Surgical Technologist
Online Certification Course from Adelphi University
with Mandatory Externship
Program Description
Surgical technologists are members of the surgical team working under the supervision and authority of the surgeon within the scope of practice of state law and hospital policy. These surgical team members help prepare the operating room by setting up sterile surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, and medications. They check to ensure that all equipment is in the proper place and working properly. They also assist the surgeon in donning PPE as well as transport the patient to the OR, position and drape the patient for the specific procedure, prepare the skin for the procedure, and assist the surgeon as needed during the procedure. They must know medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology as well as the many different types of surgical instruments and equipment, proper infection control procedure, and effective communication strategies used with team members and the patient prior to and after the surgical procedure. This course provides an introduction to the surgical technologist career, role in the operating room, and foundational concepts.
Program Objectives
After completing this program, learners will be able to:
- Explain the role of the surgical technician in the operating room and as part of the surgical team.
- Use proper medical terminology based in human anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions.
- Explain proper infection control procedures and practices required in patient care and in the sterile surgical environment.
- Identify the surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, materials, and medications used in general and specialized surgical procedures.
- Explain the procedures performed in preparing the patient for a surgical procedure, caring for the patient during a surgical procedure, and caring for the patient after the surgical procedure.
- Explain how to prepare the surgical environment for specific surgical procedures.
- Explain selected surgical procedures including the role of the surgical technologist.
- Discuss the medical laws and ethics related to surgical procedures and the surgical technologist position.
- Explain effective communication and patient care strategies used for a variety of surgical patients including those with special needs.
Certification Opportunities
Students who successfully complete this Adelphi University Surgical Tech Certificate Program may be eligible to sit for the American Allied Health (AAH), National Healthcare Workers Association (NHCWA) and the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) national certification exams - provided that they meet certain requirements which may include hands on scrubs and or practical experience through either a Clinical Externship and or Employment Experience. In addition to successfully completing the certification exam, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to maintain certification.
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American Allied Health (AAH) Surgical Technologist Certification |
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National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Surgical Technologist (STC) |
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Tech in Surgery TS-C (NCCT) Certification |
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National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) – Tech in Surgery-Certified (NCCT) Certification Requirements:
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Disclaimer: This Surgical Technologist program is approved by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and American Allied Health (AAH). This is not an associate degree and/or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) - approved program, which requires a 1 to 2-year associate degree credit program. However, there are multiple employment opportunities for students in the following job titles including but not limited to:
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Surgical Technician (ST) *
*Per NY State regulation a person may not function as a surgical technologist in a healthcare facility, and a healthcare facility shall not employ or otherwise contract for the services of a surgical technologist, unless the person meets one of the following: (a) has successfully completed a nationally accredited educational program for surgical technologists and holds and maintains a certified surgical technologist credential administered by a nationally accredited surgical technologist credentialing organization. -
Operating Room Assistant (ORA)
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Surgical Scrub Technician (SST)
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Peri-Operative Assistant (POA)
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Endoscopy Technician (ET)
Prospective students are advised that Adelphi University cannot guarantee that any particular employer will accept NCCT or AAH certification for employment purposes. Prior to enrolling students should determine whether NCCT and/or AAH certification is sufficient for the type of employment (and/or the employer) that the prospective student is seeking.
Job and Externship Placement Services
Regardless if you elect to pursue national certification or not, if you enroll and successfully complete this program, assuming you pass a background check and drug screen, you will have guaranteed access to our Ready to Work (RTW) Job and Externship Placement services. All students who successfully complete this program (and pass a background check and drug screen) will have access to the RTW Externship or Job placement services at no additional cost.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
Program Details
- Mobile-Ready
- National Certification Opportunity
- All Textbooks & Materials
- 24/7 Learner Support
- Certificate of Completion
- Clinical Externship Opportunity


