Surgical Technology
The Program
Opportunities
Program Requirements
Tuition And Fees
Admission Procedures
Pregnancy Policy
Information
Curriculum
Term I (12 Weeks)
Term II (12 Weeks)
Term III (12 Weeks)
Term IV (12 Weeks)

Surgical Technology
Surgical Technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. The Surgical Technologists works under supervision of the surgeon, the Registered Nurse and other health care professionals to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. The Technologist works to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. The Surgical Technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation of tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
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The Program
Danbury Hospital offers a 12-month program in Surgical Technology. Theory and practice are integrated through simulated labs and clinical operating room experience. The small class size (eight or ten students) provides individualized instruction in both academic and clinical settings.

The academic year starts in September and runs Monday through Friday. Classroom hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; clinical hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is occasional rotation to evenings and weekend call in the latter half of the program.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Exam. A Certified Surgical Technologist may practice in any of the United States.
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Opportunities
Surgical Technology is one of the fastest growing professions in the health care field today. Surgical Technologists are employed in hospitals, clinics, surgicenters, medical and surgical offices, home health agencies, and industry. Positions include both management and staff roles in the Surgical Department, Delivery Room, Emergency Department, Central Service, Materials Management, Cardiac Cath Lab, Research and Development, Medical and Surgical Sales. Danbury Hospital School of Surgical Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual preference in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities.
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Program Requirements
Academic Standards - An applicant to the program must be a high school graduate or have completed an equivalency examination, and have an aptitude for science as demonstrated by school records.

Technical Standards - To successfully complete this program, an applicant must have sufficient strength, stamina, coordination and manual dexterity to:

• Transport, move, lift or transfer patients between stretcher, bed and/or wheelchair.
• Move, adjust or manipulate Operating Room equipment. Assemble/disassemble instruments and technical devices. Manipulate with ease and efficiency fine instruments, sutures and devices. Lift heavy objects of 10 to 20 lb., apply exertional force of 50 to 100 lb., push and pull up to 200 lb. Stand or sit for prolonged periods, often in a fixed position. An applicant must also be able to: Speak and understand conversational English.
• Use appropriate interpersonal skills to interact with surgeons, staff members, and patients, especially the mentally and physically challenged patient. Make independent decisions; performing multiple concurrent repetitive tasks; managing stressful situations.
• Apply a rational approach to solve practical problems. Respond visually and audibly during a fast-paced, aggressive and highly focused procedure. Work quickly and accurately while integrating activities according to priority. Read scientific and technical material pertinent to surgical technology. Write with proper grammar and punctuation.
• Use mathematical skills (ratios, percentages, averages). Respond to situations requiring first aid and emergency care until more qualified help arrives.

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Tuition And Fees
The tuition for the program is $3000. Students must purchase required textbooks at an approximate cost of $500. A $1500 non-refundable deposit is required upon acceptance into the program and is applied to the tuition. The balance of $1500 is payable the first day of class. Refund Policy: If a student withdraws from the program during the first 30 days, $1500 will be refunded. After the first 30 days, there is no refund.
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Admission Procedures
Complete the enclosed application in full, including a personal statement on your career choice, and application fee. Submit two letters of reference from teachers or employers describing your strengths, weaknesses, work and study habits, tardiness and attendance.
Arrange for school transcripts, certificates or diplomas to be sent to Program Director.

All application material should be sent to:
Danbury Hospital School of Surgical Technology.
24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810

Application material is carefully reviewed. Interviews are arranged for those candidates who appear to have the most potential for success, with preference given to those having experience in health care or a related field. Following the acceptance in the program, students must submit results of a recent physical examination.
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Pregnancy Policy
The student must read and sign the Department's policy regarding pregnancy. The student may remain in the program provided her performance is not adversely affected or until contraindicated by her physician. Students must complete and pass all didactic and clinical competencies to meet graduation requirements. A student must obtain a doctor's note before re-entering clinical rotation.
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Information
Mary E. Janell, RNMS, CNOR, Program Director (203) 797-7724
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Curriculum
The curriculum follows the standards outlined in the "Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program in Surgical Technology."
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Term I (12 Weeks)
Orientation to Surgical Care - 20 hours
Legal, ethical and moral issues that relate to the field of surgical technology are discussed in this course. Cultural issues as they relate to patient care, hospital and operating room organizational structures and the role and function of hospital and operating room personnel are included in this course.

History of Surgery and the Evolution of Asepsis - 6 hours
This unit covers the inception and historical development of surgery and asepsis.
Medical Terminology = 25 hours
Basic principals of medical word building following the criteria of a competency based curriculum are taught using a programmed textbook format that provides the students with skills to learn medical terminology quickly and easily.

Interpersonal Relationships and Communication - 30 hours
This course concentrates on the essentials of interpersonal relationships, understanding of self and others, stress management, the importance of the use of good communication skills, and confident management.

Anatomy and Physiology - 45 hours
In the first part of a three part course, students will learn basic anatomy and physiology in preparation for surgical procedures. Topics include organization of the human body, cells, tissues and organs, as well as the structure and function of the integumentary, muscular and skeletal, nervous and digestive systems.

Patient Care Concepts - 50 hours
The emphasis of this course is on the care and safety of the patient. Concepts covered include preoperative catheterization, vital signs, emergency care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, principals of safe practice associated with the use of lasers, radiation, and electrosurgery. Students also learn the concepts of pain and death and dying. Included are special considerations for the geriatric and pediatric patient. Practical experience is provided in the classroom and laboratory settings.

Asepsis in the Surgical Environment - 100 hours
Students are taught the fundamentals of microbiology, which include the structure and function of the microbial cell, pathogenic organisms, the infection process and the immune response, and the process of wound healing. This content is the foundation for the study and technique of disinfection and sterilization, universal precautions, aseptic technique, and skin preparation. Included is discussion of a "surgical conscience." Practical experience is provided in the classroom and laboratory settings.

Fundamentals of Surgical Technology - 80 hours
This course introduces the student to the roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist, health care team, and the clinical environment. Students learn the technique for scrubbing, gowning and gloving, case preparation and procedures and surgical routines. This course prepares students for the clinical experience by teaching them the care and handling of surgical instruments, supplies and equipment, suture materials, and draping routines in the classroom laboratory using mock surgical procedures.

Clinical Laboratory I - 100 hours
This experience allows the student to adjust to the operating room setting and to associate classroom learning with clinical learning. Students observe surgical procedures unsterilely, and sterilely while holding retractors. Students also assist, circulate and rotate to the central sterile supply department.

Clinical Laboratory - 100 hours
The laboratory component gives the student additional time to practice with supervision the skills, techniques and principals which are taught in Fundamentals of Surgical Technology and Patent Care Concepts.

Surgical Diseases - 40 hours
This course covers diseases that prompt surgical interventions. Diseases correspond with the anatomical system being covered in anatomy and physiology for a more comprehensive understanding.
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Term II (12 Weeks)

Anatomy and Physiology, Part II - 40 hours
Continuation of Anatomy and Physiology, Part I. Class lecture will stress the structure and function of the reproductive, urinary, special senses and endocrine systems.

Surgical Pharmacology - 50 hours
The content of this course covers the study of drugs, their action and methods used to measure and calculate doses for the safe care and handling of drugs used in surgery. Students are provided with an introduction to pharmacology, principles of anesthesia, which includes anesthetic agents and related drugs, their usage and actions. Also discussed is drug abuse, clinical and basic concepts.

Surgical Procedures I - 80 hours
This is the first part of a three-part course, Part I concentrates on surgical specialty procedures in general, gynecology and obstetrics, genitourinary and minor orthopedic. Laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures are also covered in this course.

Clinical Laboratory II - 260 hours
In this communication of Clinical Laboratory, theory and practice are integrated through the use of supervised clinical operating room experience. This phase focuses on minor surgical procedures and takes place in both the main operating room and the same day surgery unit.
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Term III (12 Weeks)

Surgical Procedures II - 50 hours
A review of anatomy and physiology, pathology, diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions for surgical procedures in otologic, rhinologic, laryngologic and head and neck surgery, opthalmic, more complex orthopedic procedures, neurosurgery, plastic and reconstructive, and pediatric surgery. Laser technique is also included in this course.

Clinical Laboratory III - 300 hours
This course is a continuation of Clinical Laboratory I and II with a focus on moderately complex surgical procedures.

Anatomy and Physiology, Part III - 50 hours
Continuation of Anatomy and Physiology, Part I and II. Class lecture will stress the structure and function of the respiratory, circulatory and lymphatic systems.
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Term IV (12 Weeks)

Professional and Personal Relations for Surgical Technologists - 30 hours
This course stresses personal and professional growth for the surgical technologist by emphasizing continuing education, professional membership and acquisition of certification. Students will learn job skills, interview techniques and resume writing. Included in this course will be discussion of the roles and responsibilities of more advanced practice - the circulating surgical technologists and the first assistant surgical technologist.

Surgical Procedures IV - 40 hours
A review of anatomy and physiology, pathology, diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions for surgical procedures in the following areas: thoracic, peripheral vascular, cardiovascular, trauma and transplant surgery.

Clinical Laboratory IV - 360 hours
This course is a continuation of Clinical Laboratory I, II and II with a focus on more complex surgical procedures.

Surgical Specialties: General; Obstetric and Gynecologic; Ophthalmic; Ear, Nose and Throat; Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial; Plastic and Reconstructive; Urologic; Orthopedic; Neurologic; Thoracic; Vascular.

In each branch of surgery, instruction includes an historical summary; the pathology which prompts surgical intervention; instruments, sutures and supplies for the various procedures. Theory and practice are integrated through simulated laboratory and supervised clinical operating room experiences.
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