Surgical Technology

Curriculum

Meet the Staff

Tuition and Fees

Admission Timetable

Applications for the Surgical Technology program at EMCC are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The program typically begins each fall semester with general education classes. Those candidates who feel they may have completed the general education classes offered in the first semester of the program may be eligible to begin in the spring semester (which is when the technology-specific coursework begins). For more information or to apply, please see the Surgical Technology Applicant page.

In this program, the student will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to practice as a certified surgical technologist by acquiring the following fundamental capabilities:

• To utilize appropriate medical terminology.
• To apply a basic understanding of human physiology and surgical anatomy in the perioperative role of a surgical technologist.
• To demonstrate a basic understanding of the concepts of pharmacology.
• To demonstrate theoretical and practical proficiency in surgical aseptic technique, surgical procedures and patient care.
• To identify and assume appropriate responsibility for patient care.

Prior to completing the program, students will take the national boards for the Certification in Surgical Technology. The Eastern Maine Community College Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accrediting Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Learning Objectives

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

Graduates with the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology will function at an entry level position as a Surgical Technologist with the following skills:

• Use appropriate instrumentation and procedural steps in general surgery, obstetrics-gynecology, genitourinary, otolaryngology, eye, plastic and reconstructive, neurosurgery, vascular, cardiovascular-thoracic, and orthopedic surgical areas.
• Apply a basic understanding of human physiology and surgical anatomy in the perioperative role of a surgical technologist.
• Use appropriate aseptic techniques in surgery.
• Utilize appropriate medical terminology.
• Make basic measurements for dosage and drug calculations.
• Use safe handling procedures for drugs and solutions.

Program Outcomes

• 2025 (1 cohort): Pass Rate 73%, Graduate Placement 91%, Employer Satisfaction 100%
• 2024 (1 cohort): Pass Rate 89%, Graduate Placement 100%, Employer Satisfaction 100%
• 2023–2024 (2 cohorts): Pass Rate 63%, Graduate Placement 88%, Employer Satisfaction 100%

Technical Standards

View the program’s technical standards

Physical Requirements

Students in the Surgical Technology program must be able to:

• Stand, bend, stoop, and/or sit for long periods of time in one location with minimum/no breaks.
• Lift a minimum of 20 pounds.
• Refrain from nourishment or rest room breaks for periods up to 6 hours.
• Demonstrate sufficient visual ability to load a fine (10-0) suture onto needles and needle holders with/without corrective lenses and while wearing safety glasses.
• Demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision to anticipate and function while in the sterile surgical environment.
• Hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator’s mouth/lips and within 20 feet.
• Hear activation/warning signals on equipment.
• Detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.
• Manipulate instruments, supplies, and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination.
• Ambulate/move around without assistive devices.
• Assist with and/or lift, move, position and manipulate, with or without assistive devices, the patient who is unconscious.
• Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing.
• Be free of reportable communicable diseases and chemical abuse.
• Demonstrate immunity to rubella, rubeola, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B, or be vaccinated against these diseases, or be willing to sign a waiver of release of liability with regard to these diseases.
• Possess short- and long-term memory sufficient to perform tasks such as, but not limited to, mentally tracking surgical supplies and performing anticipation skills intraoperatively.
• Make appropriate judgment decisions.
• Demonstrate the use of positive coping skills under stress.
• Demonstrate calm and effective responses, especially in emergency situations.
• Exhibit positive interpersonal skills in patient, staff, and faculty interactions.

Occupational Risk Statement

Pursuing a career as a Surgical Technologist involves inherent occupational risks, including exposure to infectious diseases, blood-borne and airborne pathogens, sharps injuries, chemical exposure, ergonomic strain, and other biological hazards. These risks can be common in healthcare settings, but through proper education, adherence to infection control protocols, and compliance with standards, risks can be minimized. The Surgical Technology program emphasizes safety by preparing students for real surgical experiences while prioritizing their well-being and instilling best practices for a safe and professional working environment.