Program Handbook
This five-semester program includes general education and surgical technology courses and leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. In this program, students gain proficiency through class (theory), lab, and clinical experiences in a variety of settings assisting with a variety of surgical procedures. The number of students selected for admission each year is determined by the availability of space in the clinical facilities affiliated with the program.
Mission Statement
To prepare competent, entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Philosophy
The Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree Program is designed to prepare students to provide critical support services to surgeons, nurses, anesthesia providers, and other surgical team members. Using a variety of learning resources, students will acquire the knowledge base of sterile technique, surgical instrumentation and equipment, surgical procedures, asepsis, and patient care skills. During the clinical portion of the program, students will complete a minimum of 120 cases of various surgical specialties in the first and second scrub roles while supervised by a clinical preceptor.
Accreditation
(Addendum 9/20/2024 Start)
Mercy College of Ohio is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). This five-year initial accreditation, the maximum for a new program, is a testament to the program’s commitment to educational excellence and its adherence to the highest standards of the field. The accreditation was awarded following a comprehensive review and demonstrated compliance with the rigorous Standards set forth by CAAHEP, and the ARC/STSA.
(Addendum 9/20/2024 End)
General College Admission Requirements
The following are Mercy College of Ohio admissions requirements. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to a program. Admission requirements are subject to change. Students should contact the Office of Admissions or consult mercycollege.edu for the most up-to-date information.
One of the following are required for admission to Mercy College of Ohio:
- An earned diploma from an accredited high school or a home-schooled program in a college preparatory course of study with a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher, OR
- A general equivalence diploma (GED) recipient with a score of 500 (score of 53 prior to 2002).
- Additional documentation may be required for College Credit Plus or Non-degree Seeking Students.
Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology Program Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting college admission requirements above, the following Surgical Technology Program admission requirements must be met:
- Applicants must be high school graduates with a GPA of at least 2.3, GED recipients with a score of 530 (score of 53 prior to 2002), or transfer students with a cumulative GPA of a 2.3. Students whose GPA falls below a 2.3 but above a 2.0 will be considered on an individual basis.
- Applicants must have completed and passed these high school courses of their college equivalents with a grade of "C" or better within the past seven years:
- Algebra - one year
- Biology - one year
- Chemistry- one year
- Completion of the Math Placement Assessment program (ALEKS) required with the following exceptions:
- Meet or exceed ACT/SAT math score required for MTH 100 (within the past 5 years), OR
- Successful completion of college-level math (grade of “C” or better), OR
- Transfer credit (MTH 100 level or higher with a grade of “C” or better).
To earn the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology students must complete all college requirements for an Associate of Applied Science Degree including:
General Education Requirements
Complete All of the Following Courses:
Oral and Written Communication (GCOM) - 3 minimum
Math, Statistics, and Logic (GMSL) - 3 minimum
| MTH 104 | Mathematical Formulas, Models, and Probability | 3 |
Arts, Humanities, Culture, and Diversity (including Religious Studies) (GAHD/GAHR) - 3 minimum
Natural Sciences, Technology, and Innovation - 6 minimum
Additional hours from one or more of the above categories; Oral and Written Communication (GCOM), Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSBS); Arts, Humanities, Culture, and Diversity, and/or Applied General Education (GAPL) courses - 15 minimum
Required Surgical Technology Program Course Requirements
Complete All of the Following Program Courses:
| SUR 105 | Intro to Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SUR 110 | Principles and Practice of Surgical Technology | 4 |
| SUR 115 | Surgical Procedures I | 4 |
| SUR 120 | Pharmacology for Surgical Technology | 2 |
| SUR 135 | Surgical Technology Directed Practice I | 2 |
| SUR 215 | Surgical Procedures II | 4 |
| SUR 235 | Surgical Technology Directed Practice II | 8 |
| SUR 245 | Surgical Technology Directed Practice III | 8 |
| SUR 250 | Surgical Technology Capstone | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 35 |
Credit Hour Requirements
| Total Required Associate of Applied Science General Education Credit Hours |
30 |
| Total Required Surgical Technology Program/Major Credit Hours |
35 |
| Total Credit Hours for Graduation |
65 |
Students may be required to take additional free elective credits to reach the 60 credit hours required for graduation. Free elective credit may be satisfied through prior coursework and transfer credit. See academic advisor for more details.