Ivy Tech Surgical Technology sets the stage for a fulfilling career in healthcare, offering a comprehensive program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel as vital members of the surgical team. This program provides a strong foundation in surgical principles, techniques, and procedures, preparing graduates to confidently navigate the dynamic environment of the operating room.

Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, working alongside experienced surgical technologists and other healthcare professionals. This immersive approach allows them to develop critical thinking skills, refine their sterile technique, and master the art of instrument handling, all while gaining valuable insights into the ethical considerations that underpin the practice of surgical technology.

Ivy Tech Surgical Technology Program Overview

The Ivy Tech Surgical Technology program prepares students for a rewarding career in the operating room. This comprehensive program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to excel in this dynamic field.

Curriculum

The program’s curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of surgical technology. Students will engage in a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory exercises, and clinical rotations.

Core Courses

• Surgical Anatomy and Physiology
• Surgical Procedures and Techniques
• Surgical Instrumentation
• Sterilization and Asepsis
• Patient Care and Safety
• Surgical Technology Ethics and Legal Issues

Electives

The program offers a variety of elective courses to allow students to specialize in areas of interest. These electives might include:

• Advanced Surgical Procedures
• Surgical Technology Management
• Perioperative Nursing
• Medical Terminology

Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations are an integral part of the program, providing students with hands-on experience in a variety of surgical settings. These rotations allow students to apply their classroom knowledge and develop essential skills under the guidance of experienced surgical technologists.

Learning Objectives

The Ivy Tech Surgical Technology program aims to develop students’ abilities in the following areas:

• Prepare the operating room for surgery, including setting up sterile fields and instrumentation.
• Assist surgeons and other members of the surgical team during procedures.
• Maintain a sterile environment and ensure patient safety.
• Provide compassionate and ethical patient care.
• Collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
• Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems and make decisions in the operating room.

Accreditation and Certifications

The Ivy Tech Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology (ARC/STSA). This accreditation ensures that the program meets the highest standards of quality and prepares graduates for successful careers.

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Earning the CST credential demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and enhances career opportunities.

Student Life and Resources

As an Ivy Tech Surgical Technology student, you’ll have access to a range of resources designed to support your academic journey and professional development. The program is committed to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment that helps you succeed.

Student Support Services

Ivy Tech offers comprehensive student support services that cater to diverse needs, ensuring a smooth and successful academic experience.

• Academic Advising: Dedicated advisors provide personalized guidance on course selection, program requirements, and academic planning. They help you stay on track with your educational goals and navigate the complexities of the curriculum.
• Career Counseling: Experienced career counselors offer guidance on resume writing, interview skills, and career exploration. They help you identify your strengths and interests and connect you with potential job opportunities in the surgical technology field.
• Financial Aid: The financial aid office provides information and assistance with various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. They help you explore funding opportunities and navigate the financial aid process.

Ethical Considerations in Surgical Technology

Surgical technologists play a crucial role in the operating room, assisting surgeons and ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. Their work demands a strong commitment to ethical principles, guiding their actions and decisions throughout the surgical process.

Ethical Principles in Surgical Technology

Ethical principles provide a framework for guiding professional conduct and decision-making in surgical technology. These principles include:

• Beneficence: Acting in the best interests of the patient, striving to promote their well-being and prevent harm.
• Non-maleficence: Avoiding actions that could cause harm to the patient.
• Autonomy: Respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions about their care, including the right to refuse treatment.
• Justice: Ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances.
• Veracity: Being honest and truthful with patients and colleagues.
• Fidelity: Keeping promises and commitments to patients and colleagues.

Patient Confidentiality

Maintaining patient confidentiality is paramount in healthcare. Surgical technologists have access to sensitive patient information, including medical records, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Sharing this information without authorization is a breach of trust and can have serious consequences for the patient.

Informed Consent

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare. It ensures that patients have the necessary information to make informed decisions about their treatment. Surgical technologists play a role in obtaining informed consent by ensuring that the patient understands the procedure, risks, and benefits, and by answering any questions they may have.

Respect for Patient Autonomy

Respect for patient autonomy means respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions about their care, even if those decisions differ from the healthcare provider’s recommendations. Surgical technologists must respect the patient’s wishes and avoid imposing their own beliefs or values on the patient.

Ethical Dilemmas in Surgical Technology, Ivy tech surgical technology

Surgical technologists may encounter ethical dilemmas that require careful consideration and decision-making. Examples of such dilemmas include:

• Disclosing a surgeon’s error: If a surgical technologist witnesses a surgeon making a mistake, they have a duty to report it to ensure patient safety. However, this can be a difficult decision, as it may involve challenging a senior colleague.
• Refusing to participate in a procedure: If a surgical technologist believes that a procedure is unethical or unsafe, they may have to refuse to participate. This can be a challenging decision, as it may involve going against the wishes of the surgeon or the hospital.
• Patient privacy: Surgical technologists must balance the need for patient privacy with the need to share information with other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care. This can be a delicate balancing act, as it involves protecting sensitive patient information while ensuring that all necessary parties have access to the information they need to provide appropriate care.

Addressing Ethical Dilemmas

When faced with an ethical dilemma, surgical technologists should:

• Identify the ethical principles involved: What are the relevant ethical principles in this situation?
• Gather all the relevant facts: What information do I need to make an informed decision?
• Consider the potential consequences of different actions: What are the possible outcomes of each option?
• Seek guidance from colleagues or ethical resources: If I’m unsure how to proceed, who can I talk to for advice?
• Document the situation and the decision-making process: This can be helpful if there are any questions or concerns later on.

Professional Development and Advancement

The field of surgical technology offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and advancement. This includes obtaining additional certifications, pursuing leadership roles, and specializing in specific areas of surgical practice.

Continuing Education and Professional Certifications

Continuing education is crucial for surgical technologists to stay current with the latest advancements in surgical techniques, technology, and best practices. Professional certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development and enhance career prospects.

• Certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA): The NBSTSA offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, which is widely recognized as the gold standard in the profession.
• Advanced Certifications: Surgical technologists can also pursue advanced certifications in specialized areas, such as cardiovascular surgery, neurology, or orthopedics.

Leadership Roles in Surgical Technology

Surgical technologists can assume leadership roles within their departments and hospitals. These roles may involve supervising other technologists, participating in quality improvement initiatives, or serving on hospital committees.

• Surgical Technologist Supervisor: Supervisors oversee the daily operations of the surgical technology department, ensuring that all procedures are performed safely and efficiently.
• Surgical Technology Educator: Educators train new surgical technologists and provide ongoing professional development to experienced technologists.
• Surgical Technology Manager: Managers are responsible for the overall management of the surgical technology department, including budgeting, staffing, and equipment procurement.

Specialized Areas of Practice in Surgical Technology

Surgical technologists can specialize in specific areas of surgical practice, such as cardiovascular surgery, neurology, or orthopedics. Specialization requires additional training and experience, but it can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries.

• Cardiovascular Surgical Technology: Cardiovascular surgical technologists assist surgeons in performing procedures on the heart and blood vessels.
• Neurological Surgical Technology: Neurological surgical technologists assist surgeons in performing procedures on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
• Orthopedic Surgical Technology: Orthopedic surgical technologists assist surgeons in performing procedures on bones, joints, and muscles.

The Future of Surgical Technology

The field of surgical technology is constantly evolving, driven by advancements in medical technology and a growing demand for minimally invasive procedures. As surgical techniques become more sophisticated, the role of the surgical technologist will continue to adapt and expand, requiring a deeper understanding of these emerging trends and the skills necessary to navigate this dynamic landscape.

Minimally Invasive Surgery and Robotic Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and robotic surgery are two prominent trends transforming the surgical landscape. These techniques offer numerous benefits to patients, including smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and reduced pain. For surgical technologists, these advancements present both opportunities and challenges.

• Specialized Equipment and Techniques: MIS and robotic surgery require specialized equipment and techniques that demand a high level of proficiency. Surgical technologists will need to acquire specialized training and knowledge to effectively assist surgeons in these procedures. For example, understanding the functionality of robotic arms and instruments, as well as the nuances of laparoscopic procedures, will become increasingly crucial.
• Enhanced Role in Procedure Planning: The use of advanced imaging and simulation technologies in MIS and robotic surgery allows for more precise pre-operative planning. Surgical technologists will play a more active role in this process, assisting surgeons in reviewing images, preparing instruments, and ensuring the availability of necessary equipment.
• Collaboration and Communication: The complex nature of these procedures necessitates close collaboration between surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical technologists. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for ensuring a successful outcome.

Future Job Outlook and Career Opportunities

The demand for surgical technologists is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by factors such as an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and advancements in surgical technology. This growth will create numerous job opportunities for qualified professionals.

• Specialization in MIS and Robotic Surgery: As MIS and robotic surgery become more prevalent, specialized surgical technologists with expertise in these areas will be highly sought after.
• Advanced Training and Certifications: Seeking advanced training and certifications in MIS and robotic surgery can enhance career prospects and increase earning potential.
• Leadership and Management Roles: With experience and specialized training, surgical technologists can advance into leadership and management roles within healthcare settings.

Closure: Ivy Tech Surgical Technology

The Ivy Tech Surgical Technology program opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, offering graduates the chance to make a real difference in the lives of patients. As surgical technologists, they play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe execution of surgical procedures, contributing to positive patient outcomes. Whether aspiring to work in a specialized surgical field or seeking to advance their careers through professional development and certifications, graduates of this program are well-prepared to thrive in the dynamic and rewarding world of surgical technology.

Ivy Tech’s surgical technology program prepares students for a rewarding career in the operating room. This program requires a deep understanding of surgical instruments and equipment, including advanced technologies like those developed by graver technologies , which are known for their innovation in medical device manufacturing.

Graduates from Ivy Tech’s program are well-equipped to work with the latest technologies and contribute to the success of surgical procedures.