SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
The Surgical Technology program at Central Florida Institute in Palm Harbor is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)
Surgical Technologists, also known as surgical operating room technicians or scrub techs, are in a highly-trained position to assist with surgeries under the supervision of a surgeon. Surgical Technologists are a member of the surgery team which is generally comprised of surgeons, circulating nurses, and anesthesiologists.
Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room for a particular surgery. They are responsible for setting up the sterile instruments, drapes, and equipment.
CFI's Surgical Technologist graduates transport the patient to the operating room, position them on the table, cover the patient with sterile drapes, and wash and sterilize the incision area. The vital signs and patients’ charts are checked by the Surgical Technologist and other members of the surgical team.
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The Surgical Technologist assists the surgical team
with putting on sterile gowns and gloves and passing surgical instruments, sutures, and sponges during the surgery. The Surgical Technologist is trained to anticipate the needs of the surgeon by providing the necessary instruments in a quick and efficient manner.The Surgical Technology training program at Central Florida Institute provides both classroom and lab training while attending the campus. After this training, the students participate in an off-campus externship program in hospitals and other surgical centers.
Graduates of the Surgical Technologist Program at Central Florida Institute in the Tampa Bay area are highly trained professionals that are qualified to perform the following:
- Set up Sterile field in operating room
- Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to the surgeons during surgical procedures
- Select and set up sterile Surgical Trays of instruments for a specific surgery
- Prepare sterile draping for surgery
- Prepare the patient for surgery
- Prepare medications for dispensing
- Hold retraction, keep account of sponges, supplies, needles, and instruments
- Cut sutures
- Assist in applying dressings
- Prepare and dispose of specimens taken during surgery for laboratory analysis
The United States Department of Labor Job states that job opportunities for Surgical Technologists are expected to be favorable since the numbers of surgeries are expected to increase as the population grows and ages.
There is a high demand for qualified Surgical Technologists in the Tampa Bay area to work in the following areas:
- Hospitals in operating and delivery rooms
- Private Surgeons
- Dental Surgeons
- Surgical Centers
- Outpatient Surgical Care Centers
- Private Traveling Surgical Technologist
"Well almost 2 years since I graduated from CFI, I am now one of the top CST's at [my employer], I am also the Lead Preceptor for training new tech's and I do quite a bit of surgical assisting. I have specialized in everything I can get myself into, from general surgery, cardiovascular, neuro, ortho, endovascular and soon open heart (CVOR). I have learned a lot of and have developed great skills and knowledge. I still have a lot to learn, but I could have never gotten to the point that I am without the training I received at CFI. I love my career and plan on continuing my education in the near future to become a Surgical PA. Thanks to all my friends and family at CFI!"
John C.
Surgical Technologist graduate
"I was a police officer who had a high-speed car accident that put me in a dispatch chair. I realized I didn't have a 'backup plan' for my career. After much research I chose CFI, resulting in a new career in a field with great opportunity. I even had two job offers while finishing out my externship!"
John C.
Surgical Technologist graduate
The Department of Labor points out that healthcare employers prefer trained personnel, therefore, the job prospects should be best for Surgical Technologists with formal training such as that offered at Central Florida Institute. Healthcare employers are particularly interested in Surgical Technologists with certification.
Surgical Technologist Graduates may obtain the following national credential by passing the certification examination:
- (CST®) - Certified Surgical Technologist through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
