Welcome to SVSTI - ABHES Accredited Surgical Technology Program at Northern CA's Premier School

The Surgical Technology Program at SVSTI prepares and educates students to become entry-level Surgical Technologists in operating rooms. The profession’s scope of practice requires demonstrating responsibilities and accountability within the role, as well as the competencies expected of a surgical technologist. It is important to note that the profession of surgical technologist is one that is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Indicated below are several examples of the scope of practice, roles, and competencies that will be encountered. 

SVSTI is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in its academic programs to qualified individuals with disabilities, including, but not limited to, those with learning disabilities. A reasonable accommodation is one that does not require a fundamental alteration to the nature of the Surgical Technology Program or lower academic and/or clinical standards. 

Throughout the Surgical Technology Program, students must be able to perform in a reasonably independent and timely manner that does not affect the quality of care, the safety of patients or other individuals, and in a way that does not adversely affect SVSTI, clinical affiliates, or any member of the healthcare team.

Students must possess aptitude and abilities in six areas: sensory skills; fine and gross motor skills; strength, mobility, and physical endurance; communication, comprehension, reading, and writing in English; behavioral stability; and cognitive ability and critical thinking.

It is the student’s responsibility to understand the duties, skills, and abilities required of a surgical technologist. In addition to the technical standards described below, students are encouraged to review the information regarding surgical technologists at Surgical Technology (svsti.com).

The following list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather provides examples of required activities. Students are encouraged to review the standards carefully; if they have any questions or concerns, they should discuss them with the Chief Academic Director of SVSTI.

Core Performance Standards 

• The ability to stand and sit for extended periods of time in one location with minimal to no breaks.
• The ability to bend, twist, or move around repeatedly or over time without tiring. 
• The ability to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing over 20 pounds. 
• The ability to refrain from nourishment or restroom breaks for periods of up to six hours.
• Demonstrate sufficient visual ability to load a fine (10-0) suture onto needles and needle holders with/without corrective lenses and while wearing eye protection.
• 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.
• The ability to detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.
• Ambulate/move around without assistive devices.
• The ability to assist with and/or lift, move, position, and manipulate the patient who is unconscious with or without assistive devices.
• The ability to effectively communicate with others, both verbally and in writing.
• 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. The ability to retain information.
• The ability to make appropriate judgment decisions.
• Demonstrate the use of positive coping skills under stress. 
• Demonstrate calm and effective responses, especially in emergencies.
• Exhibit positive interpersonal skills during patient, staff, and faculty interactions.
• Perform all Lab and clinical skills within a pre-established timeframe that ensures safe patient care.
• Manipulate instruments, supplies, and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination using assistive devices (having the ability to work quickly and safely in emergent situations is VERY important).
• To be free of reportable communicable diseases and chemical abuse.

SVSTI is accredited by ABHES (https://www.abhes.org). 

Millions of people have surgery performed on them yearly. Surgeries can range from vital heart transplants to low-risk and common procedures. The success of these procedures relies on more than just surgeons. For a procedure to be a success it often requires a full team of trained medical staff members. A major position in nearly all surgical teams is the surgical technologist. Join our ST Program today to become a Surgical Technologist. What is a surgical technologist? 

Surgical technologists work in hospitals and clinics around the world. While tasks may vary due to the needs of the operating staff, surgical technologists provide a variety of tasks to assist surgeons performing an operation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists work before, during and after a surgery.

What Surgical Technologists Do

Prior to an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room. Some common tasks include prepping surgical instruments and equipment, preparing sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. Technologists may also prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. Technologists also help the surgical team put on sterile gowns and gloves. Source:  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm.

During a surgery, surgical technologists can pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room. Source:  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm#tab-2. 

LOA's/Repeat or Re-Entry Policies

Leaves Of Absence from the Sterile Processing Program are not permitted as the program is only 13 weeks long. If a student has a grievance, they may need to be rescheduled to the next course start date. If a student requires leave for personal reasons, they may do so by withdrawing and re-enrolling at a later date (additional fees may be required). Re-enrolling is subject to a Re-Entry Evaluation Form/Policy. All Students must be approved by their instructor(s) and Program Director to re-apply or re-enter in any Program. Students leaving the program must complete a Change of Status Form within 72 hours of notification to ensure they do not receive a failing grade for the course. Students may only be eligible to change their Program start date one time. 

If a Surgical Technology student requires a leave of absence (LOA) a leave may be granted if it is determined that the student can be successfully scheduled to return and complete their course of study. Acceptable reasons for requesting a leave of absence include medical situations, personal emergencies, administrative reasons, military obligations, or other circumstances beyond the student’s control. Leave of absences cannot exceed a cumulative 180 calendar days from the LDA (last day attended to the return date) in a 12-month period. There will be a fee of $4500 when the student returns to complete their program and will be subject to program seat availability. Surgical Technology Students must successfully test out to demonstrate their level of competency to determine the appropriate Term for re-entry.  Competency will be measured using examinations and/or skills assessment. Re-enrolling is subject to a Re-Entry Evaluation Form/Policy. All Students must be approved by their Instructor(s) and Program Director to re-apply or re-enter in any Program. Students leaving the program must complete a Change of Status Form within 72 hours of notification to ensure they do not receive a failing grade for the course.

Surgical Technology Certificate Program

**(Disclosure to potential future students)**

After the start of June 3, 2024 cohort, SVSTI will no longer offer the Certificate Program and will only have the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology Program available. Candidates that have a Bachelor Degree or Higher will be able to do a block transfer, which means that no General Education classes will be needed and the program will be approximately 12 months, not including holidays and breaks. Candidates that have college credits will transfer in any General Education credits that are approved by our General Education Coordinator. 

The Surgical Technology Certificate Program requires student candidates to hold an AAS, AOS, or Associate Degree or higher. Candidates must submit a copy of the earned degree AND official transcripts for Certificate program eligibility. The Certificate program consists of a TWO 16- week terms on campus, completing the core portion of the program. The third and final 16-week term is at a designated medical facility. The Certificate program is approximately 12 months, not including holidays and breaks. 

TO BEGIN the REQUIRED STEPS for consideration for Surgical Technology Enrollment  (ALL of the following will be graded, and points earned will be utilized for entrance qualification **A no call /no show to any appointment or any appointment not rescheduled prior to 48 hours of set appointment can result in deduction of points**):

• Able to stand, bend, stoop, and/or sit for long periods of time in one location with minimum/no breaks (in accordance to your shift ie: 8, 10, 12 etc. hours). 
• Able to lift a minimum of 20 pounds.
• Able to refrain from nourishment or restroom breaks for periods up to 6 hours.
• Demonstrate sufficient visual ability enough 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.
• Able to detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.
• Manipulate instruments, supplies and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination using assistive devices. (having the ability to work quickly & safely in emergent situations is VERY important). 
• Able to assist with and/or lift, move, position, and manipulate the patient who is unconscious with or without assistive devices.
• Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing.
• To be free of reportable communicable diseases and chemical abuse.
• Function without allergic reaction in an environment with substantial latex exposure.
• Able to demonstrate immunity to required immunizations.
• Possess short- and long-term memory sufficient to perform tasks such as, but not limited to, mentally tracking surgical supplies and performing anticipation skills interoperability.
• Able to 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 during patient, staff, and faculty interactions.
• Able to  bending or twist your body more.
• Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
• Exposed to disease and infections.
• Able to perform repetitive movements. 
• Able to retain information.

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person
• Using abdominal and lower back muscles repeatedly or over time without tiring
• Retain Information  
• Flexibility/Thinking on your feet 
• Quick Learner
• Work quickly without any restrictions
• STAY HUMBLE/STAY HUNGRY

A surgical technologist is a healthcare professional whose primary responsibility is to maintain the sterile field, understand the procedure being performed, anticipate the needs of the surgeon, maintain a current knowledge base, maintain quality patient care during the operative procedure, and maintain constant vigilance regarding the adherence of aseptic technique by all members of the surgical team and their surroundings. They handle the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary before, during, and after the surgical procedure. In addition to the technical aspects of the profession, the technologist must always be aware of the patient’s condition and needs.