Surgical Technology

The mission of Heart of Georgia Technical College's Surgical Technology diploma program is to prepare students for entry-level employment as surgical technologists under supervision of qualified surgical professionals. The program develops the individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities required for employment, career growth, personal development, and continued learning. The Surgical Technology program prepares competent graduates in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.

The Surgical Technologist is an essential member of the surgical team. The Surgical Technology Diploma program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and technical knowledge, skills and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for employment in a variety of positions in today’s health care system.  Some of the responsibilities include preparing the operating room by setting up surgical instruments, equipment and sterile drapes; and maintaining a sterile field at all times before and during the surgical procedure.  Assisting the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves is another skill required.  During the surgical procedures, a surgical technologist will pass instruments and sterile supplies to the surgeon and must learn to anticipate the instrument needs of the surgeon.  Other specific skills used include holding a retractor in place to allow for visualization and accessibility of the surgeon during procedures, cutting sutures as directed, and maintaining an accurate count of gauze sponges and needles throughout the surgical procedure.  The surgical technologist will assist in collecting specimens that will be sent to the laboratory for diagnostic studies.  Applying dressing and evaluating the condition of the dressing after surgery is an important role of the surgical technologist.  Additionally, the program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills to retain employment as a surgical technologist. As a surgical technologist you are not just limited to working in the operating room. There is a need for the surgical technologist in Heart Catheterization Labs, Sterilization processing departments of the hospital, Outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Labor and Delivery units, and private physician’s offices.