• Medical Training Institute of New York

Surgical Technology

Surgical technology is a field that plays a critical role in modern healthcare. It involves the use of advanced equipment, techniques, and technology to assist surgeons and medical professionals during surgical procedures.

Overview

The Surgical Technology Program at the Medical Training Institute of New York is designed to provide students with the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains necessary for employment as an entry-level surgical technologist. The AST Core Curriculum 8th Edition was used as a guideline to facilitate the formation of the surgical technology program curriculum, which includes an on-campus lecture component, an on-campus laboratory component, and an off-campus integrated clinical component. The curriculum is designed to provide instruction in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, surgical pharmacology and microbiology, surgical procedures, aseptic technique, surgical instrumentation, and medical-legal components of the practice of surgical technology. Students are also taught necessary skill sets, such as critical thinking under pressure, case preparation and management, and anticipation of patient needs and safety. The final externship portion of the curriculum is structured to include supervised experiences in the clinical environment that require competencies, logs, and evaluations completed by the student. At the conclusion of the program, graduates who have diligently attended class and their externship studied and practiced their skills should have the skills to seek entry-level employment as surgical technologists.

What Surgical Technologists Do

Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. Surgical assistants, also called surgical first assistants, help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries.

Surgical technologists typically do the following:

  • Prepare operating rooms for surgery.
  • Sterilize equipment and make sure that there are adequate supplies for surgery.
  • Ready patients for surgery, such as by washing and disinfecting incision sites.
  • Help surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies.
  • Count supplies, such as surgical instruments, to ensure that no foreign objects are retained in patients.
  • Maintain a sterile environment to prevent patient infection.

Before an operation, surgical technologists prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. They prepare sterile solutions and medications used in surgery and check that all surgical equipment is working properly. Surgical technologists also bring patients to the operating room and get them ready for surgery by positioning them on the table, covering them with sterile drapes, and washing and disinfecting incision sites. And they help the surgical team put on sterile gowns.

During an operation, surgical technologists pass the sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants. They might hold retractors, hold internal organs in place during the procedure, or set up robotic surgical equipment. Technologists also may handle specimens taken for laboratory analysis.

After the operation is complete, surgical technologists may apply bandages and other dressings to the incision site. They may also transfer patients to recovery rooms and restock operating rooms after a procedure.

Surgical assistants have a hands-on role, directly assisting surgeons during a procedure. For example, they may help to suction the incision site or suture a wound.

Surgical assistants and technologists work as members of a healthcare team alongside physicians, Surgeons, Registered Nurses, and other healthcare workers.

Program Summary

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Medical terminology
  • Surgical pharmacology
  • Microbiology
  • Surgical procedures
  • Aseptic technique
  • Surgical instrumentation
  • Medical Law and Ethics
  • Externship

WHO WILL BENEFIT

nurse hat

Those Considering working in Operating Room (OR)

If your goal is to become a Surgical Team Member, starting out as a Surgical Technologist is a great opportunity to explore the radiology imaging field. You'll get the chance to work alongside Physicians and Surgeons in a variety of healthcare settings, earning invaluable experience and skills along the way.

doctor

Aspiring Medical Professionals

Working as a Surgical Technology gives many of us our first taste of working in the Operating Room. You might gain inspiration to continue that career path and get a more in-depth understanding of the Surgery. It's okay to share this desire with your interviewer. It shows your dedication to the field and your willingness to learn.

suitcase

Job Stability

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 9,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retiring.

Schedule of Sessions Options

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Morning Schedule

The day program is 50 weeks long. Students attend classes 25 hours a week attending classes Monday through Friday.

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Evening Schedule

The evening program is 62 weeks long. Students complete 20 hours a week attending classes Monday through Friday.

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Weekend Schedule

The weekend program is 62 weeks long, where students complete 16 hours a week attending classes on Friday (6pm-10pm), Saturday and Sunday.

Back to Top ↑