Surgical Technology — A.S.

The surgical technologist is an integral part of the surgical team – working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during, and after surgery. The specialty of surgical technology is rapidly growing in hospital operating rooms and in outpatient surgery centers, as well as in a variety of settings that call for a sterile field, such as physicians’ private-practice offices. Surgical technology professionals facilitate the surgery process by anticipating the needs of the surgeons, passing instruments, and providing sterile items in an efficient manner. Along with the circulator, they share responsibility for accounting for sponges, needles, and instruments before, during, and after surgery. They may hold retractors or instruments, sponge or suction the operative site, or cut suture materials as directed by the surgeon.

The program

The program in surgical technology, leading to the Associate of Science degree, is cohort based, in-person, full-time 21-month program that begins each Fall Term. The program includes clinical experience at Loma Linda University Health facilities and affiliated hospitals. 

Program mission

To prepare entry-level Surgical Technologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

By the end of the program, graduates should be able to:

1. Demonstrate competence as a surgical technologist.
2. Comprehend and apply the knowledge and skills related to the performance of the duties of a surgical technologist.
3. Demonstrate behaviors consistent with health professionals in their duties as a surgical technologist.
4. Relate in an ethical manner to other members of the surgical health care team.
5. Maintain patient records and communicate relevant information to other members of the health team.

The Surgical Technology Program at Loma Linda University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763; 727-210-2350; CAAHEP Website. This accreditation is granted upon recommendation by the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 855-558-1100 or email smgc@llu.edu

Admission is based on a selective process.  In addition to Loma Linda University requirements, the applicant may enter the program in two ways and meet the following requirements:

1. Entry-level Option:
   1. High School Graduate or (GED)
   2. High School GPA of 2.5 or higher (3.0 or above to be competitive)
   3. Two years high school mathematics with grades of C (2.0) or above or intermediate algebra in college
   4. A personal interview
2. Transfer Option:
   1. High School Graduate or equivalent (GED)
   2. Have completed a minimum of 24 quarter units (16 semester units) units at an accredited college or university
   3. Transfer of prerequisite courses from an accredited college or university. Note: grades below C (2.0) are not transferable for credit.
      1. Two years high school mathematics with grades of C (2.0) or above or intermediate algebra in college
      2. Humanities, history, art, or language course
      3. General psychology or sociology
      4. Cultural anthropology or cultural diversity
      5. English composition, complete sequence
      6. 1 Physical Education activity
      7. Electives to meet requirements of 24 quarter units
   4. A personal interview

A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required for all courses in the program.

CPR certification

Students are required to hold current certification in adult, child, and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during all scheduled clinical experiences. Basic life-support CPR certification for health-care providers must be completed via the American Heart Association. Certification may be completed prior to beginning the program of study or may be obtained at Loma Linda University. Classes are available on campus at Life Support Education, University Arts building, 24887 Taylor Street, Suite 102, Loma Linda, California.

Professional certification

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), 3 West Dry Creek Circle, Littleton, CO 80120—provides the national certifying examination for graduates of CAAHEP-approved programs in surgical technology. Graduates who pass the CST examination are recognized by the council as certified surgical technologists (CST) or as certified first assistants (CFA).

Professional association

The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) is the professional organization of the surgical technologist. The AST’s primary concern is ensuring that surgical technologists are educationally qualified to provide quality patient care. The AST is also concerned with representing the interests of the profession in the legislative and regulatory arenas and in communicating information on the profession to the public and to the health care industry. The Association of Surgical Technologists encourages both students and graduates to become members and participate in national and local chapter meetings. The AST’s aim is to foster professional growth, encourage education, and provide services and representation for its members. For further information, contact the national office, 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200, Littleton, CO 80120.

Transportation

Students are required to have their own transportation to and from clinical sites.

Normal time to complete the program

1.75 years (Seven [7] academic quarters at LLU – full-time enrollment typical.

Program Director

Oscar Bingcang

Clinical Coordinator

Albert Magdaleno

Advisory Committee

Kristine Bonnick

Atherine Chamber

Jeffrey Hardesty

Brittany Jordan

Ehren Ngo