ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE (A.A.S.)
(HEGIS Code Number 5211)
Program Director: Linda Kerwin
(716) 827-2454
Room 332

The Surgical Technology Program offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology in cooperation with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The degree program prepares the student to be a practitioner with a broad knowledge base from which to draw and apply to the diverse, ever changing and advancing field of Surgical Technology. National certification is available to graduates through the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist. Students are eligible for student membership in the Association of Surgical Technologist's Organization.

Surgical Technologists are crucial members of the surgical team, working closely with surgeons, registered nurses, and anesthesiologists to provide the best possible care for the patient undergoing a surgical intervention. The primary role of the "Scrub Tech" is to prepare a sterile field and pass instruments to the surgeon during the surgical procedure. A Surgical Technologist should possess a stable temperament, manual dexterity, physical stamina, and the ability to integrate and prioritize a variety of activities. Lecture and laboratory experiences are offered at the college and experience in a hospital setting is provided. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical sites.

The curriculum leading to the A.A.S. degree is comprised of 67 credits distributed over four (4) semesters for the day time program and six (6) semesters (including two summer sessions) for the evening program. The program consists of a balance of liberal arts and surgical technology courses. The Surgical Technologist's professional role and concepts relating to patient need, surgical conditions, asepsis, surgical routines, human behavior, communication, and caring provide the framework for the curriculum. As the student progresses through the curriculum, classroom theory is applied to clinical practice in the operating room setting. A mix of laboratory practice and hospital operating room experiences during the first year, introduces the student to the operating room environment. The second year emphasizes clinical experience in a broad range of surgical specialties and operating room settings to prepare the student for future practice as a surgical technologist.

Admission Requirements:

1. High School Diploma (minimum 85% average) or GED Diploma with a minimum score of 2750
2. Math I, Math II, Biology and Physics
   
3. 2.5 semester average with minimum grades of "C" in laboratory sciences for current and transfer students
4. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate is required for clinical experiences
5. Students applying for programs in the health professions are required to participate in two stages of academic preparedness. Initial admittance to a health science program places a student into a "pre-professional" component. Admittance into the "professional" component is not guaranteed. Students must meet established academic standards and are also ranked for admission in nursing programs based on an overall QPA and grades in Anatomy and Physiology I. Students should speak with an admissions counselor or Program Director prior to registration to insure they understand all of the academic requirements for advancement in the program of their choice.

Minimum Degree Requirements:

1. A total of at least 67 semester hours with a Quality Point Average of 2.0
   
2. Core Curriculum Requirements:
   College Seminar (GS100) or College Success (GS102) - minimum C+ grade required
   Humanities (EN101, EN102)
   Mathematics (one, 3 credit mathematics course)
   Natural Science* (BIO130/130L, BIO131/131L, BIO223/223L)
   Philosophy (PH103, PH205)
   Social Science (PSY101, and one, 3 credit social science elective)
   Elective (one, 3 credit hour elective)
3. Program Requirements:*
   ST101, ST102, ST103, ST104, ST105, ST106, ST201, ST202, ST203, ST204

*A minimum grade of "C" (2.0) is required

Day Curriculum

First Year - First Semester

First Year - Second Semester

Second Year - First Semester

Second Year - Second Semester

Evening Curriculum

First Year - First Semester

First Year - Second Semester

First Year - Summer Session

Second Year - First Semester

Second Year - Second Semester

Second Year - Summer Session

Would you like more information on this or other programs? Fill out our Information Request Form or call 716-826-1200. Requests by mail may be sent to Trocaire College, Office of Admissions, 360 Choate Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220 or email us at Trocaire College. Please indicate your name, mailing address (including zip code), phone number and the program you are interested in.