile supplies and equipment; maintenance of the sterile surgical field; passing instruments, sutures, and sponges during surgery; maintaining records; and, along with the circulator, accounting for sponges, needles, and instruments before, during, and after surgery. |
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Environment |
| Surgical technologists work in a cool, brightly lit, fast-paced environment. Prolonged periods of standing on hard surfaces are required. Surgical technologists often begin their work shift very early, and on-call availability for emergency surgeries during the weekend or at night will be required by most employers. |
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Personal Characteristics |
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The profession of Surgical Technology demands the ability to multi task and use critical thinking skills. Prospective students should possess personal integrity, have the ability to pay close attention to detail, be conscientious, and orderly. Due to the confined, stressful environment, emotionally stability is a must. Physical stamina is required to be able to stand for long periods of time, as well as for the lifting of supplies and instrument trays, moving heavy equipment, and lifting and moving patients. The nature of the career requires adequate vision, hearing and manual dexterity. Additionally, students must be willing to continue their education throughout their career to keep abreast of new developments in the field. |
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Employment Opportunities |
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2010 as the volume of surgery increases.” Surgical Technologists may be eligible for employment in hospital operating rooms, delivery rooms, ambulatory care areas, central supply/reprocessing departments, or employed privately by surgeons. |
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| For more information about Surgical Technology at Yakima Valley Community College, please contact: |
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Michael Melton
Allied Health Program Assistant
(509) 574-4913
E-Mail:
Michael Melton
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Libby McRae
Surgical Technology Program Coordinator
(509) 574-6845
E-Mail: Libby McRae |
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